Laundry Dryer Imaging Control for Bulky Item Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry treating appliances, such as clothes dryers, often struggle to automatically adjust their cycles based on the presence of bulky items, leading to inefficient drying and potential damage due to fixed pre-programmed settings.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an imaging system within the appliance to determine the presence of bulky items through image analysis, allowing the controller to adjust operational parameters such as drum speed, temperature, and air flow accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fixed pre-programmed cycles are used, then the appliance is simple to operate, but the drying efficiency deteriorates when bulky items are present
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system automatically detects bulky items and the controller autonomously adjusts drying parameters without user intervention. The system serves itself by detecting the load characteristics and modifying the cycle accordingly, eliminating the need for users to manually select different cycles while maintaining high drying efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system provides visual feedback about the laundry load to the controller, which then adjusts drying parameters based on this information. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to different load types automatically, resolving the contradiction between simple operation and drying efficiency.
2Device complexity
If fixed pre-programmed cycles are used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different laundry types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or manual adjustment mechanisms with an optical imaging system and digital image processing. Instead of requiring multiple physical sensors or complex mechanical detection systems, the invention uses imaging technology to detect bulky items, achieving high adaptability with relatively simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system acts as an intermediary between the laundry load and the controller. Rather than directly sensing physical properties of the laundry, the system uses visual information as an intermediate representation that the controller can process to determine appropriate drying parameters, enabling adaptability without complex direct sensing mechanisms.
3Reliability
If bulky items are not detected, then the operational settings remain fixed, but damage to items may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system detects bulky items before the drying cycle begins, allowing the controller to pre-adjust parameters to prevent damage. By identifying potential problems in advance and taking corrective action before the harmful drying process starts, the system protects items from damage while maintaining reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of bulky items using the imaging system before initiating the drying cycle. This preliminary action allows the controller to set appropriate drying parameters in advance, preventing potential damage to sensitive items during the drying process and ensuring reliable and safe operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treating appliance and method for controlling the operation of a laundry treating appliance comprising a treating chamber by determining the presence of a bulky laundry item based on image data of the laundry.