Dryer Additive Dosing Based on Load Weight and Humidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing textile drying methods fail to optimize the effect and consumption of additives used in dryers, as they are supplied in a fixed manner independent of textile characteristics, leading to inefficient use and potential overconsumption.
Innovation Solution
A method and dryer system that supply additives during the drying cycle, adjusting parameters such as amount, flow rate, and type based on program selection and textile characteristics like weight, type, soiling, and humidity, using a control unit to optimize additive delivery through various forms like steam, aerosol, or fog, ensuring optimal treatment and reduced consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additives are supplied in a fixed manner during the drying cycle, then the drying process is simple to control, but the effect of additives is not optimized and consumption is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the additive supply parameters adjustable and variable during the drying cycle. The control unit modifies at least one additive supply parameter in dependency of program selection and textile characteristics, transforming the fixed supply system into a dynamic one that adapts to different drying conditions and textile types, thereby optimizing additive effect and reducing consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying additive supply parameters (such as amount, flow rate, timing) based on detected textile characteristics like weight, humidity, and type. The control unit adjusts these parameters dynamically during the drying cycle, changing the physical or chemical state of additive delivery to match the specific drying requirements of different textiles.
2Ease of operation
If additives are supplied in a fixed manner during the drying cycle, then the system is simple to operate, but additive consumption is not reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the dryer to automatically detect textile characteristics (weight, humidity, type) and autonomously adjust additive supply parameters without user intervention. The control unit performs the optimization automatically based on sensor data and stored program sequences, maintaining ease of operation while achieving reduced additive consumption through intelligent self-adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using sensors to detect textile characteristics during the drying cycle and feeding this information back to the control unit, which then adjusts additive supply parameters accordingly. This closed-loop control system continuously monitors drying conditions and modifies additive delivery in real-time, optimizing both effectiveness and consumption without complicating user operation.
3Reliability
If additive supply parameters are modified based on textile characteristics, then additive effect is optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a control unit that performs multiple functions: it detects textile characteristics, stores and retrieves program sequences, calculates optimal additive supply parameters, and controls the additive supply system. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single intelligent controller rather than requiring separate dedicated components for each function, thereby optimizing additive effect while managing device complexity.
4Loss of substance
If additive supply is adjusted dynamically during drying, then additive consumption is reduced, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the control unit to automatically adjust additive supply parameters based on detected textile characteristics without requiring complex user input or manual intervention. The system performs self-optimization using stored program sequences and sensor data, reducing additive consumption through intelligent autonomous control while keeping the user interface simple and the overall system manageable.
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 approach optimizes the effect of additives on textiles by tailoring their supply to specific drying needs, reducing waste and consumption by dynamically adjusting parameters based on detected or input textile characteristics, enhancing the drying process.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one additive is for example supplied to the textiles by either introducing it into an air channel, directly into the drum or storing compartment, or it is introduced into the tub surrounding the drum. Introduction into the air or onto the textiles may be performed by a supply unit producing steam, aerosol, fog, droplets
Implementation Method 2
Introduction into the air or onto the textiles may be performed by a supply unit producing steam, aerosol, fog, droplets
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of drying textiles in a dryer, wherein the drying sequence includes the supply of at least.one additive to the textiles. According to the invention at least one additive supply parameter is modified in dependency of a.program selection and/or textile characteristic. Also a dryer is provided comprising a control unit adapted to control a plurality of program sequences and/or program options of the sequence and a supply unit adapted to supply at least one additive to the textiles to be dried in the dryer. According to the invention the control unit is adapted to control the supply unit in dependency of the at least one selected program sequence and/or a signal transmitted to the control unit by a weight detector (12) and/or humidity sensor (14).