Dryer Condensed Water Float Sensor With Electrode Pump Trigger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clothing dryers, particularly condensation type dryers, face challenges in efficiently detecting and managing the water level of condensed water, which can lead to increased maintenance costs and complexity due to the need for precise water level sensing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A water level sensing device is integrated into the clothing dryer that includes a pump and an electrode sensor, where the conductor on a floating unit comes into contact with the electrode sensor to activate the pump, allowing for the automatic discharge of condensed water into a separate tank, thereby simplifying the detection and management of water levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a floating unit with lever and electrical switch is used to detect water level, then the water level detection function is achieved, but the device complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical floating unit with lever and electrical switch system with a simpler electrode-based sensing system. The conductor-coated floating unit acts as an electrode that directly contacts the water surface to complete an electrical circuit, eliminating the need for mechanical levers and complex switch mechanisms while maintaining reliable water level detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the unnecessary mechanical components (lever, complex switch mechanism) from the traditional water level sensing system, retaining only the essential floating unit and replacing it with a simplified electrical conduction-based detection method using a conductor-coated float and electrode sensor.
2Productivity
If manual water level monitoring is used, then the device structure remains simple, but operational efficiency and automation level decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service automatic water level management system where the conductor-coated floating unit automatically detects water level and triggers the pump through electrical conduction. When the float rises with water level, the conductor contacts the electrode sensor, automatically activating the pump to remove water without requiring manual intervention or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback control loop where the conductor-coated floating unit continuously monitors water level and provides real-time feedback to the pump system. When the water level reaches a certain height, the conductor contacts the electrode, signaling the pump to activate and remove water, thereby maintaining automatic control of water level management.
3Measurement precision
If traditional water level sensing mechanisms are used, then detection function is achieved, but manufacturing costs and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive conductor materials (such as conductive paint or coating) applied to the floating unit instead of expensive precision mechanical components. This approach uses simple, easily manufactured conductor-coated floats that can be produced at low cost while maintaining adequate detection precision for water level monitoring applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical sensing mechanisms with a simpler electrical conduction-based system. The conductor-coated floating unit and electrode sensor configuration eliminates the need for precision-machined levers, bearings, and complex switch mechanisms, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining functional reliability.
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 enables accurate and easy detection of condensed water levels, reducing manufacturing costs and improving the operational efficiency of the dryer by automating the removal process, thus addressing the maintenance and complexity issues associated with traditional sensing mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a floating unit (140) including a flotation member (142)
Implementation Method 2
a conductor (141) coupled to a top portion of the flotation member (142)... When the floating unit (140) is positioned at a second position, the conductor (141) comes into contact with the electrode sensor (150)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A clothing dryer (1) includes a water level sensing device (90) capable of detecting a water level of condensed water, using a simple structure. The clothing dryer includes a body (10), a drum (20) rotatably installed in the body (10), the drum (20) receiving objects to be dried, a base (70) arranged beneath the body (10), a dehumidifying unit (80) mounted to the base (70), to condense moisture contained in air discharged from the drum (20), a water container (100) to collect condensed water formed in the dehumidifying unit (80), and a water level sensing device (90) to detect a level of the condensed water collected in the water container (100). The water level sensing device includes a floating unit (140) movable in accordance with a variation in the level of the condensed water. The water level sensing device (90) also includes an electrode sensor (150) to detect the level of the condensed water when electrically connected with the conductor (141) of the floating unit (140).