Washer-Dryer Air Filter Cleaning with Tangential Water Jets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing/drying machines face inefficiencies in air filtration during the drying cycle due to filament deposition on air filters, leading to reduced airflow and increased energy consumption, particularly with grid-type filters having mesh sizes smaller than 1 mm^2, which are not effectively addressed by prior art solutions.
Innovation Solution
A water spraying mechanism is implemented to remove deposited filaments from the air filter during the drying cycle, ensuring the filter remains efficient by directing water jets tangentially onto the filtering surfaces within the filter, preventing clogging and maintaining airflow efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a grid-type air filter with mesh size smaller than 1 mm^2 is used to trap filaments during drying, then filtration efficiency is improved, but the filter clogs more quickly reducing airflow and increasing energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a water spraying mechanism that proactively cleans the air filter during the drying cycle before filaments completely clog the mesh. Water jets are directed onto the filter surface to remove deposited filaments, preventing the filter from reaching a clogged state that would reduce airflow efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by using the machine's own water supply system to clean the air filter during operation. The water spraying mechanism utilizes available water resources within the machine to automatically remove filaments from the filter, eliminating the need for external manual cleaning while maintaining filtration efficiency.
2Reliability
If the air filter is cleaned manually, then filtration efficiency can be restored, but the machine requires user intervention and maintenance time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by automating the filter cleaning process through an integrated water spraying mechanism. The system automatically removes filaments from the air filter during the drying cycle without requiring user intervention, thereby maintaining filtration efficiency while eliminating manual maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies continuity of useful action by continuously cleaning the air filter during the drying cycle through water spraying. This ongoing cleaning action ensures the filter remains efficient throughout operation rather than requiring periodic manual interruptions for maintenance.
3Productivity
If water is sprayed perpendicular to the filter surface, then filaments are removed effectively, but the filter mesh may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing water jets at a specific angle (tangential rather than perpendicular) to the filter surface. This localized adjustment in water application method maintains effective filament removal while preventing damage to the delicate mesh structure, optimizing both cleaning effectiveness and filter integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies parameter changes by modifying the angle and pressure parameters of water jet application. By adjusting these parameters to spray water tangentially rather than perpendicular to the filter surface, the system achieves effective cleaning while preserving the mechanical strength and integrity of the filter mesh.
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 prolongs the filter's operational life, reduces energy consumption, and maintains efficient air filtration, preventing airflow restrictions and energy wastage by regularly cleaning the filter.
Implementation Method 1
A water spraying mechanism is implemented to remove deposited filaments from the air filter during the drying cycle, ensuring the filter remains efficient by directing water jets tangentially onto the filtering surfaces within the filter
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a washing/drying machine equipped with a filter cleaning device for removing filaments released by laundry items during the washing/drying cycle. For this purpose, the cleaning device (5) comprises nozzles (31) that spray water onto the filtering walls (27), on the side thereof facing towards the drying tub.