Dryer accessory and dryer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dryers face challenges in accurately measuring laundry humidity and temperature due to the difficulty in installing sensors within the drum, leading to inaccurate measurements, especially with varying laundry volumes.
Innovation Solution
A dryer accessory with a sensor module and energy harvesting module that generates power internally, allowing for accurate humidity and temperature measurement without batteries, using electromagnetic and vibration energy harvesting technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are installed inside the drum to accurately measure laundry humidity and temperature, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of installation increase due to drum rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dryer accessory as an intermediary device that includes the sensor module and energy harvesting module. This accessory can be easily installed in the dryer drum and rotates with the drum, allowing accurate measurement of laundry humidity and temperature without complex sensor installation. The accessory acts as a mediator between the rotating drum environment and the sensing requirements.
2Device complexity
If external sensors are installed in the cabinet or duct to avoid drum rotation issues, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to temperature discrepancy between sensor and laundry
Solution Approach 1:
The dryer accessory serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the simple external installation and accurate measurement. By placing sensors inside the accessory that rotates with the drum, the system achieves both simple installation (just insert the accessory) and accurate measurement (sensors are in direct contact with laundry).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the sensing function from the stationary dryer cabinet to a rotating accessory inside the drum. This dimensional change in placement allows the sensors to be positioned where they can directly contact the laundry while still maintaining simple installation through the accessory design.
3Duration of action of moving object
If batteries are used to power the sensor module and wireless communication module, then continuous operation is enabled, but maintenance needs increase due to battery replacement and charging requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by using an energy harvesting module that automatically generates electrical energy from the mechanical motion of the rotating dryer drum. This eliminates the need for battery replacement or charging, as the system powers itself through the kinetic energy already present in the rotating environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical energy storage system (batteries) with a mechanical energy conversion system (energy harvesting module). The module converts the mechanical rotation of the drum into electrical energy through electromagnetic induction, eliminating the need for consumable power sources.
4Power
If the housing contains heavy components for energy harvesting, then energy generation capability is improved, but weight of the accessory increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the parameters of the energy harvesting components, such as using lightweight magnets and coils with appropriate specifications. By carefully selecting the magnetic field strength, coil turns, and component dimensions, the system achieves sufficient energy generation capability while minimizing the weight of the housing and its contents.
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
Enables continuous operation without battery replacement, ensuring accurate laundry moisture and temperature sensing, reducing maintenance needs and preventing product damage.
Implementation Method 1
an energy harvesting module that is located inside the housing and generates current based on a movement of the housing... when the magnet moves in the extension direction of the pipe as the housing moves, the current may be generated in the coil
Implementation Method 2
a weight positioned inside the pipe, and a piezo disk positioned at an end of the pipe, and when the weight collides with the piezo disk, the current may be generated in the piezo disk
Data Source
AI summary
Abstract: A dryer accessory comprising: a housing including a sensor hole; a sensor module located inside the sensor hole of the housing and measuring at least one of temperature or humidity; an energy harvesting module located inside the housing and generating a current according to the movement of the housing; a wireless communication module for transmitting the at least one of temperature or humidity measured by the sensor module; and a control unit for controlling the sensor module and the wireless communication module using the energy generated by the energy harvesting module. The dryer accessory can directly contact pieces of laundry to accurately measure the temperature and humidity of the pieces of laundry.