Clothes Dryer Fluffing-State Detection Using Laundry Surface Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry treating appliances, such as clothes dryers, lack the ability to automatically determine the fluffing state of laundry, which is crucial for optimizing drying cycles and preventing over-drying that can damage fabrics.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a non-contact sensor, such as an infrared thermometer or thermal camera, to detect the temperature of the laundry surface, combined with an illumination source, to determine the fluffing state and adjust operating parameters like cycle time, temperature, and air flow, allowing for precise control of the drying process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional drying cycles are used without fluffing state detection, then the drying process is simple and device complexity is low, but energy efficiency is poor and fabric quality deteriorates due to over-drying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/contact-based moisture detection methods with optical detection (infrared thermography). The infrared camera non-contactly measures temperature distribution on laundry surfaces to detect the fluffing state, eliminating the need for physical sensors that would require contact with the laundry and reducing device complexity while improving energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses temperature distribution as an intermediary parameter to indirectly detect the fluffing state of laundry. Instead of directly measuring moisture content, the system measures surface temperature patterns which change characteristically at the fluffing transition point, providing an efficient proxy indicator for cycle termination.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional drying cycles are used without fluffing state detection, then the device structure is simple, but manufacturing precision and control accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical moisture sensors with non-contact infrared thermography to detect the fluffing state. This optical measurement approach provides higher precision temperature and moisture content detection without the mechanical complexity of contact sensors, achieving accurate cycle termination control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a thermal image copy of the laundry surface temperature distribution. The infrared camera captures temperature patterns that serve as a visual and data representation of the laundry's internal moisture state, enabling precise fluffing detection without physical contact or complex internal sensors.
3Productivity
If extended drying cycles are used to ensure complete drying, then fabric quality is maintained, but energy consumption increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring temperature distribution on laundry surfaces during the drying cycle. When the fluffing state is detected through characteristic temperature pattern changes, the system automatically terminates the drying cycle, providing real-time feedback that optimizes both energy consumption and drying efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection of the fluffing state during the drying process through infrared temperature monitoring. By detecting temperature distribution changes before complete drying is achieved, the system can terminate the cycle at the optimal point, preventing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining adequate drying results.
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
Enables the clothes dryer to automatically detect the fluffing state, optimizing energy use and preventing over-drying, which helps maintain fabric quality by allowing residual moisture to remain, making the laundry easier to iron and handle post-drying.
Implementation Method 1
a non-contact sensor, such as an infrared thermometer or thermal camera, to detect the temperature of the laundry surface
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of determining a fluffing state of laundry based on a determined temperature indicative of the surface of the laundry.