Dryer Drum NFC Moisture Sensing With Rotation-Based Power Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clothes dryers face challenges in accurately measuring moisture content due to sensors requiring physical contact, which limits their effectiveness when placed on non-rotating components, and energy efficiency issues with powering rotating sensors.
Innovation Solution
A near field communication (NFC) tag is secured to the rotatable drum, switching between ultra-low power, low power, and normal modes based on the drum's rotation, allowing for wireless data transfer and energy-efficient operation by using a battery and wireless power transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If sensors are placed on non-rotating components of the dryer, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and frequency of moisture readings decrease
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic coupling system acts as an intermediary between the rotating drum and the stationary sensor housing. The drum contains magnets that couple with corresponding magnets in the sensor housing, allowing the sensor to remain stationary while still measuring moisture in rotating clothes through the magnetic field connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical contact between sensors and rotating components with a magnetic field-based measurement system. The sensor housing remains stationary while magnetic coupling transmits measurement capability to the rotating drum, eliminating the need for physical sensor rotation.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are placed on rotating components of the dryer, then the measurement precision of moisture readings improves, but the use of energy increases due to requirements for wireless communication and battery power
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling system serves as an intermediary that eliminates the need for wireless communication between rotating and stationary components. Data can be transmitted through the magnetic field or the sensor housing remains stationary with no active power consumption for data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the power consumption issue by keeping the sensor housing stationary and separate from the rotating drum. The sensor itself remains powered and functional in the stationary housing, eliminating the need to power rotating components and wireless communication systems.
3Measurement precision
If wireless communication systems are used to transmit data from rotating components, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity and energy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling system acts as an intermediary that provides a simpler alternative to wireless communication. Data can be transmitted through the magnetic field connection or the stationary sensor housing eliminates the need for rotating wireless transmitters, reducing system complexity.
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 provides accurate and frequent moisture readings while extending the lifespan of the NFC tag by reducing power consumption, enabling efficient control of the clothes dryer and minimizing the need for battery replacement.
Implementation Method 1
The NFC tag uses near field communication to provide sensor data to an NFC reader positioned exterior to the drum
Data Source
AI summary
Clothes dryer wireless moisture data transfer systems and energy-efficient methods of operation thereof are provided. One example method of operating a near field communication (NFC) tag includes determining whether a rotatable drum of a clothes dryer appliance is currently rotating. The NFC tag is secured to the drum. The method includes operating the NFC tag in an ultra-low power mode when it is determined that the drum is not currently rotating. The method includes periodically switching the NFC tag between a normal mode and a low power mode when it is determined that the drum is currently rotating.