Dryer Moisture Sensor Electrode Retention Using Angled Appendix
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing moisture sensor systems in dryers are complex to assemble and maintain, with large apertures allowing lint, fluff, and humidity to interfere with wiring connections, compromising safety and performance.
Innovation Solution
A dryer with a moisture sensor system featuring electrodes with angled plate-like elements that form a 'hook' to securely fit into small apertures, minimizing exposure to lint and humidity, and allowing easy connection to wirings for efficient data transmission to a control unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If large apertures are used to allow electrode connection to wirings, then ease of assembly and wiring connection is improved, but lint, fluff and humidity can enter and interfere with the wirings, compromising safety and performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-plane aperture design to a multi-dimensional solution by creating an aperture with depth (first aperture in the bulkhead, second aperture in the support) and using a bent appendix that extends in multiple directions. This dimensional change allows the aperture to be small in the bulkhead face while still providing adequate space for wiring connection in the support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing the second aperture within the support structure, which itself is nested within the bulkhead assembly. The appendix of the electrode is inserted through the first aperture and then positioned within the second aperture, creating a nested arrangement that protects the wiring connection area while maintaining compact overall dimensions.
2Reliability
If electrodes are securely retained in seats to prevent removal, then reliability is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrode structure into separate functional segments: the main electrode body, the appendix for wiring connection, and the retaining elements. The support structure is also segmented with separate first and second apertures and retaining elements. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently and simplifies the assembly process while ensuring reliable retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining elements are designed to automatically engage with the electrode appendix when the support is inserted into the bulkhead, without requiring additional fastening steps or complex assembly operations. The appendix itself serves as both the wiring carrier and the retention feature, eliminating the need for separate retention mechanisms.
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
Simplifies assembly and maintenance while maintaining high safety and performance standards by reducing the risk of electrode removal and minimizing interference from lint and humidity, ensuring accurate moisture detection.
Implementation Method 1
The first appendix comprises a first and a second plate-like element which extend in a first and a second plane, respectively, the first and the second planes forming an angle between each other... the first aperture includes a slit aperture in which the first appendix is at least partially inserted
Implementation Method 2
The moisture sensor may comprise one or more electrodes which are located in a position which allows contact with the laundry, so that the humidity of the laundry can be detected... electrical signals can be sent from the electrodes to a control unit where the information regarding the humidity of the laundry can be derived from the electrical signals themselves
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a dryer (10) comprising: • a rotatable drum (14) defining an inner volume to contain laundry; • a moisture sensor system (100) comprising a support (24) for receiving a first and a second electrode (30) in a first and second seat (32), respectively, which are spaced apart one another, each of said first and second electrode (30) defining a first and a second electrode end (148, 150) and first and second opposite surface (152, 154), wherein the first surface (152) faces the inner volume of said laundry drum (14) so as to be contacted by the laundry loaded therein when the drum (14) rotates, and the second surface (154) faces said support (24), said first and second electrode (30) being electrically connected to a moisture detection circuit; • each of the first and second seat (32) including a first and a second aperture (48, 50) in which the first and second electrode (30) end are, respectively, at least partially inserted; • wherein the first end (148) of the first and/or second electrode (30) comprises a first appendix (149) inserted into the first aperture (48) of the first and/or second seat (32), the first appendix (149) comprising a first and a second plate-like element (149a, 149b) which extend in a first and a second plane, respectively, the first and the second plate-like element (149a, 149b) forming an angle between each other, and wherein the first and the second plane are both substantially perpendicular to the second surface (154) of the first and/or the second electrode (30).