Tub-Exposed Lint Filter for Self-Cleaning Laundry Dryers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry machines with drying functions often fail to automatically clean lint filters, leading to accumulation of lint and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The lint filter is placed on the circumferential surface of the tub, where it can be cleaned by the rotational airflow and water from the drum, with optional additional fluid supply for enhanced cleaning during dehydration cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the filter is placed in the drying duct to remove lint, then the lint filtering function is improved, but the filter requires manual cleaning and lint accumulates on the duct
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is positioned to be exposed into the tub where it is automatically cleaned by the rotational airflow generated during washing cycles and water drops spouted during dehydration cycles. The system uses its own operational processes (drum rotation, water circulation) to clean the filter without requiring separate manual intervention or additional cleaning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter cleaning mechanism utilizes the dynamic rotational motion of the drum at different speeds. During washing, the drum rotation creates airflow that removes lint from the filter. During dehydration at higher speeds, centrifugal force spouts water drops onto the filter for wet cleaning. The system adapts the cleaning method based on the operational phase.
2Reliability
If the filter is placed in the drying duct, then lint is filtered from hot air, but the filter cannot be automatically cleaned during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The filter cleaning function is integrated into the normal washing and dehydration operations. The filter cleans itself using the rotational airflow during washing and water drops during dehydration, converting the machine's operational movements into a self-cleaning mechanism without requiring separate automation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is extracted from its traditional enclosed position in the drying duct and repositioned to be exposed into the tub. This extraction allows the filter to access the dynamic environment inside the tub where rotational airflow and water drops are naturally present, enabling automatic cleaning functionality.
3Ease of operation
If the drum rotational speed is increased for dehydration, then water drops are spouted out to wet and clean the filter, but the mechanical stress on the drum increases
Solution Approach 1:
The high-speed rotation during dehydration, which generates centrifugal force and mechanical stress, is converted into a beneficial cleaning mechanism. The water drops spouted out by centrifugal force during normal dehydration operations are utilized to wet and clean the filter, transforming a potentially harmful high-stress condition into a useful cleaning function.
4Extent of automation
If the filter is exposed into the tub, then automatic cleaning is enabled, but the filter placement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is extracted from the complex enclosed duct system and repositioned to a simpler location on the inner circumferential surface of the tub. This extraction simplifies the overall structure by eliminating the need for complex duct-integrated filter housings while enabling direct exposure to the cleaning environment inside the tub.
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
This configuration ensures automatic cleaning of the lint filter during operation, preventing lint accumulation and maintaining the machine's efficiency by ensuring continuous airflow and effective drying.
Implementation Method 1
the filter can be cleaned by airflow caused by rotation of the drum. If a rotational speed of the drum is great, air velocity of the rotational airflow becomes strong enough to clean the filter.
Implementation Method 2
water is supplied to the lint to wet the lint. In case of a dehydrating stroke or cycle, water drops are spouted out from wet laundry through a through hole of the drum. The lint may be wetted in a way that the water drops is in contact with the filter.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a laundry machine having a drying function for drying an object to be dried, especially clothes. In the laundry machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, lint and the like that may be contained in the hot air are removed by the filter, whereby the lint and the like can be prevented from being piled on the duct. Also, the filter is placed in a way that it is exposed into the tub, whereby the filter can be cleaned automatically while it is being driven.