Laundry Dryer Impedance-Based Lint Filter Clogging Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laundry dryers have imprecise methods for detecting air filter clogging, leading to potential performance issues due to measurement errors and interference from laundry and airflow.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treating machine with a more precise electronic control system that determines air filter clogging by impedance measurement, featuring a fluff filter washing apparatus for automatic cleaning and adjustable cleaning parameters based on clogging degree, along with a communication module for wireless communication with a user device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional pressure drop measurement methods are used to detect air filter clogging, then the detection system is simple, but the measurement precision is low due to interference from laundry and airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical pressure drop measurement method with an electrical impedance measurement system. The sensor device uses electrodes to measure impedance changes caused by lint accumulation on the filter, eliminating the interference from airflow and laundry that plagues pressure-based methods. This substitution of measurement principle directly resolves the contradiction by achieving high precision without requiring complex compensation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electrical measurement system between the filter and the control unit. Instead of directly measuring physical pressure changes, the system uses electrical impedance as an intermediary parameter that correlates with lint accumulation. This intermediary measurement approach enables accurate detection while keeping the overall system architecture relatively simple.
2Productivity
If manual air filter cleaning is required, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity decreases due to user intervention and potential delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the sensor device continuously monitors filter clogging levels and communicates this information to the control unit. The control unit then automatically initiates cleaning operations when clogging thresholds are reached, eliminating the need for user intervention. This closed-loop feedback mechanism maintains high productivity while managing system complexity through automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the dryer to service itself by automatically detecting filter clogging and initiating cleaning operations without user involvement. The control unit autonomously manages the entire process from detection to cleaning execution, allowing the device to maintain optimal performance independently. This self-service capability directly addresses the productivity concern by eliminating manual intervention delays.
3Reliability
If the air filter is not cleaned regularly, then the ease of operation is high, but the reliability decreases due to reduced drying performance and energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism continuously monitors filter condition and automatically triggers cleaning when performance degradation is detected. This ensures consistent drying performance by maintaining the filter in optimal condition, while the automated nature of the system preserves ease of operation. The control unit manages the entire process transparently without requiring user knowledge or action.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing manual filter maintenance with an automated sensor-based system, the patent eliminates the trade-off between reliability and ease of operation. The electrical impedance measurement and automatic cleaning initiation ensure consistent performance while requiring minimal user involvement, effectively resolving the contradiction through technological substitution.
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 system provides accurate detection and automatic cleaning of air filter clogging, ensuring optimal drying performance and user notification, thereby maintaining energy efficiency and reducing manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor device comprises two, reciprocally adjacent electrodes, preferably plate-like shaped, which are made of electrically-conductive material and are at least partially printed directly over said mesh sheet, and a local electronic control unit, which is provided on, and preferably attached to, said frame of said air filtering assembly, and is electrically connected to and/or in signal communication with said electrodes. The local electronic control unit is furthermore electronically connected to the main electronic control unit and is configured to determine a control parameter indicative of the impedance value between the two electrodes and to communicate said determined control parameter to the control unit.
Data Source
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AI summary
Laundry treating machine (1) comprising: a drum (3) arranged in an outer casing (2) and designed to receive laundry to be treated; an air circulating system (11) designed to circulate a flow of hot air through the drum (3) and comprising air recirculating conduct along which circulates the hot air flow; an air filtering assembly (100) which is arranged in the recirculating conduct and is provided with a frame (103)(113)(203)(403) provided with at least one pass-through opening (114) closed by a mesh sheet (115)(105)(115)(205)(405) structured/dimensioned to restrain the lint particles in suspension into the airflow that crosses said air filtering assembly (100); the air filtering assembly (100) comprises a sensor device (120)(220) (420), which is capable of measuring the amount of fluff and/or lint particles deposited on the mesh sheet (105)(115)(205)(405) and/or the moisture degree of the air flowing through the same air filtering assembly (100); the sensor device (120)(220)(420) comprises: at least two, reciprocally adjacent electrodes (121a)(121b)(221a)(221b) (421a)(421b) which are made of electrically-conductive material and are at least partially provided or printed directly over the mesh sheet (105)(115)(205)(405), and a local electronic control unit (122)(222) (422), which is attached to the frame (103)(113)(203)(403) of the air filtering assembly (100), and is electrically connected to, and/or in signal communication with the electrodes (121a)(121b)(221a)(221b) (421a)(421b).