Support device for air filters for drying or washing/drying machines, air filter for drying machines or washing/drying machines provided with said support device and drying or washing/drying machine provided with said filter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing perfuming systems for drying and washing machines lack a simple and cost-effective support mechanism for perfuming cartridges that allows easy replacement without requiring substantial changes to the filter structure or removal of the support device.

Innovation Solution

A support device with two movable portions forming a housing for the perfuming cartridge, where one portion is resiliently engaged to keep the cartridge in place, allowing easy insertion and removal without altering the existing filter structure, and is designed to be removably mounted to the air filter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a support device is integrated into the filter structure, then the cartridge is securely positioned, but the replacement of the cartridge becomes complex and requires removal of the support device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecartridge positioning stabilityVSAvoidcartridge replacement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support device is divided into a first portion and a second portion that can move relative to each other. The second portion is resiliently engaged to the first portion, allowing it to be easily displaced between a first position (for cartridge insertion) and a second position (for cartridge retention). This segmentation enables independent movement of the cartridge-holding portion without removing the entire support device from the filter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second portion of the support device is designed to be movable relative to the first portion through resilient engagement. This dynamic structure allows the second portion to be easily displaced by a user to access the cartridge, and then automatically returns to its engagement position to secure the cartridge, providing both ease of operation and reliable positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a complex support structure is used to securely hold the cartridge, then the cartridge positioning is stable, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecartridge positioning stabilityVSAvoidsupport device structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support device is divided into a first portion and a second portion that can move relative to each other. The second portion is resiliently engaged to the first portion, allowing it to be easily displaced between a first position (for cartridge insertion) and a second position (for cartridge retention). This segmentation enables independent movement of the cartridge-holding portion without removing the entire support device from the filter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Only the second portion of the support device is designed to be movable and resiliently engaged, while the first portion remains fixed to the filter. This localized mobility provides the necessary functionality for cartridge replacement without making the entire support structure complex.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the support device is permanently fixed to the filter, then the cartridge is securely positioned, but structural changes to the filter are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecartridge positioning stabilityVSAvoidfilter structure modification requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support device is designed to be compatible with existing filter structures without requiring modifications to the filter itself. The first portion of the support device can be attached to various filter types, and the resiliently engaged second portion provides universal functionality for cartridge retention and replacement across different filter designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If the second portion is always engaged to retain the cartridge, then the cartridge positioning is stable, but the cartridge cannot be easily replaced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecartridge positioning stabilityVSAvoidcartridge replacement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The second portion of the support device is designed to be movable relative to the first portion through resilient engagement. This dynamic structure allows the second portion to be easily displaced by a user to access the cartridge, and then automatically returns to its engagement position to secure the cartridge, providing both ease of operation and reliable positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables quick and simple replacement of perfuming cartridges without structural changes to the filter, maintaining secure cartridge positioning during machine operation and being applicable to existing filters without modifications.

Implementation Method 1

said first portion and said second portion are resiliently engaged to each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3112526B1Support device for air filters for drying or washing/drying machines, air filter for drying machines or washing/drying machines provided with said support device and drying or washing/drying machine provided with said filter
Publication Date: 2020.10.14 WHIRLPOOL EMEA SPA
  • EP3112526B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3112526B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3112526B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

Support device for drying or washing/drying machines, comprising: a support structure (210) adapted to support at least a cartridge (300), the latter being preferably a perfuming cartridge, wherein said support structure (210) comprises a first portion (220) and a second portion (230), said first and second portions (220, 230) defining a housing (240) for at least one cartridge, wherein said second portion (230) is movable relative to said first portion (220) between a first position in which no cartridge is housed in said housing (240), and a second position in which it is capable of keeping at least one cartridge housed in said housing (240).