Washer-Dryer Air Filter Cleaning Using Basket-Driven Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing/drying machines face inefficiencies due to air filter clogging from filamentous fluffs during the drying cycle, which leads to pressure head losses and reduced drying efficiency, as existing methods require significant modifications or are not effectively simple to implement on existing machines.
Innovation Solution
The method involves rotating the basket of the washing/drying machine to generate an air flow that cleans the filter grid, using protruding fins to create an air blast or vacuum, thereby preventing clogging and maintaining air flow efficiency without requiring substantial modifications to the machine or its cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the air filter mesh is made tight to trap filaments, then filtration effectiveness is improved, but pressure head losses increase and air flow is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cleaning action by rotating the basket during the washing cycle to prevent filament accumulation on the filter before it causes significant clogging. This proactive approach maintains air flow efficiency without requiring filter replacement or manual cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The washing machine's own basket rotation during normal operation serves to clean the filter automatically. The basket acts as a self-cleaning mechanism, using its rotational motion to generate air flow that removes filaments from the filter surface without external intervention.
2Reliability
If the filter is cleaned manually or replaced frequently, then filtration efficiency is maintained, but operational complexity and maintenance time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter cleans itself automatically through the basket rotation mechanism during normal washing operations. No manual intervention, disassembly, or special maintenance procedures are required - the system performs its own maintenance function using existing operational cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter cleaning function is merged with the existing basket rotation operation. The same mechanical motion that performs the primary washing function also performs the filter cleaning function, eliminating the need for separate maintenance operations.
3Reliability
If the basket rotation speed is increased to enhance filter cleaning, then filament removal effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The basket rotation continues at its normal operating speed throughout the washing cycle, providing continuous filter cleaning action without requiring additional energy input. The useful action of basket rotation serves dual purposes: washing clothes and cleaning the filter simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own operational energy requirements to perform filter cleaning without additional energy consumption. The basket motor's normal operation provides sufficient air flow to clean the filter, eliminating the need for separate power-intensive cleaning mechanisms.
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 approach effectively prevents filter clogging, reduces pressure head losses, and maintains the efficiency of the drying cycle by regularly cleaning the filter, either at the end of the spinning step or as needed based on operating conditions, ensuring consistent performance without altering the machine's operation significantly.
Implementation Method 1
the basket is rotated for cleaning the filter... the basket is rotated for cleaning the filter, characterised in that the basket is rotated for cleaning the filter
Implementation Method 2
using protruding fins to create an air blast or vacuum
Implementation Method 3
using protruding fins to create an air blast or vacuum
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for cleaning the air filter (26) of a washing/drying machine (1) for preventing it from getting clogged by filaments released by the laundry during the drying cycle. The method provides for a step that follows the spinning step for drying the load, wherein the basket (11) is rotated in order to generate an air flow for removing the filaments. The invention further comprises a washing/drying machine implementing the method.