Dryer and method of controlling the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dryers determine drying completion based on fixed time periods, leading to over-drying or under-drying due to inaccuracies in measuring laundry dryness, and existing dryness measurement technologies are not precise enough.
Innovation Solution
A dryer system that uses temperature sensors to measure the difference between air discharged and air flowing into the drum, with a controller determining drying completion based on maintaining a preset temperature difference and minimal change over time, and optionally using an electrode sensor to confirm dryness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fixed time period is used to determine drying completion, then the drying process is simple to control, but the accuracy of determining drying completion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the temperature difference between discharged air and inlet air, using this feedback to dynamically determine drying completion. The controller compares the measured temperature difference against preset thresholds and maintains counting over multiple measurement cycles to accurately detect when drying is complete, replacing fixed time control with real-time feedback-based decision making.
2Reliability
If existing dryness measurement technology is used, then the drying process can be monitored, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses temperature difference as an intermediary parameter to indirectly measure laundry dryness. Instead of directly measuring moisture content with inaccurate sensors, the system measures the temperature difference between discharged air and inlet air, which serves as a reliable proxy indicator for drying progress and completion status.
3Measurement precision
If temperature difference measurement is used to determine drying completion, then the accuracy of drying completion determination is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the dryer's own operating parameters (air temperature before and after the drying chamber) to determine drying completion. The temperature sensors measure temperatures that are naturally present in the drying process, and the controller uses simple comparison logic against preset values, allowing the system to self-diagnose drying completion without external measurement equipment or complex analysis.
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
Improves accuracy in determining the end of the drying cycle by precisely measuring the temperature difference and adjusting for external factors, reducing energy waste and ensuring optimal dryness.
Implementation Method 1
a duct configured to accommodate an evaporator and a condenser of the heat pump, heat air flowing in from the drum and discharge the air to the drum
Implementation Method 2
a first temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the air discharged to the drum
Implementation Method 3
a second temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the air flowing in from the drum
Implementation Method 4
a heater provided in the duct and configured to heat the air discharged
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a dryer and a method of controlling the same that may determine whether drying is complete based on a temperature difference between a temperature of air discharged to a drum and a temperature of air flowing in from the drum. According to various embodiments, the dryer includes a drum; a heat pump; a duct configured to accommodate an evaporator and a condenser of the heat pump, heat air flowing in from the drum and discharge the air to the drum; a first temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the air discharged to the drum; a second temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the air flowing in from the drum; and a controller configured to determine that drying is complete, based on maintaining a difference value between the temperature of the air discharged and the temperature of the air flowing in below a preset value.