Vortex Lint Filter Design for Laundry Appliance Particulate Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry appliances face inefficiencies in separating and collecting particulate matter, such as lint, from the airflow during the drying process, leading to incomplete filtration and potential re-deposition of particles.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a vortex lint filter and a disposable lint filter within the laundry appliance's airflow path, where the vortex lint filter creates a process air vortex to collect particulate matter and the disposable lint filter uses a drawstring to contain collected particles, ensuring effective filtration and easy disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional lint filter is used in the airflow path, then particulate matter can be separated from process air, but the filter requires frequent maintenance and cleaning which reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable lint filters that are replaced rather than cleaned. These filters are positioned in the airflow path to capture lint during the drying cycle, then discarded after use. This eliminates the time-consuming cleaning maintenance while ensuring consistent filtration effectiveness throughout each drying cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the lint collection function from the main drying airflow path by using removable filters that can be easily taken out for disposal. The filters are designed to be inserted into and removed from the airflow path without disassembling the dryer, allowing quick replacement during or between cycles.
2Ease of operation
If a removable filter system is used, then maintenance becomes easier, but the filter may not be consistently positioned in the airflow path leading to incomplete filtration
Solution Approach 1:
The lint filter system is segmented into modular components that can be independently handled. The filter is designed as a separate insert that fits into a dedicated housing in the airflow path. This segmentation allows the filter to be easily removed for maintenance while ensuring it seats properly in the designated position for consistent filtration during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter housing includes pre-positioned guides and sealing surfaces that ensure the filter is correctly positioned before the drying cycle begins. This preliminary positioning action prevents misalignment during operation, ensuring the filter consistently captures lint throughout the cycle while remaining easy to remove for maintenance.
3Ease of operation
If lint is collected in an open receptacle, then access for removal is easier, but particulate matter can escape and re-deposit creating harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
The lint receptacle employs a flexible or hinged lid that can be easily opened for lint removal but seals tightly during the drying cycle. This flexible closure prevents particles from escaping and re-depositing on laundry or in the dryer interior, while still allowing easy access when the lid is opened for maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The lint receptacle is designed with a vertical orientation where the opening is positioned upward or to the side, away from the airflow path. This dimensional arrangement allows easy access for lint removal while the sealed closure during operation prevents particles from escaping into the dryer cavity where they could re-deposit.
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 significantly enhances the separation and collection of particulate matter, reducing re-deposition and streamlining the maintenance process by containing particles within the filters, thus improving the overall cleaning efficiency and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The blower is configured to deliver process air into the receptacle via the inlet, along the outer side wall to create a process air vortex, and out of the receptacle via the outlet, such that particulate matter is separated from the process air and collects within the receptacle.
Implementation Method 2
The blower is configured to deliver process air into the mouth and through the disposable lint filter, such that particulate matter is separated from the process air by the disposable lint filter.
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry appliance includes a cabinet that defines an opening, a drum accessible via the opening and configured for processing laundry, a blower that conveys process air along an airflow path, and a vortex lint filter coupled to the cabinet and at least selectively disposed within the airflow path. The vortex lint filter has a receptacle that includes an outer side wall that defines an inlet, a floor that extends inboard from the outer side wall, and a tower that extends upward from the floor and defines an outlet. The blower is configured to deliver process air into the receptacle via the inlet, along the outer side wall to create a process air vortex, and out of the receptacle via the outlet, such that particulate matter is separated from the process air and collects within the receptacle.