Hand Dryer Capacitance Sensor Timing to Reduce Electrode Interference
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In hand drying apparatuses with multiple capacitance-detection-type proximity sensors, the simultaneous operation of detection electrodes leads to interference, reducing detection accuracy as the capacitance generated by one electrode affects the other, making it difficult to distinguish hand insertion from electrode energization effects.
Innovation Solution
The hand drying apparatus operates each capacitance-detection-type sensor independently, ensuring that only one sensor is active at a time to prevent interference, allowing for accurate detection by controlling the timing and energization of detection electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple capacitance-detection-type sensors operate simultaneously, then the detection coverage is improved, but the detection accuracy deteriorates due to interference between electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by sequentially activating capacitance-detection-type sensors at different time intervals rather than simultaneously. The control unit alternates the operation of multiple sensors, allowing each sensor to measure capacitance during its designated time period. This temporal separation eliminates interference between electrodes while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage through the coordinated operation of multiple sensors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple detection electrodes are energized simultaneously, then the detection capability is enhanced, but the capacitance measurement becomes unreliable due to mutual interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the simultaneous operation of multiple detection electrodes into separate, sequential measurement periods. Each capacitance-detection-type sensor is assigned a specific time slot for operation, effectively segmenting the detection process both temporally and functionally. This allows each electrode to operate independently without interference from others, ensuring reliable capacitance measurements while maintaining enhanced detection capability through the combined operation of multiple segmented sensors.
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 approach significantly improves the detection accuracy of each sensor, enabling precise hand detection without interference from other electrodes, enhancing the overall performance of the hand drying apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitance-detection-type sensor that detects a capacitance generated in a capacitance detection electrode to detect a presence or absence of an object to be detected
Data Source
AI summary
A hand dryer that includes a capacitance-detection-type proximity sensor structure that detects a capacitance generated in a capacitance detection electrode to detect a presence or absence of an object to be detected, includes a plurality of capacitance-detection-type proximity sensor structures. While one of the capacitance-detection-type proximity sensor structures is in operation, an operation of at least another of the capacitance-detection-type proximity sensor structures is stopped to operate the capacitance-detection-type proximity sensor structures during different periods of time.