Laundry Drum Dryness Sensing Using Wireless Power Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry processing apparatuses face challenges in accurately sensing the dryness level of laundry due to difficulties in powering dryness level sensors within the drum, which requires complex cable connections that are hard to maintain, especially with the drum's rotation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a wireless power transmission system, where a wireless power transmitter outside the drum supplies power to a wireless power receiver inside the drum, allowing the dryness level sensing device to operate without the need for cables or terminals, thus simplifying the configuration and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dryness level sensor is implemented in the drum to directly contact the laundry, then the dryness level sensing accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for cable connections between the rotating drum and outside
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless power transmission system. A wireless power transmitter is disposed in the drum and a wireless power receiver is disposed in the lifter, enabling power supply without physical cable connections. This substitution eliminates the mechanical complexity of maintaining cable connections during drum rotation while maintaining the sensor's ability to directly contact laundry for accurate dryness sensing.
2Use of energy by moving object
If cables or terminals are used to supply power to the dryness level sensor in the rotating drum, then the sensor can be powered, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to the difficulty of connecting rotating and stationary parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical cable connection system and replaces it with a wireless power transmission system. The wireless power transmitter in the drum and receiver in the lifter enable power supply without physical connections, dramatically simplifying the manufacturing process by removing the need to create reliable electrical connections between rotating and stationary components.
3Use of energy by moving object
If additional components like insulating band, metal band, and brush are implemented to supply power to the sensor, then the sensor can operate inside the drum, but the device complexity increases and the ease of repair worsens due to wear and contact force reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based power supply system (brush and metal band) with a wireless power transmission system. This eliminates components subject to wear and contact force degradation, removing maintenance issues related to brush abrasion and contact reliability, thereby significantly improving ease of repair and reducing operational complexity.
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 solution enables more accurate dryness level sensing by positioning the dryness level sensor optimally within the drum and eliminates the need for complex cable connections, reducing manufacturing difficulties and saving parts.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless power transmitter outside the drum supplies power to a wireless power receiver inside the drum
Data Source
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AI summary
A laundry processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a drum rotatably disposed in a main body, a drive motor configured to provide rotational power to the drum, a lifter mounted on an inner circumferential surface of the drum, a dryness level sensing device provided in the lifter, a wireless power receiver electrically connected to the dryness level sensing device and provided in the lifter, a wireless power transmitter disposed between the main body and the drum to correspond to the wireless power receiver, and a controller configured to receive a sensing result from the dryness level sensing device and calculate a dryness level based on the received sensing result.