Systems and methods for liquid-based lint collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional clothes dryer lint filters capture only a low percentage of lint, leading to increased fire hazards and decreased dryer efficiency due to airflow restrictions, and require frequent cleaning, which is often neglected in commercial settings.
Innovation Solution
A screen-free, liquid-based lint collection system that uses an air-lint conduit coupled with a lint collection reservoir and a spray assembly to trap lint with a liquid, allowing for automatic flushing and replenishment, eliminating the need for a screen filter and maintaining airflow efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional screen filter is used to collect lint, then lint is captured, but airflow is restricted and dryer efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the solid screen filter with a liquid-based collection system using a reservoir and spray assembly. Liquid is sprayed into the airflow path to capture lint particles, then collected and drained away. This hydraulic approach eliminates the airflow restriction problem of solid screens while maintaining lint capture effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the collection medium from solid (screen) to liquid (sprayable fluid). This parameter change allows the collection mechanism to interact with lint particles differently - through impaction and adhesion in liquid form rather than physical blocking - thereby maintaining capture efficiency without restricting airflow.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a screen filter captures lint, then fire hazard is reduced, but the filter requires frequent cleaning that is often neglected
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid-based system is designed to be self-cleaning. The spray assembly continuously introduces fresh liquid that washes lint particles from the collection reservoir. Used liquid and collected lint are automatically drained through a pump and hose system to a collection container, eliminating the need for manual screen cleaning by operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously discards collected lint through automated drainage of the liquid medium. A pump transfers used liquid containing trapped lint through a hose to a collection container, while fresh liquid is recirculated. This automatic discarding mechanism ensures lint is removed without requiring operator intervention.
3Reliability
If a screen filter is installed, then lint is captured, but device complexity increases due to screen installation and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical screen filter structure with a hydraulic system comprising a liquid reservoir, spray assembly, and drainage pump. This substitution simplifies the overall structure by eliminating the screen, mounting brackets, and manual cleaning mechanisms, replacing them with fluid-based components that are easier to install and maintain.
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 effectively captures a higher percentage of lint than traditional filters, reducing fire hazards and maintaining dryer performance without airflow restrictions, and can be integrated into clothes dryers for efficient lint removal.
Implementation Method 1
a spray assembly that sprays liquid into the lint-collection reservoir
Implementation Method 2
a sensor that monitors the level of liquid collected in the lint-collection reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
A screen-free, liquid-based lint collection system is disclosed. The system comprises an initial air-lint conduit. The air-lint conduit is coupled to a lint collection reservoir. The system further comprises a spray assembly and a sensor. The spray assembly is configured to spray a liquid into the lint-collection reservoir. The sensor monitors the level of the liquid collected in the lint-collection reservoir.