Dryer Drum Moisture Sensor With Lockable Pivot Arm Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing buttons for detecting residual moisture in tumble dryer drums are difficult to assemble due to the need to install the holding device before the drum, which obstructs the narrow space and complicates the installation process.
Innovation Solution
The button is designed with a pivotable arm that can be locked in a stable position, allowing it to be easily mounted on the housing part during assembly, and then pivoted into contact with the drum once inserted, using a latching element and spring mechanism for secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the holding device is installed before the drum is inserted into the housing, then the button can be mounted on the holding device, but the narrow space obstructs the installation process and complicates assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The button assembly is segmented into a modular unit comprising the holding device, arm, and sliding contact pre-assembled together. This segmentation allows the entire button assembly to be installed as a single unit after the drum is in place, eliminating the need to work in the narrow space between housing and drum, thus resolving the assembly difficulty while maintaining functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device, arm, and sliding contact are pre-assembled into a complete button unit before installation into the housing. This preliminary assembly action allows the drum to be installed first, creating adequate working space, and then the pre-assembled button unit can be easily mounted without obstruction, solving the assembly complexity problem.
2Reliability
If the arm is always in contact with the drum, then moisture detection is continuous, but the assembly process is obstructed and becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The arm is designed to be pivotable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. During assembly, the arm can be positioned away from the drum to provide clearance for installation. Once assembled, the arm pivots into contact with the drum under spring tension to enable continuous moisture detection, thus resolving the contradiction between assembly ease and detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-loaded onto the arm during assembly, storing elastic energy that will automatically push the arm into contact with the drum after assembly is complete. This preliminary action of pre-loading the spring allows easy assembly while ensuring reliable continuous contact for moisture detection once installed.
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 design simplifies and speeds up the assembly of both the button and the drum, enabling easier installation without obstruction, while maintaining operational contact with the drum for moisture detection.
Implementation Method 1
the button is under the tension of a spring
Implementation Method 2
This results in an electrical resistance measurement during the rotation of the drum to determine the residual moisture content in the drum or the laundry
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor (1) for detecting the residual moisture in laundry located in a drum (2) of a tumble dryer, comprising a holding device (3) arranged in the housing of the tumble dryer, on which an arm (4) is pivotally mounted, on its free End at least one sliding contact (5) is provided, which is in operative connection with the drum (2). According to the invention, the arm (4) can be locked on the holding device (3) in a stable position spaced apart from the drum (2) to aid in the assembly of the button (1) in the housing.