Condensate Container Retention in Tumble Dryers Using Leaf Springs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tumble dryers with condensate containers are not sufficiently secured during operation and transport, leading to potential detachment issues.
Innovation Solution
A leaf spring made of elastic plastic is integrated into the slide-in slot, interacting with a wedge design to securely hold the condensate container in place by bending and engaging behind a steeply sloping edge, ensuring it remains in the end position during operation and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a drawer is held in the housing by retaining clips at the front panel, then the drawer can be easily installed and removed, but the mounting is not sufficiently secured during transport and operation, leading to potential detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic retention mechanism where spring elements can adapt their force to both facilitate easy insertion/removal by the user and provide strong securing force during operation. The spring elements compress during insertion to guide the drawer and then expand to provide retaining force, dynamically adjusting between installation assistance and operational security.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements change their mechanical state from a compressed condition during insertion to an expanded condition during retention. This parameter change allows the same component to serve dual functions: aiding insertion through controlled compression and providing secure retention through elastic expansion, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
2Reliability
If locking hooks engage behind the housing cover to secure the drawer, then the drawer is held in place, but the structure becomes more complex and may still not prevent loosening during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the locking function from complex mechanical hooks and engages it directly into the housing structure through spring elements that press against the housing walls. This eliminates the need for separate locking hooks and covers, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining reliable retention through the elastic force of the spring elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements automatically engage with the housing structure upon insertion of the drawer, creating a self-securing mechanism. The elastic deformation of the springs during insertion causes them to press against the housing walls, generating retaining force without requiring separate locking components or complex assembly steps, thereby reducing device complexity while ensuring reliability.
3Ease of operation
If retaining clips are used at the front panel, then the drawer can be held in position, but they may not provide sufficient holding force during transport and the drawer can come loose
Solution Approach 1:
The spring elements act as elastic counterforces that oppose the detaching tendency of the drawer during transport. By positioning the spring elements to press against the housing walls in the direction opposite to potential drawer movement, they provide a continuous retaining force that counteracts vibrations, shocks, and other forces during operation and transport, thereby increasing holding force while maintaining ease of operation.
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 design effectively secures the condensate container in the inserted state, preventing detachment and enhancing stability during both operation and transport through the geometric interaction of the leaf spring and wedge.
Implementation Method 1
a type of leaf spring made of an elastic plastic provides a support for the slide during operation and transport
Data Source
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AI summary
The drier (1) has a drum (3) that is rotatably mounted in a housing (2). A door (4) is arranged with a closeable opening (5), and the housing is provided with a blower (6) and a heater (7). The heater is utilized for generating an air stream that passes over a heat exchanger (8). A plug-in slot (10) is arranged in an upper region of the housing. Condensate is formed during a drying process. The plug-in slot comprises a spring element that secures a final position of a thrust (9) in an end position in an inserted state.