Washer-Dryer Tub Filter Layout for Automatic Lint Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry machines with drying functions do not have an effective method for automatically cleaning lint filters while the machine is in operation, leading to lint accumulation and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The lint filter is placed on the circumferential surface of the tub, exposed to the hot air outlet, where it can be cleaned by the rotational airflow and, optionally, supplemented with water from the tub or a dedicated filter cleaner, ensuring effective removal of lint during the drying cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter is installed in the drying duct to remove lint, then lint removal efficiency is improved, but the filter requires manual cleaning and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is positioned inside the tub where it automatically cleans itself using the washing water and airflow generated during the washing and drying cycles. The drum rotation creates strong airflow that blows lint off the filter, and washing water rinses the filter surface, eliminating the need for manual cleaning and maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is pre-positioned in a location where it will be automatically cleaned by the washing water before the drying cycle begins. During the washing phase, water flows over the filter to remove accumulated lint, preparing it for effective operation during the subsequent drying phase
2Ease of operation
If the filter is placed inside the tub exposed to hot air outlet, then automatic cleaning is enabled, but the filter placement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is merged with the hot air outlet structure, combining the air circulation function with the lint filtration function in a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate filter housing and mounting mechanisms, reducing overall structural complexity while enabling automatic cleaning
3Productivity
If cooling water is supplied into the condensing duct to condense moisture, then drying efficiency is improved, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The washing water in the tub serves multiple functions: it washes the laundry, cleans the filter, and acts as cooling water for condensing moisture in the drying duct. This multi-functional use of the same water resource improves drying efficiency without increasing overall water consumption
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the washing water after the wash cycle, it is retained and reused as cooling water during the drying cycle for moisture condensation. This recovery and reuse of water eliminates additional water consumption while maintaining high drying efficiency
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 allows for automatic cleaning of the lint filter during operation, preventing lint buildup and maintaining the machine's efficiency by ensuring continuous airflow and using water to enhance the cleaning process.
Implementation Method 1
lint and the like that may be contained in the hot air are removed by the filter (52)
Implementation Method 2
the filter can be cleaned by airflow caused by rotation of the drum. If a rotational speed of the drum is great, air velocity of the rotational airflow becomes strong enough to clean the filter
Implementation Method 3
a filter cleaner is configured to supply cleaning water to the filter (52), while water for washing or rinsing laundry is supplied into the tub
Data Source
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AI summary
The resent invention relates to a laundry machine having a drying function for drying an object to be dried, especially clothes. In the laundry machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, lint and the like that may be contained in the hot air are removed by the filter (52), whereby the lint and the like can be prevented from being piled on the duct. Also, the filter (52) is placed in a way that it is exposed into the tub (100, 120), whereby the filter (52) can be cleaned automatically while it is being driven. The filter(52) is placed at the hot air outlet (121) of the tub and a filter cleaner is configured to supply cleaning water to the filter (52), while water for washing or rinsing laundry is supplied into the tub.