Self-Cleaning Lint Filter Using Condensate Spray and Diverter Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry appliances face challenges in effectively removing lint particles from process air before they reach the heat pump system, leading to potential blockages and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A fluid spray system that includes a blower, heat exchanger, lint filter, diverter valve, and spray nozzle, where condensate is used to separate lint particles from the lint filter by directing a flow of fluid towards its surface, and the fluid and lint particles are then directed into a drain channel for removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lint filter is installed upstream of the evaporator to separate lint particles from process air, then the heat pump system is protected from lint blockages, but the lint filter itself becomes blocked with lint particles requiring manual cleaning and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The lint filter performs self-cleaning by using condensate spray to automatically remove accumulated lint particles from its surface. The spray nozzle directs condensate onto the lint filter, and the diverter valve routes the lint-laden condensate to the drain channel, eliminating manual cleaning requirements and maintaining continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers condensate that would otherwise be wasted and uses it to clean the lint filter. The diverter valve directs this recovered condensate onto the lint filter surface, where it dislodges lint particles that are then flushed into the drain channel, converting a waste stream into a useful cleaning resource.
2Ease of operation
If condensate is sprayed onto the lint filter to remove lint particles, then the lint filter is automatically cleaned, but additional components (diverter valve, spray nozzle) are required increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The diverter valve serves multiple functions: it directs condensate to the spray nozzle for lint filter cleaning, routes clean condensate to the drain channel, and can switch between these modes as needed. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray nozzle acts as an intermediary component that delivers condensate to the lint filter in a controlled manner. Rather than directly connecting the condensate source to the lint filter, the spray nozzle mediates the delivery, enabling effective cleaning while maintaining system modularity and ease of installation.
3Reliability
If the spray nozzle is attached to the airflow path interior surface with concentric sealing geometry, then the seal is improved and fluid leakage is prevented, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The concentric sealing geometry concentrates sealing requirements to a specific localized area around the spray nozzle attachment point. By focusing the sealing function in this specific location with precise concentric geometry, the overall manufacturing complexity is reduced while achieving reliable sealing where it is most critical.
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 efficiently removes lint particles from the lint filter, preventing them from reaching the heat pump system and maintaining appliance efficiency by using condensate to dislodge and collect lint, thereby reducing maintenance needs and ensuring continuous operation.
Implementation Method 1
a spray nozzle configured to direct a flow of the fluid toward a surface of the lint filter to separate the lint particles from the upstream surface of the lint filter
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchanger of the airflow path configured to dehumidify the process air and forms condensate that is delivered to a drain channel
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid spray system (110) for a laundry appliance (12) includes a blower (22) that delivers process air (24) along an airflow path (20). A drum (14) receives process air (24) to dry laundry. A heat exchanger (26) dehumidifies the process air (24) and removes condensate (36) therefrom. A drain channel (38) receives condensate (36) from the heat exchanger (26). A pump (50) directs fluid from the drain channel (38) and along a fluid path. The fluid at least partially includes the condensate (36). A diverter valve (58) receives the fluid from the pump (50) and selectively and delivers the fluid sequentially to a plurality of spray nozzles (52) that direct a flow of the fluid onto a lint filter (54) and toward the drain channel (38) and a fluid outlet (418).