Spider-Shaped Filter Cleaning Device for Washing/Drying Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing/drying machines face inefficiencies in air filtration during the drying cycle due to filament deposition on filters, leading to reduced air flow and increased energy consumption as the filter clogs, affecting the laundry drying process.
Innovation Solution
A washing/drying machine design that includes a filter with a cleaning device equipped with water nozzles to spray water tangentially onto the filter, removing deposited filaments and preventing clogging, thereby maintaining efficient air filtration and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter is used to capture filaments during the drying cycle, then filament removal from laundry is improved, but air flow through the filter decreases over time due to filament deposition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a filter cleaning mechanism that activates before the filter becomes completely clogged. The system detects filament accumulation and automatically initiates cleaning cycles during or between drying programs, preventing the filter from reaching a state where air flow is severely restricted. This proactive approach maintains air flow productivity while preserving the filament removal reliability of the filter.
2Reliability
If a filter is used to filter air during the drying cycle, then air purification is improved, but energy consumption increases due to reduced air flow
Solution Approach 1:
By cleaning the filter proactively before complete clogging occurs, the system prevents the sharp increase in energy consumption that would result from severely restricted air flow. The preliminary cleaning action maintains optimal air flow conditions, ensuring the drying process operates energy-efficiently while preserving air filtration effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter cleaning mechanism is integrated into the washing/drying machine itself, allowing the system to clean its own filter without requiring external intervention or separate maintenance equipment. The machine uses its existing water supply and drainage systems to perform filter cleaning automatically, making the filtration system self-maintaining and avoiding additional energy costs associated with manual cleaning or replacement.
3Reliability
If water is sprayed onto the filter to remove filaments, then filter cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional cleaning components
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is designed to perform multiple functions using a single integrated mechanism. The water spray system not only cleans the filter but also utilizes the existing water circulation and drainage infrastructure of the washing/drying machine. This multi-functional approach achieves effective filter cleaning without requiring entirely separate, complex cleaning equipment, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 solution effectively removes filaments from the filter, maintaining air flow efficiency and reducing energy consumption by preventing filter clogging, ensuring a consistent and effective laundry drying cycle.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning device that has water nozzles supported in a radial pattern relative to the filter structure for spraying water onto the filter structure
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a washing/drying machine equipped with a filter cleaning device for removing filaments released by laundry items during the washing/drying cycle. For this purpose, the cleaning device comprises nozzles arranged in a spider-like pattern, which spray water onto the filtering wall, on the side thereof facing towards the drying tub.