Camera-Based Air Flow Detection for Laundry Dryer Blockage Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in identifying and addressing reduced air flow in laundry appliances, which can lead to incomplete drying of clothes due to blockages or other faults, as existing systems lack effective monitoring and feedback mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A laundry appliance system that includes a camera and a controller using machine learning image recognition to monitor an air flow indicator, determining air flow state and adjusting operating parameters if the flow is below a threshold, ensuring adequate drying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no air flow monitoring system is installed, then the appliance structure remains simple, but users cannot identify reduced air flow causing incomplete drying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical flow measurement systems with an optical camera-based detection system. Instead of using mechanical anemometers or flow meters that would add mechanical complexity, the system uses a camera to capture images of the air flow indicator, converting a mechanical measurement problem into an optical detection problem that can be processed by image recognition algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of air flow information through an air flow indicator that responds to air flow conditions, and then uses a camera to capture this visual representation. The controller processes the captured images to determine actual air flow conditions, effectively copying physical air flow data into a detectable visual format without requiring direct mechanical measurement.
2Measurement precision
If traditional flow sensors are used to monitor air flow, then air flow can be measured, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the camera serve multiple functions: it acts as both a documentation device for the indicator and a measurement sensor for air flow detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated flow sensors, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through the camera's imaging capability combined with image recognition processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an air flow indicator as an intermediary element that translates invisible air flow conditions into visible deflections that can be captured by a camera. This intermediary converts the measurement problem from directly measuring air flow velocity to measuring the position of a visible indicator, which can then be detected by standard imaging equipment.
3Loss of information
If users manually check for blockages, then no additional monitoring devices are needed, but users cannot pinpoint when or how much air flow is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where the controller continuously monitors air flow indicator positions through captured images and provides information about air flow conditions. This feedback loop automatically detects and communicates air flow restrictions to users, eliminating the need for manual checking while providing precise information about when and how much air flow is reduced, thereby reducing information loss and improving troubleshooting ease.
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry appliance includes a camera for determining the air flow through an appliance during operation. A controller is operably coupled to the camera. The controller is configured for obtaining one or more images of an air flow indicator positioned in the path of the air flow. An artificial intelligence image recognition process is used to perform image classification and determine whether air flow through the appliance is fully or partially obstructed based on the amount of deflection of the air flow indicator. In the event of an air flow obstruction, operation of the laundry appliance is adjusted.