Desiccant Rotor Sensor Integration for Dehumidifier Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing desiccant rotors in dehumidifiers lack efficient and accurate methods for measuring temperature and humidity conditions within the rotor channels and on its surfaces, which affects the dehumidification process.
Innovation Solution
A method of producing a desiccant rotor with sensors integrated into the rotor layers, where each sensor is positioned on the surface of the rotor layers defining the channels, allowing for precise measurement of temperature, humidity, and other parameters within and on the rotor surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are added to the desiccant rotor to measure temperature and humidity conditions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensors (temperature and humidity sensors) into a single integrated assembly that is positioned together within the desiccant rotor. This merging approach allows simultaneous measurement of multiple parameters while reducing the overall complexity compared to separate sensor installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sensor assembly or carrier structure as an intermediary component that holds and positions the sensors within the rotor channels. This intermediary element simplifies the integration process by providing a unified mounting structure rather than requiring individual sensor installations.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are positioned within the rotor channels to monitor conditions, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the rotor structure into distinct segments or zones with sensors positioned at specific locations (e.g., different radial positions or axial levels). This segmentation allows each sensor to monitor specific regions independently, reducing the need for extremely precise positioning of all sensors relative to each other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates sensor mounting features or positioning structures during the rotor manufacturing process itself, rather than requiring post-manufacturing calibration or adjustment. This preliminary action ensures proper sensor positioning is built into the manufacturing process, reducing the need for high-precision manual placement.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are integrated into the rotor layers defining channels, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensor mounting features, adhesive applications, or positioning structures during the rotor layer assembly process itself. This preliminary action allows sensors to be integrated as the rotor is being constructed, rather than requiring complex post-manufacturing installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the rotor structure to provide its own sensor mounting capabilities through features such as integrated channels, adhesive layers, or mechanical retention structures that are part of the rotor construction itself. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate sensor mounting hardware or complex installation procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of producing a desiccant rotor (2) of a desiccant dehumidifier (1), said desiccant rotor (2) comprising a plurality of channels (4) extending through the rotor (2), said method comprising the steps of: a) building the rotor layer by layer, wherein at least every second layer (5) is corrugated such that a channel is defined between at a first layer (3) and a neighbouring second layer (5), and b) positioning a sensor (9, 11, 13, 15) onto a surface of the first layer (3) or the second layer (5), which surface will define said channel (4) upon said attachment of the first layer (3) to the second layer (5).