Condensate level detecting system for a laundry drier and a laundry drier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry dryer appliances with condensation collection systems lack accurate and repeatable methods for detecting the condensation level, leading to potential overflow and damage, as current solutions like pressure switches are expensive and complex, while contactless sensors like Reed switches are not always accurate due to uneven magnetic fields.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a float with a permanent magnet and a Reed switch, where the magnet's magnetic axis is oriented perpendicular to the float's sliding axis, ensuring precise detection of the condensation threshold level, and a measurement space outside the collecting container to maximize capacity and prevent spilling during emptying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure switch sensor is used for condensation level detection, then the detection reliability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure switch sensor with a magnetic field-based detection system using a permanent magnet and Reed switch. This substitution eliminates the need for direct pressure contact while maintaining detection reliability through magnetic field actuation, thereby reducing device complexity and isolation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a permanent magnet as an intermediary element that transfers the condensation level information to the Reed switch through magnetic field interaction. This intermediary enables contactless detection while maintaining reliability, avoiding the complexity of pressure switch isolation systems.
2Measurement precision
If a float with permanent magnet and Reed switch is used for condensation level detection, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the permanent magnet relative to the float's sliding axis, with the magnet's magnetic axis oriented perpendicular to the sliding axis. This asymmetric arrangement creates a focused magnetic field pattern that precisely actuates the Reed switch at the threshold level, improving measurement precision while keeping the structure simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent concentrates the magnetic field interaction at a specific location where the Reed switch is positioned, creating a localized detection zone. This local quality approach ensures precise threshold detection without requiring complex overall system arrangements.
3Reliability
If the float is arranged inside the collecting container, then the detection function is achieved, but the container volumetric capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the float and magnetic detection components to a vertical dimension outside the collecting container, allowing the float to move up and down in response to condensation level while not occupying horizontal space within the container. This dimensional relocation maintains detection functionality while maximizing container capacity.
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 configuration provides a more accurate and repeatable detection of the condensation level, reducing the frequency of emptying the condensation container while maintaining the same overall dimensions, thus preventing overflow and damage.
Implementation Method 1
a float (12) carrying a permanent magnet (13), the float (12) being arranged in a guided manner in fluid communication with the inside of the collecting container (10); a magnetically susceptible switch, in particular a Reed switch (14) positioned and configured for being actuated by the permanent magnet (13) upon reaching the condensation threshold level
Implementation Method 2
a float (12) carrying a permanent magnet (13), the float (12) being arranged in a guided manner in fluid communication with the inside of the collecting container (10)
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
A laundry dryer appliance (1) comprises a housing (2), a laundry space (4) arranged in the housing (2), a drying circuit (5) with a heat exchanger (7), an extractable container (10) for collecting the condensation and a sensor (11) for detecting a threshold level of condensation inside the collecting container (10), the sensor (11) comprising a magnetically susceptible switch (14) and a float (12) arranged in fluid communication with the inside of the collecting container (10) and carrying a magnet (13) that actuates the switch (14) upon reaching the condensation threshold level.