Dryer Drum Baffle Sensor Assembly for Wireless Moisture Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dryer appliances face challenges in accurately measuring moisture content within the drum due to limited clearance for sensor placement, which hinders the effective control of drying cycles and can lead to over- or under-drying, especially when sensors are placed on rotating components.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly is introduced that includes a baffle with a compartment housing a wireless transmission tag, allowing the appliance sensor to communicate with a wireless tag reader outside the rotating drum, enabling accurate moisture content monitoring without increasing the cabinet size or volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are placed on rotating components (drum or baffles) to obtain more accurate readings at higher frequency, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to requirements for wireless communication systems and additional mounting components
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is nested within the baffle structure itself. The baffle body contains a hollow cavity that houses the sensor, wireless transmission tag, and associated electronics. This nesting eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets or external housings, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to place sensors on rotating components for accurate moisture measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The baffle serves multiple functions: it performs its traditional role of lifting and tumbling clothes during the drying cycle, and simultaneously serves as the mounting structure and housing for the sensor assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while enabling accurate moisture content measurement on rotating components.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are placed on rotating components to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulties in mounting components without increasing cabinet size
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is nested within the baffle structure itself. The baffle body contains a hollow cavity that houses the sensor, wireless transmission tag, and associated electronics. This nesting eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets or external housings, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to place sensors on rotating components for accurate moisture measurement.
3Measurement precision
If wireless transmission tag is placed within the rotating drum compartment, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components required for wireless communication
Solution Approach 1:
The baffle serves multiple functions: it performs its traditional role of lifting and tumbling clothes during the drying cycle, and simultaneously serves as the mounting structure and housing for the sensor assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while enabling accurate moisture content measurement on rotating components.
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 solution allows for precise control of the drying process by accurately measuring moisture levels, preventing over-drying and reducing wear on clothing, while maintaining a compact dryer design.
Implementation Method 1
The wireless transmission tag may be in communication with the appliance sensor. The wireless tag reader may be in operable communication with the wireless transmission tag.
Data Source
AI summary
A dryer appliance and sensor assembly are provided. The sensor assembly may include a sensor housing, an appliance sensor, a wireless transmission tag, and a wireless tag reader. The sensor housing may extend within a drum and define a compartment proximate a space for the receipt of clothes. The appliance sensor may be positioned on the sensor housing. The wireless transmission tag may be positioned within the compartment. The wireless transmission tag may be in communication with the appliance sensor. The wireless tag reader may be in operable communication with the wireless transmission tag.