Condensate Dryer Reservoir Guide for Stable Water Level Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In condensate type laundry dryers, false alarms occur due to water level fluctuations in the reservoir, leading to premature detection of the water tank being full, resulting in unnecessary termination of the drying process and customer dissatisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A guide, either L-shaped or inverted U-shaped with ribs, is placed inside the reservoir to direct water flow and prevent fluctuations, ensuring the level detection unit is not actuated until the tank is entirely filled, thereby preventing false alarms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a float and limit switch are used to detect water level in the reservoir, then the water level detection function is provided, but water level fluctuations cause false alarms and premature termination of drying process
Solution Approach 1:
A guide structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the water inlet and the float detection system. The guide channels water flow along a controlled path that prevents direct impact on the float, allowing water to fill the reservoir without causing spurious float movements. This mediator structure decouples the water filling process from the detection mechanism, eliminating false alarms while preserving accurate level detection.
2Productivity
If air is passed over the condenser during water intake, then condensation continues, but water fluctuation in the reservoir causes premature level detection
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir interior is segmented by the guide structure into a water flow channel and a detection zone. This segmentation separates the turbulent water intake path from the calm detection area where the float operates. Water flows through the guide's channel without disturbing the float, allowing continuous condensation and water collection while maintaining precise level measurement throughout the drying cycle.
3Ease of operation
If the water tank is removed to be emptied after filling, then the condensate water is discharged, but time loss occurs due to false alarms
Solution Approach 1:
The guide structure converts the potentially harmful effect of water flow turbulence into a beneficial controlled flow pattern. By designing the guide with specific geometry (inverted U-shaped cross-section with ribs), the turbulent water from continuous condensation is transformed into a streamlined flow that follows the guide's channel, preventing float disturbance. This allows the drying process to continue uninterrupted, converting what would be a harmful fluctuation into a beneficial stable detection condition.
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
The guide stabilizes water flow, ensuring accurate detection of the water level, preventing unnecessary termination of the drying cycle and reducing customer dissatisfaction by ensuring the tank is fully filled before alerting the user.
Implementation Method 1
the guide, that is disposed inside the reservoir wherein water is collected and the level is detected before flowing into the tank, prevents the water from fluctuating
Implementation Method 2
a float and a limit switch actuated by the float is used for detecting the level of water in the reservoir
Implementation Method 3
The water collected in the reservoir (4) is transferred to the tank (6) by means of a pump or by natural flow
Implementation Method 4
a condenser (3) providing the drying cycle air to be dehumidified
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a condensate type laundry dryer (1) comprising a drum (2) wherein the laundry is placed, a condenser (3) providing the drying cycle air to be dehumidified, a reservoir (4) wherein the condensate water leaving the condenser (3) is collected, an inlet opening (5) disposed on the wall of the reservoir (4), providing the transfer of the condensate water received from the condenser (3) into the reservoir (4), a tank (6) whereto the water collected in the reservoir (4) is transferred and providing the user to empty the collected condensate water.