Dryer Dryness Sensor Electrode Embedding to Reduce Fluff Accumulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dryers face issues with measurement precision due to gaps between electrodes and the surface they are fixed to, which allow laundry fluffs to accumulate, and the additional assembly steps increase labor time and cost.
Innovation Solution
The electrodes are partially embedded in a dielectric fixing surface produced by injection molding, which is then securely attached to the bulkhead, eliminating gaps and simplifying assembly by integrating the fixing surface either as one piece with the bulkhead or using an assembly element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If electrodes are mounted using mechanical connection methods (screws, clips, snap-fittings), then assembly is simplified and electrodes can be easily attached to the bulkhead, but gaps remain between the electrodes and the surface which allow laundry fluffs to accumulate and adversely affect measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrode assembly with the bulkhead by embedding electrodes directly into the bulkhead structure during manufacturing. This merging eliminates the need for separate mechanical connection elements (screws, clips, snap-fittings) and prevents gap formation between electrodes and the bulkhead surface, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of assembly and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-embedding the electrodes into the bulkhead during the bulkhead manufacturing process itself, before the dryer is assembled. This preliminary integration ensures that electrodes are firmly fixed without gaps that could accumulate laundry fluffs, while also simplifying the overall assembly process by eliminating subsequent electrode attachment steps.
2Reliability
If additional mechanical connection elements and assembly steps are used to secure electrodes to the bulkhead, then electrodes can be firmly fixed, but labor time and assembly cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrode fixation function into the bulkhead structure itself by embedding electrodes during bulkhead manufacturing. This eliminates the need for separate mechanical connection elements and reduces assembly to a single integrated component, thereby maintaining fixation stability while significantly reducing assembly time and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The bulkhead is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the dryer and simultaneously serves as the mounting substrate for the electrodes through direct embedding. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mounting hardware and assembly steps, reducing labor time while ensuring reliable electrode fixation.
3Measurement precision
If electrodes are embedded in the bulkhead during manufacturing, then gaps are eliminated preventing fluff accumulation and measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrode embedding process with the bulkhead manufacturing process into a single integrated operation. By molding the bulkhead with electrodes already embedded during plastic injection molding, the patent eliminates the need for separate embedding steps, thereby improving measurement precision without significantly increasing manufacturing 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 enhances measurement precision by ensuring direct contact between laundry and electrodes, reducing assembly complexity and costs by eliminating the need for additional connecting elements and minimizing gaps for fluff accumulation.
Implementation Method 1
a fixing surface (6) which is fixed to the bulkhead (3), which is formed by a plastic material being injected onto the electrodes (5), wherein the electrodes (5) are partially embedded
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a dryer (1) comprising a drum (2) which is rotated around its own horizontal axis, a bulkhead (3) which has an opening (4) that enables the laundry to be loaded into the drum (2) and to be unloaded therefrom, and at least two electrodes (5) which are fixed to the bulkhead (3) and which provide dryness sensing to be performed.