Dryer appliance and variable additive dispensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dryer appliances lack the ability to selectively and variably dispense additives, such as fabric softeners or UV protectors, at optimal times during the drying cycle, requiring user intervention and estimation of quantities.

Innovation Solution

A dryer appliance with a controller and additive dispensing assembly that initiates a drying operation, detects static events, and directs supplemental dispensing of additives based on moisture levels and cycle progression, allowing for variable timing and volume of additive release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a user manually adds additives once prior to starting drying operation, then the operation is simple, but the additive is not applied at the most effective time and the treatment effect is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of operationVSAvoideffectiveness of fabric treatment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The dryer appliance automatically detects static events during the drying cycle and triggers additive dispensing without user intervention. The system monitors static charge levels on garments and autonomously determines when and how much additive to dispense, eliminating the need for users to manually time the additive application while ensuring optimal treatment effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If a user estimates the amount of additive to add, then the operation is quick, but the dosage is imprecise and may not be optimal for the load

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of preparationVSAvoidaccuracy of additive dosage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates a static sensor that continuously monitors static charge levels during the drying cycle. Based on real-time feedback from the sensor, the controller automatically adjusts the dosage of additive dispensed through the dispensing assembly, ensuring precise and optimal amounts are applied without requiring user estimation or measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Extent of automation

If existing dryer appliances provide automatic steam dispensing, then user intervention is reduced, but the timing and volume of dispensing cannot be varied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic dispensingVSAvoidvariable timing and volume control

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The additive dispensing system dynamically adjusts both the timing and volume of additive delivery based on real-time detection of static events during the drying cycle. The controller modulates the dispensing assembly to vary the amount of additive released at different stages of the cycle, adapting to the specific needs of the laundry load rather than using fixed predetermined settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11898301B2Dryer appliance and variable additive dispensing

Publication Date: 2024.02.13 HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A dryer appliance may include a cabinet, a drum, an additive dispensing assembly, and a controller. The drum may be rotatably mounted within the cabinet. The drum may define a drying chamber for the receipt of clothes for drying. The additive dispensing assembly may be positioned within the cabinet and configured to selectively provide an additive to the drying chamber. The controller may be in operable communication with the additive dispensing assembly. The controller may be configured to initiate a drying operation. The drying operation may include initiating a dry cycle, detecting a static event during the dry cycle, and directing a supplemental dispensing action of a dryer additive in response to the detected static event.