Dryer appliance and method for dryer cycle control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dryer technologies lack efficient control over drying and under-drying of laundry articles, leading to increased energy consumption and complexity in achieving energy-efficient cycles.
Innovation Solution
A dryer appliance with a heater assembly and control circuit that includes a bi-metal thermostat and an outlet sensor, allowing for precise control of heat generation based on set points and conductivity thresholds, eliminating the need for complex electronic controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electronic controllers with software are used to control dryer cycles, then energy efficiency and drying precision are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic controllers with a purely mechanical timing system. The timer mechanism mechanically actuates the heater thermostat at predetermined intervals during the drying cycle, eliminating the need for electronic software control while maintaining precise cycle management through mechanical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The heater thermostat automatically controls heater operation based on temperature sensing without requiring electronic control signals. The mechanical timer self-regulates the drying cycle timing, and the system operates autonomously once initiated, reducing complexity by eliminating electronic control circuitry.
2Device complexity
If mechanical timers and thermostats are used to control dryer cycles, then device complexity is reduced, but energy efficiency and drying precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The heater thermostat provides continuous temperature feedback to control heater operation. During the mechanical timer-controlled cycle, the thermostat senses temperature conditions and automatically adjusts heater operation to maintain optimal drying temperature, preventing energy waste from overheating while ensuring thorough drying.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical timer implements periodic heating cycles by actuating the heater thermostat at predetermined intervals. This periodic action allows the heater to operate in controlled bursts rather than continuously, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective drying performance through timed heating periods.
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
The solution provides fine-tuned heat output, reducing energy consumption and preventing over-drying or under-drying, while maintaining efficient dryer cycle performance without requiring electronic software configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The heater control thermostat includes a first bi-metal thermostat having a heater control set point
Implementation Method 2
a heater assembly configured to generate heated air through a duct
Implementation Method 3
The outlet sensor includes a second bi-metal thermostat having a sensing temperature set point, or a conductivity sensor comprising a conductivity threshold
Data Source
AI summary
A dryer appliance, a controller, and a method for dryer cycle control include positioning a heater control thermostat in thermal communication with air in fluid communication with a laundry chamber. The heater control thermostat includes a thermostat having a heater control set point relative to which a heater assembly operates to provide heated air. An outlet sensor is positioned in communication with air at an outlet portion of duct. The outlet sensor includes a sensing temperature set point or a conductivity threshold. The heater control thermostat is operably coupled to the heater assembly to selectively output heat based on the heater control set point and a pre-determined heating period. The outlet sensor is coupled to the heater assembly to operate the heater assembly until the sensing temperature set point or conductivity threshold is met after operating the heater assembly for the heating period based on the heater control set point.