Dryness sensing device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dryness sensors in washing dryers cannot accurately measure the humidity inside laundry, leading to improper drying as only the surface is dried while the inside remains moist.
Innovation Solution
A dryness sensing device with a hybrid structure using a first sensor to measure surface resistance and a second sensor to measure internal capacitance, arranged such that they do not overlap in the thickness direction, with a shield covering the electrode plate of the second sensor to minimize electric field interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single sensor is used to measure laundry dryness, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision is insufficient because it cannot accurately measure both surface and internal humidity
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing device is divided into two separate sensors: a first sensor for measuring surface humidity and a second sensor for measuring internal humidity. Each sensor is positioned at different locations within the dryer to target specific measurement zones, enabling precise differentiation between surface and internal dryness states without requiring a single complex multi-functional sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial dimensionality by positioning sensors at different locations within the dryer - the first sensor near the drum surface for surface humidity detection and the second sensor deeper within the dryer chamber for internal humidity detection. This multi-dimensional spatial arrangement enables comprehensive humidity measurement that a single sensor cannot achieve.
2Measurement precision
If two sensors are used to measure surface and internal humidity, then the measurement precision improves, but signal interference occurs between the sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the harmful electric field interference between the two sensors by carefully designing their positions and orientations. The first and second sensors are arranged such that their sensing fields do not overlap, removing the source of signal interference while preserving the ability of each sensor to independently measure humidity in its designated zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial separation as an intermediary mechanism between the two sensors. By positioning the sensors at different locations within the dryer chamber and ensuring their sensing zones do not overlap, the physical space acts as a mediator that prevents electric field interference while still enabling both sensors to function simultaneously for comprehensive humidity measurement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are positioned to measure both surface and internal humidity, then the measurement capability is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing device achieves multi-functionality by integrating two sensors with different measurement capabilities into a single unified system. The first sensor measures surface humidity while the second sensor measures internal humidity, allowing the device to simultaneously perform multiple sensing functions and provide comprehensive dryness information for optimized drying control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of separate surface and internal humidity measurement capabilities into a single integrated sensing device. By combining the first sensor for surface measurement and the second sensor for internal measurement within one device structure, the system achieves versatile humidity sensing coverage without requiring multiple independent devices.
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
Accurately measures both surface and internal humidity of laundry, allowing for precise determination of drying progress and enabling proper dryer operation.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor disposed on a first side of the case and configured to measure a resistance to sense a surface dryness of the laundry
Implementation Method 2
a second sensor is disposed on a second side of the case facing the first side and configured to measure a capacitance to sense an internal dryness of the laundry
Data Source
AI summary
A dryness sensing device configured to sense a dryness of a laundry according to an embodiment of present disclosure may comprise a case having a length and a thickness; a first sensor disposed on a first side of the case and configured to measure a resistance to sense a surface dryness of the laundry; and a second sensor is disposed on a second side of the case facing the first side and configured to measure a capacitance to sense an internal dryness of the laundry, wherein the first sensor and an electrode plate provided in the second sensor are arranged so as not to overlap each other in a thickness direction of the case.