Fabric Dryer Moisture Sensing Using Air Temperature and Drain Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fabric processing appliances face challenges in accurately measuring fabric moisture levels due to limitations in sensor placement and contact detection, leading to inaccurate readings and high maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes air temperature and drain characteristic parameters, collected during the drying process, to determine fabric moisture levels without direct contact, employing machine learning models to enhance accuracy and reduce costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a moisture sensor is used to measure fabric moisture level by contact detection, then the moisture level can be monitored in real time, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to sensor placement limitations and interference from conductive materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses air temperature and drain characteristic parameters as intermediary indicators to indirectly measure fabric moisture level. Instead of directly contacting the fabric with a moisture sensor, the system measures air temperature changes and drain flow characteristics, which are affected by the fabric's moisture content, thereby resolving the measurement accuracy issue caused by sensor contact limitations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based moisture sensor with a non-contact measurement approach using temperature sensors and drain flow sensors. This substitution eliminates the need for direct sensor-fabric contact, avoiding interference from conductive materials and placement issues while maintaining real-time monitoring capability
2Reliability
If a moisture sensor is installed in the drum to monitor fabric moisture, then real-time moisture monitoring is achieved, but the system cost and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing components (air temperature sensors and drain system) serve multiple functions. The air temperature sensor not only monitors drying temperature but also indirectly measures fabric moisture level. The drain system not only removes water but also provides flow characteristic data for moisture level determination, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated moisture sensors and reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing operational parameters (air temperature and drain flow) to determine fabric moisture level, without requiring additional specialized sensors. The drying process itself generates the measurement data needed, making the system self-sufficient and reducing hardware overhead
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 fabric moisture levels in real-time, optimizing drying processes and reducing hardware overheads by using low-cost sensors and machine learning models.
Implementation Method 1
an air circulation loop configured to enable air in the fabric processing appliance to circulate along the air circulation loop during a drying operation
Implementation Method 2
a dehumidifier arranged in the air circulation loop of the fabric processing appliance
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide a method and an apparatus for measuring a moisture level of a fabric in a fabric processing appliance. The method includes the following steps: collecting, during a drying operation performed by a fabric processing appliance, an air temperature parameter related to air circulating in the fabric processing appliance during the drying operation and a drain characteristic parameter related to liquid water extracted from a fabric in the fabric processing appliance through the drying operation that are of the fabric processing appliance; and determining a moisture level of the fabric in the fabric processing appliance based on at least the air temperature parameter and the drain characteristic parameter. This application further relates to a fabric processing appliance and a computer program product.