Dryer Temperature Sensor Shielding Against Lint Buildup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laundry drying machines face challenges in accurately controlling laundry dryness due to the limited suitable positions for temperature sensors, which are affected by lint accumulation, leading to reduced precision in moisture measurement.

Innovation Solution

A temperature detecting device is mounted below the condensing passage with a shield above it, featuring an opening portion adjacent to the bottom, allowing condensed water to flow and flush away lint, ensuring precise temperature measurement and control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the temperature sensor is installed near the inlet to the condensing device, then the sensor can be positioned in the process air circulation circuit, but the measurement precision is affected due to lint accumulation on the sensor surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor installation positionVSAvoidtemperature measurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful factor (lint accumulation) is extracted from the sensor environment by positioning the sensor below the condensing passage where condensed water can flush away lint, separating the sensor from the lint-prone area while maintaining functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Condensed water acts as an intermediary cleaning agent that continuously flushes lint away from the sensor surface, preventing lint accumulation and maintaining measurement precision without requiring manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the temperature sensor is exposed to process air for accurate measurement, then temperature control is improved, but lint from the rotary drum adheres to the sensor surface over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement precisionVSAvoidsensor reliability over time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor performs self-cleaning through the natural condensation and drainage of water in the system, which automatically removes lint from the sensor surface without requiring external maintenance or additional cleaning mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The condensed water continuously flows past the sensor during the drying operation, providing ongoing lint removal rather than periodic or manual cleaning, ensuring consistent measurement reliability throughout the sensor's operational life

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 configuration maintains measurement precision by preventing lint accumulation and ensuring accurate control over laundry dryness, as the flushing device effectively removes lint from the sensor surface without disrupting the drying process.

Implementation Method 1

a condensing device condensing the moisture carried in the process air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 2

a temperature detecting device which comprises a head portion for sensing a temperature of the process air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature sensing: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP2403987B1Laundry drying machine comprising a temperature detecting device
Publication Date: 2012.05.23 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP2403987B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2403987B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a laundry drying machine (1), comprising a process air circulation circuit (2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 13), a condensing device (6) disposed within the process air circulation circuit (2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 13) and comprising a condensing passage (16); a temperature detecting device (12) comprising a head portion (17) for sensing a temperature of the process air and a base portion (18) connected therewith. The temperature detecting device (12) is mounted in the process air circuit (2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 13), and at least a portion thereof is disposed below the condensing passage (16). A shield (11) is mounted above said head portion (17). Given that a shield (11) is mounted above the head portion (17) of the temperature detecting device (12), condensate flowing down through the condensing passage (16) cannot come into contact with the temperature detecting device (12), thereby ensuring the measurement precision of the temperature detecting device (12).