Filtering system, in particular for a washing or drying machine, such as a laundry washing machine or a clothes dryer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filtering systems for washing or drying machines are inefficient in trapping microplastic particles and maintaining filter cleanliness, leading to reduced service life and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A filtering system with a compacting assembly driven by an electric motor and reduction gear train, featuring a hollow body with concentric filtering layers and an endless screw for removing trapped particles, along with a flow diverter assembly and bypass mechanism to manage fluid flow and prevent clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a conventional filtering system is used, then the structure is simple, but the filter service life is reduced due to particle accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The compacting assembly is configured to compact trapped particles before they accumulate to problematic levels, performing maintenance action in advance. The endless screw mechanism continuously compacts particles within the filter housing, preventing filter media clogging and extending service life without requiring complex external maintenance systems
Solution Approach 2:
The filter system performs self-maintenance through the integrated compacting assembly that automatically compacts trapped particles during normal operation. The system serves itself by continuously managing particle accumulation without requiring external intervention or complex manual maintenance procedures
2Ease of repair
If particles are not removed efficiently, then the system is simpler, but maintenance frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compacting assembly automatically compacts particles during normal filter operation, performing self-maintenance without external intervention. This continuous self-service action reduces maintenance frequency by preventing particle accumulation that would otherwise require manual cleaning or filter replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The compacting assembly operates continuously during filter service, maintaining particle compaction without interruption. This continuous action ensures particles are constantly managed, preventing sudden clogging events and reducing the frequency of maintenance interventions
3Reliability
If microplastic particles are not effectively trapped, then the filter is easier to manufacture, but the filtering efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter media utilizes porous material structures with controlled pore sizes and distributions to effectively trap microplastic particles. The porous construction provides high filtering efficiency for fine particles while maintaining reasonable manufacturing complexity through standard porous material fabrication techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The filtering system employs multiple filtering layers or zones with different pore sizes and characteristics to progressively trap particles of varying sizes. This segmented approach enhances microplastic capture efficiency while keeping individual layers manufacturable with standard techniques
4Stress or pressure
If the filter accumulates particles without compaction, then the structure is simpler, but the pressure drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compacting assembly performs preliminary compaction of particles before they can accumulate to levels that cause significant pressure drop. By continuously compacting particles during operation, the system prevents pressure buildup without requiring complex post-filtration decompression systems
Solution Approach 2:
The compacting assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between particle trapping and pressure management. It mediates the relationship by compacting particles in a controlled manner, converting random particle accumulation into organized compacted structures that maintain lower pressure drops
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
Effectively traps microplastic particles, extends filter service life by keeping it clean, and minimizes maintenance through efficient particle removal and fluid management.
Implementation Method 1
a filter configured to be crossed by a fluid entering the casing through the inlet, so as to trap any solid particles, in particular microplastic particles, contained in the fluid
Implementation Method 2
a compacting assembly configured for removing solid particles from a surface of the filter configured to fluidically communicate with the inlet
Data Source
AI summary
A filtering system (10) includes a casing (12) internally defining a cavity (14) and has an inlet (16) configured to receive a fluid and leading into the cavity (14), and an outlet (18) configured to deliver the fluid coming from the cavity (14). A filtering assembly (100) is contained in the cavity (14) and is configured to be crossed by the fluid entering the casing (12) through the inlet (16), so as to trap any solid particles, in particular microplastic ones, contained in the fluid. A compacting assembly (200) situated in the cavity (14) is configured for collecting and compacting the solid particles trapped by the filtering assembly (100). A driving assembly (300) is configured to drive the compacting assembly (200).