Hand Dryer Sensor Timing for Faster, Accurate Hand Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing hand dryer devices suffer from false detection due to noise and delayed hand detection, leading to increased drying time, as they require multiple cycles to confirm hand presence and absence, which affects power consumption and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A hand dryer device with a light-emitting element for hand detection, where the control unit extends the driving period of the detection unit in subsequent cycles if the determination results differ, improving accuracy and reducing power consumption by intermittently driving the detection sensor based on consecutive cycle comparisons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple determination cycles are performed to reduce false detection, then hand detection accuracy is improved, but hand detection time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the detection cycle time variable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the cycle time based on whether a hand is detected: using a first (shorter) cycle time when a hand is present and a second (longer) cycle time when no hand is present. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to perform multiple determinations quickly when needed while reducing overall power consumption and average detection time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by performing a determination in advance using the first cycle time when hand presence is detected. This preliminary determination allows the system to prepare for the drying operation earlier, reducing the overall delay caused by multiple determination cycles while still maintaining accuracy through subsequent verification.
2Use of energy by moving object
If intermittent driving cycle time is increased to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but next determination time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamics by implementing two different cycle times: a first cycle time (shorter) and a second cycle time (longer). The control unit selectively applies the first cycle time when a hand is detected, ensuring quick response and reduced determination delay, while using the second cycle time when no hand is present to maximize power consumption reduction. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between power savings and response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the cycle time parameter based on detection state. Instead of using a single fixed cycle time, the system changes the cycle time parameter between two values (first and second cycle times) depending on whether hand presence is detected. This parameter adaptation allows the system to optimize both power consumption and response time under different operating conditions.
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
The solution achieves high accuracy hand detection, reduces power consumption, and shortens the drying time by minimizing false detection and extending the detection period only when necessary, making the device user-friendly and efficient.
Implementation Method 1
a hand detection unit having a light-emitting element to detect presence or absence of the hand in the drying space
Implementation Method 2
a high speed airflow is injected to the inserted hand to blow water away from the hand, thus drying the hand
Data Source
AI summary
A hand dryer device includes nozzles to blow airflows into a hand-placeable drying portion, a blower to generate the airflow to be blown out of the nozzles, a sensor having a light-emitting element to detect the presence or absence of a hand in the drying portion, and a controller to make a hand detection determination of whether the hand is present or absent in the drying portion based on a detection result of the sensor, and control driving of the blower based on a determination result of the hand detection determination. The controller controls an intermittent driving of the light-emitting element of the sensor. In first and second driving cycles of the sensor, when a determination result in the first driving cycle and a first determination result in the second driving cycle differ from each other, the controller extends a driving period of the sensor in the second driving cycle.