Separation of lint from an exhaust airstream within a laundry appliance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laundry appliances require frequent intervention for lint removal, which is inefficient and disrupts the operation of the appliance.

Innovation Solution

A laundry appliance with a lint removal system that includes a blower delivering air through a drum, a lint filter positioned within the airflow path to separate particulate matter, and a lint disposal mechanism that continuously removes and compacts lint into a holding compartment, allowing the lint filter to remain unobstructed and minimizing manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a lint filter is used to separate particulate matter from process air, then lint removal effectiveness is improved, but the filter becomes obstructed requiring frequent manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelint removal effectivenessVSAvoidmanual intervention frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lint filter system performs self-cleaning through a disposal mechanism that automatically removes accumulated lint from the filter surface. The filter is equipped with a disposal mechanism that engages to remove lint particles from the filter surface and transfer them to a holding compartment, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining continuous filtration effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If lint accumulates on the filter surface, then separation effectiveness is improved initially, but airflow resistance increases disrupting continuous operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation effectivenessVSAvoidcontinuous operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The lint disposal mechanism operates continuously or periodically to remove lint from the filter surface, ensuring that the filtration process continues without interruption. By continuously clearing the filter surface, the system maintains optimal airflow characteristics and separation effectiveness throughout operation, preventing disruptions caused by lint accumulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If a traditional lint filter system is used, then lint separation is achieved, but the system requires frequent maintenance and intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelint separation capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates a self-cleaning disposal mechanism that automatically removes lint from the filter surface and stores it in a holding compartment. This self-service capability eliminates the need for frequent manual maintenance and intervention, allowing the lint separation system to operate autonomously while maintaining its separation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Device complexity

If lint is not removed from the filter surface, then the filter structure remains simple, but airflow path becomes obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter structure simplicityVSAvoidairflow flow rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The disposal mechanism acts as an intermediary system that removes lint from the filter surface without complicating the basic filter structure. This intermediary mechanism includes a disposal member that engages with the filter surface to remove lint and transfer it to a holding compartment, maintaining airflow efficiency while preserving the simplicity of the core filtration structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system ensures continuous operation of the appliance by maintaining a clear lint filter, allowing air to flow freely, and compacting lint into dense pellets for easy disposal, reducing maintenance and improving efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

A cyclonic lint filter is positioned within the airflow path that separates particulate matter from the process air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCyclone separation: Cyclone Separation

Implementation Method 2

A cyclonic lint filter is positioned within the airflow path that separates particulate matter from the process air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP3674476B1Separation of lint from an exhaust airstream within a laundry appliance

Publication Date: 2021.03.31 WHIRLPOOL CORP

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AI summary

A laundry appliance (12) includes a drum (14) for processing laundry. A blower (16) delivers process air (18) through an airflow path (20) that includes the drum (14). A lint filter (24) is positioned within the airflow path (20) that separates particulate material (28) from the process air (18) to define entrapped lint particles (30). A lint disposal mechanism (26) removes the entrapped lint particles (30) from a surface of the lint filter (24) to define removed lint (56). A holding compartment (60) receives the removed lint (56) for disposal.