Laundry Dryer Tub Filter Layout for Automatic Lint Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry machines with drying functions do not have an effective method for automatically cleaning lint filters during operation, leading to accumulation of lint in the ducts and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The filter is placed on the circumferential surface of the tub, exposed to the hot air outlet, and cleaned by the rotational airflow or water from the drum, with optional additional fluid supply for enhanced cleaning, allowing automatic cleaning during the machine's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the filter is placed in the duct to remove lint from hot air, then lint removal efficiency is improved, but the filter accumulates lint and requires manual cleaning which reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is positioned to be exposed into the tub where it is automatically cleaned by the rotational airflow generated during the washing cycle. The drum rotation creates strong air currents that blow lint off the filter surface, enabling self-cleaning without manual intervention and maintaining continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The filter cleaning mechanism utilizes the dynamic rotational motion of the drum to generate airflow. During high-speed rotation, the airflow becomes strong enough to automatically remove accumulated lint from the filter, converting the drum's operational motion into a cleaning function
2Reliability
If the filter is placed in the duct, then lint is removed from hot air, but lint accumulates on the duct and filter requiring machine shutdown for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is positioned within the tub environment where it is continuously cleaned by the washing water and rotational airflow during normal operation. This self-cleaning capability eliminates the need to shut down the machine for filter maintenance, preventing operational interruptions
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is cleaned during the washing cycle before the drying cycle begins. By removing lint accumulation during washing, the filter is prepared for optimal performance during the subsequent drying operation, preventing efficiency degradation
3Ease of operation
If the filter is exposed into the tub, then automatic cleaning is enabled, but the filter placement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter structure serves dual functions: it filters lint from the hot air during drying while simultaneously being positioned to receive cleaning airflow from drum rotation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate cleaning mechanisms and simplifies the overall system design
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational airflow generated by drum rotation acts as an intermediary cleaning agent. Instead of requiring a dedicated cleaning device, the system uses the existing drum motion to create airflow that naturally removes lint from the filter surface
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 solution effectively removes lint from the hot air, preventing accumulation in the ducts and maintaining the machine's efficiency by ensuring the filter is cleaned automatically during operation.
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
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. If the dehydrating stroke is carried out, the rotational speed of the drum is high and the water drops may approach to 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.