Dryer IR Sensor for Detecting Volatile Flammable Substances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household dryers lack effective methods to detect volatile, flammable substances like hydrocarbons during the drying process, posing a fire hazard due to the complexity of existing sensors requiring technical support, which is not feasible for household use.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing IR radiation in the wavelength range of 600 to 4000 cm-1 to detect volatile, flammable substances by generating characteristic spectra, which are evaluated using a transmitter and receiver element forming an IR sensor unit, capable of providing an optical or acoustic warning when specific concentrations are exceeded, preventing heating program initiation or termination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing sensor methods are used to detect volatile flammable substances, then detection capability is achieved, but device complexity increases and requires technical support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential detection function from complex existing sensors and implements it using a simplified IR sensor system with transmitter and receiver elements that directly detect characteristic absorption spectra of volatile substances, eliminating the need for complex sensor assemblies and technical support infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs inexpensive IR sensor components that can be easily replaced or serviced by the user without requiring specialized technical support, making the system suitable for household use where ongoing technical support is not feasible
2Measurement precision
If IR sensor is used to detect textile type and moisture content, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the sensor cannot detect volatile flammable substances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal IR sensor system that can perform multiple detection functions: identifying textile types through their characteristic spectra, measuring moisture content through water absorption characteristics, and detecting volatile flammable substances by their unique absorption spectra in the IR range, all using the same transmitter-receiver element configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the fact that different substances (textiles, water, volatile compounds) have distinct IR absorption spectra at different wavelengths. By analyzing the absorption characteristics across the IR spectrum, the system can distinguish between various substances and their concentrations, enabling multi-parameter detection with a single sensor system
3Ease of operation
If household dryer is designed for simplicity, then ease of operation is improved, but safety detection capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service safety detection system where the IR sensor automatically monitors for volatile substances during the drying cycle. The system independently evaluates the risk and can terminate the heating program without requiring user intervention or complex safety mechanisms, maintaining both simplicity and safety
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary detection of volatile flammable substances before the heating program reaches dangerous temperature levels. By detecting characteristic IR absorption spectra early in the drying cycle, the system can prevent fire hazards before they develop, maintaining safety without adding complex operational steps
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 allows for independent detection of volatile, flammable substances without requiring technical support, enhancing safety by preventing overheating and potential fires, and is suitable for household dryers.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter element which irradiates the textiles and/or their surroundings with IR radiation
Implementation Method 2
a receiver element which is reflected by the textiles and/or the walls of the drum and/or receives the transmitted IR radiation in the wave number range from 600 to 4000 cm-1 and evaluates it with regard to the presence of volatile, flammable substances
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The method involves drying water-wet textiles (3,3a) in a dryer (1), which is provided with a drum (2) for receiving the textiles. A transmitting element (11) irradiates the textiles or its surroundings with infrared radiation, where a receiver (12,13) receives the infrared radiation. The walls of the drum are evaluated in presence of volatile and flammable substances. An independent claim is included for a dryer, which comprises a drum for receiving the textiles, a transmitting element and a receiver.