Self cleaning sump cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry appliances with heat pump systems face challenges in effectively removing lint particles from the process air to prevent blockages and maintain efficiency, as existing lint filters require frequent manual cleaning and are not self-sustaining.
Innovation Solution
A self-cleaning lint filter system integrated with a heat pump system, utilizing a fluid flow system that includes a blower, heat exchanger, drain channel, sump, and pump, where a fluid spray system directs condensate and lint particles to the sump, and a sump pump activates to recirculate fluid for cleaning the lint filter, ensuring continuous operation and reduced maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lint filter is used to remove lint particles from process air, then lint removal efficiency is improved, but the filter requires frequent manual cleaning and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The lint filter system performs self-cleaning by utilizing condensate from the heat exchanger as a spray fluid. The spray nozzle directs this condensate onto the lint filter surface, automatically removing accumulated lint particles without requiring manual intervention. This self-service mechanism resolves the contradiction by maintaining high lint removal efficiency while eliminating the need for frequent manual cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers condensate that would otherwise be wasted and repurposes it as a cleaning fluid for the lint filter. By discarding the need for separate cleaning resources and recovering the condensate's cleaning potential, the system maintains filter effectiveness while reducing maintenance requirements.
2Ease of operation
If a self-cleaning mechanism is added to the lint filter, then maintenance reduction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The condensate from the heat exchanger serves dual purposes: it is the byproduct of the dehumidification process and simultaneously functions as the cleaning fluid for the lint filter. This multi-functionality approach reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate cleaning fluid reservoirs, pumps, and control systems that would be required in traditional self-cleaning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray nozzle acts as a simple intermediary component that directs condensate onto the lint filter surface. This single-component intermediary enables the self-cleaning function without introducing complex mechanical systems, maintaining ease of operation while minimizing added complexity.
3Extent of automation
If condensate is sprayed to clean the lint filter, then automatic cleaning is improved, but fluid management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves automatic cleaning through a gravity-driven condensate collection and spray mechanism. Condensate naturally drains from the heat exchanger into a collection area and is automatically sprayed onto the lint filter without requiring pumps, valves, or electronic controls. This self-service fluid management maintains high automation while minimizing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes passive hydraulic principles where condensate flow is driven by gravity and capillary action rather than mechanical pumps. The spray nozzle is designed to automatically direct the fluid flow onto the filter surface, achieving automated cleaning through simple fluid dynamics without complex fluid management systems.
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 efficient lint removal and maintenance reduction by automatically cleaning the lint filter, preventing blockages and maintaining appliance performance without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
A heat exchanger dehumidifies the process air and removes condensate therefrom
Implementation Method 2
A pump directs the fluid from the sump and to the fluid outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid flow system for a laundry appliance includes a blower that delivers process air along an airflow path having a heat exchanger. A drain channel receives condensate from the heat exchanger and fluid spray from a spray nozzle for directing lint particles to the drain channel and on to a sump for collecting fluid, including the condensate. A pump seat and a fluid outlet are integrally formed in a sump cover. A pump directs the fluid from the sump to the fluid outlet. A fluid level sensor detects at least minimum and maximum capacities of the fluid in the sump. When the fluid is below the minimum capacity, the pump defines an idle state. When the fluid reaches the minimum capacity, the pump defines an active state. When the fluid exceeds the maximum capacity, the pump directs the fluid to the fluid outlet.