Condensation Dryer Float Sensor for Automatic Water Pump-Out
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Solution Overview
Problem
Condensation type clothing dryers face high maintenance costs due to reliance on electricity and require complex systems for moisture management, making it difficult to use gas as a heat source and necessitating efficient water level sensing for condensed water removal.
Innovation Solution
A clothing dryer design incorporating a dehumidifying unit, water container, and a water level sensing device with a floating unit and electrode sensor to detect and automatically pump out condensed water, reducing manual intervention and maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a condensation type dryer uses electricity as the main power source, then the closed-loop air circulation system can be maintained, but maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy source parameter from electric to gas, enabling cost-effective operation while maintaining the closed-loop condensation drying system. The gas combustion heater provides thermal energy to heat the air circulating through the drum and condenser.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements an automatic water level sensing and pumping system that operates without manual intervention. The float-activated switch automatically triggers the pump when condensed water reaches a certain level, eliminating the need for user maintenance of the water drainage system.
2Ease of manufacture
If gas is used as a heat source in a condensation type dryer, then maintenance costs are reduced, but the closed-loop air circulation becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an oxygen sensor as an intermediary device that monitors and controls the air composition in the closed-loop system. When oxygen levels drop below a threshold, the sensor triggers fresh air intake, maintaining safe combustion conditions while preserving the closed-loop efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the oxygen sensor continuously monitors air composition and provides feedback to the control mechanism. This feedback loop automatically adjusts air intake to maintain proper oxygen levels for gas combustion, ensuring reliable operation of the closed-loop system with gas heating.
3Device complexity
If manual water removal is required in the base, then device complexity is reduced, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automatic water level sensing and pumping system that operates without manual intervention. The float-activated switch automatically triggers the pump when condensed water reaches a certain level, eliminating the need for user maintenance of the water drainage system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical water removal with an automated electromechanical system. The float-activated electrical switch controls an electric pump, substituting manual operation with an automated control mechanism that continuously monitors and manages water drainage.
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 enables accurate and automatic detection and removal of condensed water, reducing maintenance costs and improving operational efficiency by allowing for the use of gas as a heat source while simplifying the system's moisture management.
Implementation Method 1
a dehumidifying unit mounted to the base, to condense moisture contained in air discharged from the drum
Implementation Method 2
The floating unit may further include a flotation member to be floated on the condensed water in the water container by buoyancy in accordance with the level of the condensed water
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a clothing dryer(1) comprising a body (10) having a base (70) and a rear body (72) mounted at a rear portion of the base (70); a drum (20) rotatably installed in the body (10); a dehumidifying unit (80) mounted to the base (70), to condense humid air discharged from the drum (20); a water container (100) arranged at the rear body (72) to collect water condensed by the dehumidifier; a water container cover (110) disposed to a top portion of the water container (100); a pump (115) mounted to the water container cover (110) to discharge water collected in the water container (100); a water level sensing device (90) including an electrode sensor (150) mounted to the water container cover (110), and a floating member (142) movable in accordance with a variation in a level of water received in the water container (100), wherein the floating member (142) is movable in accordance with the water level variation, to be coupled with or separated from the electrode sensor (150) to detect a level of the water collected by the water container (100); and a rear cover (73) coupled to a portion of the rear body (72) where the water container (100) is formed.