Dryer Dryness Sensor Barrier Against Fluff Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dryers face reduced measurement precision in dryness sensing due to fluff accumulation between electrodes, which forms a transmission line and affects the accuracy of dryness sensing in humid environments.
Innovation Solution
A barrier is strategically placed between the electrodes on the fixing surface, extending along the electrodes to prevent fluff accumulation and forming a transmission line, with the option of being produced as a single piece with the fixing surface or assembled separately, and designed with a higher portion between the terminals to enhance protection against fluff-related issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrodes are disposed in the dryer for dryness sensing, then dryness sensing capability is provided, but fluff accumulation between electrodes forms a transmission line that reduces measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
A barrier element is introduced as an intermediary component between the electrodes to prevent fluff accumulation. This barrier physically blocks the formation of transmission lines by fluffs while allowing the electrical sensing function to continue uninterrupted, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining sensing capability and preventing measurement interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful effect of fluff accumulation is extracted and isolated from the electrode assembly by introducing a separate barrier component. This barrier specifically addresses the fluff problem without interfering with the electrode's primary sensing function, allowing the system to maintain measurement precision while eliminating the harmful accumulation effect.
2Measurement precision
If a barrier is added between electrodes to prevent fluff accumulation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier element is merged with the electrode assembly structure, where the barrier can be integrated into the same housing or mounting structure that holds the electrodes. This combining approach prevents fluff accumulation while avoiding the need for completely separate additional components, thus improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 solution effectively increases dryness sensing precision by preventing fluff accumulation between electrodes, thereby improving measurement efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a barrier which is located at the fixing surface back side that does not face the drum and which extends longitudinally between the electrodes; the fluffs accumulated at the electrode back faces, which are open, are prevented from forming a transmission line between the two electrodes
Implementation Method 2
a current bridge is formed between the electrodes when the damp laundry contacts both electrodes simultaneously. The resistance occurring between the two electrodes by the contact of the laundry to the two electrodes is measured
Data Source
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a dryer (1) comprising a drum (2) which is rotated around its own horizontal axis, a bulkhead (3) which has an opening (4) that enables the laundry to be loaded into the drum (2) and to be unloaded therefrom, a fixing surface (6) which is fixed to the bulkhead (3) and which has at least two apertures (9), and at least two electrodes (5) which are disposed into the apertures (9) and which provide dryness sensing to be performed.