Dryer Drum NFC Moisture Sensing for Wet Patch Reversal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dryer appliances face challenges in accurately measuring moisture content due to sensors requiring physical contact, which leads to inconsistent readings and energy inefficiency in powering rotating components.
Innovation Solution
A wireless moisture data transfer system using near field communication (NFC) tags and readers, where conductive sensors on the rotating drum send voltage signals to an NFC tag, which converts them to digital data and transfers it to a stationary NFC reader for the main controller to determine moisture levels and control the drying process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are placed on non-rotating components of the dryer, then the system structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the sensors have less frequency of contact with the entire clothing and do not provide consistently accurate readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by placing sensors on rotating components (drum or lifters) that move with the drum rotation, enabling the sensors to continuously contact different portions of the clothing load. This dynamic placement ensures consistent measurement precision across the entire load, resolving the contradiction between reading accuracy and system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are placed on rotating components of the dryer, then more accurate readings at a higher frequency are obtained, but wireless communication systems and local power sources are required which increase device complexity and energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by placing an NFC tag on the rotating drum or lifter that carries sensor data through near-field communication to a stationary NFC reader. This intermediary system enables wireless data transfer from rotating to stationary components, achieving high-precision measurements without complex wired connections across rotating interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical wired connections with wireless NFC communication for data transfer from rotating to stationary components. This substitution eliminates the need for sliding contacts or complex rotary connectors, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
3Duration of action of moving object
If local power sources such as batteries are used to power sensors and rotating data transfer components, then the system can operate independently, but energy efficiency is a key requirement for extending battery life over the entire lifespan of the dryer appliance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by having the NFC tag transmit data only at specific intervals during drum rotation when it passes near the stationary NFC reader. This periodic communication minimizes energy consumption of the battery-powered wireless components while ensuring sufficient data collection for accurate moisture measurements throughout the drying cycle.
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 system provides accurate and frequent moisture readings, reduces energy consumption by optimizing drying sequences, and extends battery life through efficient data transfer and power management.
Implementation Method 1
A wireless communication system uses a near field communication (NFC) tag mounted on an exterior surface of the drum and in communication with the one or more sensors to receive the voltage signals from the one or more sensors
Implementation Method 2
The dryer appliance further includes a near field communication reader positioned exterior to the drum and configured to receive the voltage signals from the near field communication tag through near field communication
Data Source
AI summary
Dryer appliances and methods are provided. A method includes receiving during rotation of a drum of the dryer appliance a voltage signal which corresponds to a moisture level within a chamber of the drum, and determining whether the voltage signal corresponds to a predetermined drying profile of a plurality of predetermined drying profiles. The method further includes applying a drying sequence which corresponds to one of the plurality of predetermined drying profiles when the voltage signal corresponds to the one of the plurality of predetermined drying profiles. The method further includes determining whether the voltage signal corresponds to a wet patch indicator, and reversing a direction of rotation of the drum when the voltage signal corresponds to the wet patch indicator.