Tub-Integrated Lint Filter Cleaning for Condensing Laundry Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Condensing type drying and washing machines face inefficiencies due to lint accumulation, which reduces condensing duct efficiency, damages components, and wastes cooling water, while existing solutions do not adequately address lint filtration and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treating machine with an air recovery opening and a lint filter integrated into the tub's circumferential surface, combined with a filter cleaning unit that uses cleaning water to separate lint from the filter and condense moisture on the tub's interior surface, enhancing condensing efficiency and preventing component damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a condensing duct is used to remove moisture from heated air, then moisture condensation is achieved, but lint accumulates on the duct reducing efficiency and causing malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The lint filter is integrated into the air recovery opening structure, extracting the lint removal function from the condensing duct system. The filter physically separates lint from the air stream before it can accumulate on condensing surfaces, preventing the harmful effects of lint buildup while maintaining moisture condensation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The lint filter acts as an intermediary element between the heated air stream and the condensing surfaces. It intercepts and removes lint particles from the air flow, preventing direct contact between lint and condensing duct surfaces, thereby maintaining system reliability without compromising the moisture removal function
2Reliability
If cooling water is supplied at high flow rate to condense moisture, then condensation efficiency is improved, but cooling water is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the washing water already present in the washing machine for condensation purposes, rather than requiring separate cooling water supply. The washing water circulates through the condensing duct, absorbing moisture from the heated air, and is then reused in the washing process, eliminating water waste while maintaining condensation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The washing water serves multiple functions: it acts as cooling water for condensing moisture in the drying phase, and subsequently as washing water in the washing phase. This multi-functional use of the same water resource eliminates the need for separate cooling water supply and prevents water waste
3Device complexity
If lint is not filtered from the air stream, then the system structure is simpler, but lint damages components and causes fires
Solution Approach 1:
The lint filter is merged with the air recovery opening structure, combining the air intake function with the lint filtration function in a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate filtration systems while providing comprehensive lint removal protection, thus maintaining structural simplicity while preventing component damage and fire hazards
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 improves condensing efficiency by utilizing the tub's interior surface for condensation, reduces lint-related issues, and facilitates easy maintenance of the lint filter, thereby preventing machine malfunction and conserving cooling water.
Implementation Method 1
a lint filter mounted to an inside of the air recovery opening extended along an inside circumferential surface of the tub for filtering the lint from the air
Implementation Method 2
a filter cleaning unit for spraying cleaning water from the inside of the air recovery opening toward an inside of the tub and from an upper side of the lint filter to separate the lint from the lint filter
Implementation Method 3
utilizing the tub's interior surface for condensation
Implementation Method 4
condense moisture on the tub's interior surface
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a laundry treating machine (100), and more particularly, a laundry treating machine (100) including an air supply unit (150) for supplying air, a tub (120) for having the air supplied thereto from the air supply unit (150) to treat the laundry, the tub (120) having an air recovery opening (151) formed in an outside circumferential surface thereof for recovery of the air to the air supply unit (150), a lint filter (160) mounted to an inside of the air recovery opening (151) for filtering the lint from the air, and a filter cleaning unit (170) for spraying cleaning water toward the lint filter (160) to separate the lint from the lint filter (160), wherein the filter cleaning unit (170) is extended and branched to the inside of the air recovery opening (151) for spraying the cleaning water to the lint filter (160).