Sensor-operated towel dryer with automatic on / off capability and improved performance in terms of wetness and dryness of the body

Abstract

Summary of the invention\n\n This invention is in the field of towel dryers for bathrooms and toilets. The problem with this type of towel dryer was that there were no settings to optimize their consumption, and there was high energy consumption and cost in this area. By using obstacle sensors, a hygrometer, and an ambient temperature sensor used in this towel dryer, energy consumption has been optimized and the user has ease of use, so that the user no longer needs to open the valve by throwing an object on the towel dryer and then The drying of the valve body closes it, or with the ambient temperature sensor used in the device, there is no longer any need for the device to work inefficiently all the time, causing the ambient temperature to overheat and waste energy, or for the device valve to be closed and the ambient temperature to be undesirable for the user.

Description

Description of the invention Title of the invention (as stated in the declaration) Sensor-operated towel dryer with automatic on / off capability and improved performance in terms of wetness and dryness of the body Technical background of the relevant invention Technical field of mechanics, fluids and electricity Technical problem and stating the objectives of the invention The towel dryer is one of the heating equipment used in the domestic and commercial phase, such as in hotels and residences. These devices basically have a similar function to heating radiators, which are opened and closed by a side valve and have a heating function, and must either be continuously on or turned off by human power after each use to save energy consumption and to prevent the ambient temperature from increasing over time. Also, the continuous operation of this device, especially in hot seasons or tropical regions, has many problems, and the warm environment inside the bathroom, along with the humidity, can also provide a breeding ground for bacteria and disease. In addition, due to the appearance design of this device, it is possible to use it in other places, such as small bedrooms, storage rooms, and as a small towel and clothing dryer in hair salons, etc. Therefore, considering the above-mentioned cases, creating appropriate performance to optimize energy consumption in these devices, given their high use, is one of the subjects of this invention, in order toCreating a special design in this invention allows these radiators to work purposefully to prevent waste of money and energy. A description of the state of the prior art and the history of developments related to the claimed invention. The models currently available on the market have a function similar to heating radiators, which can be increased and decreased based solely on temperature performance, either manually or through the control and sensor on the package device. Electric towel radiators are also turned on and off by manual controllers, and ultimately the temperature in them can be controlled manually. In the patent application number 13041761 dated 23.06.2011, Swisspal AG disclosed a device in which radiators are mentioned for drying. In the said invention, none of the new components of the invention are used except the radiators, and for this reason this invention has a high energy loss and, like the old models, operates completely traditionally and without control function. In another case, in the patent application number 201810759537.4 on 08 / 01 / 2019, BEIHAI HESI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. disclosed a system for intelligently adjusting the air of a towel dryer based on humidity and temperature and its control method, in which a humidity detection sensor is mentioned for drying towels. This is because if the humidity sensor is in direct contact with an object or towel, its lint may stick to the sensor and disrupt the sensor's operation, and if the sensor is at a distance from the object, receiving the object's humidity information in variable ambient temperature conditions will be delayed or erroneous. This problem has been overcome by using obstacle sensors in this invention, and advantages such as adjusting the ambient temperature and adjusting the installation temperature to the dimensions of the object on the towel dryer are other advantages of this device. In the patent number 201921884594.1 on 04.11.2019, WUXI CITY HUI CONG INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. disclosed a device in which a humidity sensor is mentioned to detect when the towel dryer is turned off. In the above invention, the person must start it every time he puts a wet object on the towel dryer, and the humidity sensor is only used to turn off the device, which again requires the use of human resources to improve the performance and conditions of use of the device, which makes it not a perfect example for use and benefit, which is also resolved in the new invention. Therefore, according to the conditions examined, the current samples are classified into two groups: without a controller and with a sensor, but none of the sensor samples fully and comprehensively cover this device because the goal is to eliminate human resources in control and also increase the optimization of energy consumption, which, by examining each case, does not comprehensively pursue the aforementioned goals. Providing a solution to an existing technical problem along with an accurate, sufficient, and integrated description of the invention In the invention mentioned, by using sensors, the operation of the radiator device is optimized with energy consumption, so that the operation of the device is based on the time of use and the ambient temperature can be adjusted to completely save on energy carriers. The operation of the sensors and their general conditions are as follows. The general types and principles of light curtain obstacle sensors: A light curtain sensor set includes a transmitter part and a receiver part whose power supply is shared with the entire system. Infrared transmitter and receiver are used in light curtain sensors. When the transmitter and receiver are facing each other and an obstacle is placed between them, the obstacle sensors send a signal to the device board indicating that the device is starting to work and the device starts working. The main use of these sensors is mostly in the elevator door area to detect obstacles or in industrial equipment to send a warning of entering a prohibited or dangerous area. Today, most light curtains are based on the infrared method. Light curtains that work using the infrared method are divided into two types: Straight and Cross, based on the type of fuses. In the Straight type, the fuses are checked directly. That is, each LED transmitter sends its signal to an LED in the receiver directly. In the Cross type, the number of fuses increases, and as a result, the accuracy is greatly increased. The way this method works is that each LED transmitter sends its signal to 5 LEDs. Of course, this number is for when the distance between the transmitter and the receiver is more than 50 cm. If it is less, each LED transmitter sends its signal to a LED receiver, and in this device, depending on the dimensions of the towel dryer, both types can be used. In fact, the sensors used are divided into the following two categories: Ambient temperature sensor Temperature sensors are an integral part of the control and automation systems of air conditioners and air conditioners. These sensors read the desired ambient air temperature and send it to the controller, which sends control correction signals to the actuators by the controller or PLC. Temperature measurement in a set with the lowest error rate is performed by electronic circuits or integrated circuits. • Features of the LM35 temperature sensor oAccurate temperature measurement in degrees Celsius oLinear scale factor mV / °C +10 o Guaranteed accuracy of up to 0.5°C (at 25°C) oTemperature measurement from -55 to +150 degrees Celsius oSuitable for mobile applications oLow cost oOperation from 4 to 30 volts oCurrent pressure less than 60 μA oLow self-heating, 0.08°C in still air oNonlinearity only in the index ±1.4°C oLow resistance output, 0.1 for 1 mA load The LM35, as mentioned, has a voltage increase or decrease of 10 millivolts for every degree Celsius of temperature change. For example, if the LM35 output was a number like 345 mV, this means that the temperature is 34.5 degrees Celsius. It is a T-grade. Humidity sensor. Humidity sensors are divided into two types, relative humidity sensors and absolute humidity sensors, according to the units of humidity measurement. Of course, relative humidity sensors are usually used in industry and electrical equipment. Electronic humidity sensors are also divided into two groups based on the type of sensing element: temperature sensors with capacitive sensors and temperature sensors with resistive sensors. Depending on the dimensions and needs, each of these sensors can be used in this device. Solenoid valve The solenoid valve used in this device is of the direct current type and is of the NO (normally open) type. In the normal state, the device valve is open. This means that even in the event of a power outage, the towel dryer can continue to work by opening and closing the main radiator valve. This device has a radiator substructure, which with the addition of this device consists of a towel radiator (10) with a skeleton (1) attached to the back of the radiator in line with it, which is the place where the wires pass and holds the obstacle sensors (2) and humidity sensors (3), and which is installed at the bottom of the water inlet pipe of the control box (4), which consists of a solenoid valve (5), a volume for adjusting the ambient temperature and device settings (6), a monitor indicating the device's status (7), an ambient temperature sensor (8), and an electronic board (9), which forms the brain of the device. The way this device works is that by throwing a wet object (towel or clothes) on the towel dryer radiator (10), it creates an obstacle between the obstacle sensors (2), and the obstacle sensors (2) send a signal to the electronic board (9) depending on the dimensions of the object, how many sensors are involved, the larger the object, the more the signal sent, and the smaller the object, the signal sent to open the solenoid valve (5) less to prevent damage to the object due to excessive heat. When the water path opens and hot water flows in the pipes, the moisture on the object on the towel dryer begins to evaporate, and the steam from the evaporation rises and collides with the humidity sensors (3) installed on top of the device. This cycle continues until the moisture of the object reaches the amount defined for the device to turn off and close the water path. When the moisture of the object reaches the defined amount, which indicates that the object is dry, the humidity sensor (3) sends a signal to the device board (9). It indicates that the water path is blocked and the device goes into sleep mode. It should be noted that the obstacle sensors (2) and humidity (3) work in parallel with each other, so that if the humidity in the place where the towel dryer is installed is high enough to indicate a wet object, if there is no object on the device that obstructs the obstacle sensors (2), the device will not start, which is one of the conditions for optimizing consumption. This advantage is useful when the towel dryer is installed in the bathroom and the humidity in the place increases when the user takes a shower, because there is nothing on the device, the device will not start. Of course, this same function also provides the conditions that this function of the sensors can be used in different weather conditions, except for use in bathrooms, which makes it possible to benefit from this device in the size of centers and for other uses. Also, if a dry object is dropped on the device that obstructs the obstacle sensors (2), the device will be activated by default for 5 minutes and open the water flow path. If the necessary humidity for the humidity sensors (3), which indicate that the object is wet, is created in these 5 minutes, the device will continue to work. If the humidity does not reach its required level, the device will detect that the object on it is dry, and the humidity sensors (3) will send a signal to the device board to cut off the water flow and the device will go into sleep mode. Also, this device uses an ambient temperature sensor (8), which allows the user to adjust the ambient temperature to their desired level during the cold seasons, using the volume or adjustment buttons (6) on the control box (4). It should be noted that since the main task of this device is to dry objects (towels and clothes), if the user has set the ambient temperature to 30 degrees and the ambient temperature has reached the desired level and the device is turned off, and at the same time an object is thrown on the towel dryer, even though the ambient temperature has reached the desired level, but since the device’s priority is to dry objects, the device starts to work to dry the object, and after 5 minutes, if the humidity encountered by the humidity sensor (3) resulting from the evaporation of the object’s moisture is higher than the set level, the device continues to work until the humidity drops below the set level and the device goes into sleep mode. Also, a monitor (11) is installed on the control box (4) so ​​that the user can learn about the device’s settings and easily adjust the device. All components supply their energy consumption from a 24-volt adapter (12) that is installed in the device and connected to a power outlet.Sensor performance optimization can be improved and they can be replaced in cases where they fail for any reason, which creates conditions that increase the life of the device. Explanation of shapes, maps and diagrams Figure No. (1) Shows the towel warmer from the front angle, showing the radiator (10), towel warmer and control box (4). Figure number (2) Shows the towel dryer from the back, showing the frame holding the sensors (1), the control box (4), and the obstacle sensors (2). Figure No. (3) The exploded view shows the control box, which includes the solenoid valve (5), control box (4), electronic board (9), adapter (12), and device status monitor (7). A clear and precise statement of the advantages of the claimed invention over prior inventions. Reducing energy waste and optimizing energy consumption, which is currently very important given the optimization goals of companies and manufacturers. Its convenient and easy use without human intervention, which optimizes the conditions of its use. Ease of use due to the elimination of control functions by human resources Cost reduction in places where energy efficiency is important, such as hotels  Ability to adjust the device for use in all seasons according to seasonal conditions without the need for constant manual adjustments Reducing human error in energy consumption, such as forgetting to turn off consumer taps. Enhance performance and places where they can be used, such as hair salons, warehouses, or places where small, high-altitude radiators must be used. Energy optimization and control in devices provide mechanized conditions for heating devices for use cases The foundations of mechanization will also provide conditions for remote control in the near future. Another advantage of using devices with functional sensors is their growth and development and the creation of infrastructure for use with different energies. In addition, this type of device can continue to operate continuously even during power outages by opening and closing the main valve of the device. Provide the possibility of use in cases of lack or power outages The possibility of using this device in different climatic zones, depending on different humidity and temperature conditions. Description of at least one implementation method for implementing the invention As the name suggests, this device is used in bathrooms and toilets. Inside hair salons and beauty salons In complexes and swimming pools In sports centers It can also be used as a heating system in rooms and even in warehouses and small enclosed spaces. Use as a heating device in small environments Use in home and industrial kitchens next to dishwasher sinks Use in caravans as a heating system And it is used to regulate the ambient temperature and dry (towels and clothes). Explicit mention of the industrial application of the invention The nature of the above-mentioned invention clearly specifies its conditions and application. Brief description of the invention The sensor-equipped towel dryer has the ability to turn off and on automatically and improve performance based on the wetness and dryness of the object. It is possible to adjust the amount of energy consumed in it according to the sensors used. In fact, by using parts in this towel dryer, energy consumption optimization and user ease of use have been created. These obstacle and humidity sensors and the ambient temperature sensor used in this device mean that there is no need for the user to open the device valve by throwing the object on the towel dryer and close it after the object dries. Or with the ambient temperature sensor used in the device, there is no need for the device to always work in vain without efficiency and the ambient temperature becomes too hot and energy is wasted, or the device valve is closed and the ambient temperature is not desirable for the user. In fact, the main goal is to control and optimize energy consumption in the device.

Claims

Claim What is claimed: Claim 1) What is claimed is a device consisting of two rows of light curtain sensors for detecting the presence and dimensions of the object, which are placed parallel and aligned behind the vertical tubes of the towel dryer, facing each other. Above them is a row of humidity sensors aligned with the horizontal tubes to measure the humidity of the object on the towel dryer, and an ambient temperature sensor to measure the ambient temperature at the bottom of the water inlet pipe on the control box. All of these sensors send the received information to the electronic board that is installed in the initial box of the water inlet pipe. The electronic board, by analyzing the information received from the sensors, sends a command to the solenoid valve of the device for the duration and amount of opening and closing, depending on the dimensions and humidity of the object and the ambient temperature. All of these functions result in optimal performance, energy savings, and user convenience.This device consists of (1) a frame holding wires and an obstacle sensor (2) an obstacle sensor (3) a humidity sensor (4) a control box (5) a solenoid valve (6) a device adjustment button (7) a monitor indicating the device's status (8) an ambient temperature sensor (9) an electronic board (10) a towel dryer frame (11) an electrical plug (claim 2). According to claim number (1), when an object is dropped on the towel dryer, it creates an obstacle between the sensors, and the obstacle sensor sends a signal to the device board to open the solenoid valve for 5 minutes. When the valve is opened and hot water passes through the pipes, if the object is wet, its water evaporates and moves upward and collides with the humidity sensors installed at the top of the towel dryer. This process continues until the humidity from the object reaches a level lower than the humidity defined by the device. After the humidity of the object reaches a level lower than what is defined by the device, the humidity sensor sends a signal to the device board that the object has dried and the solenoid valve should be closed.

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