Laundry Dryer Motion-Based Drying Detection Without Humidity Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry appliances require manual user input for drying cycles, leading to potential under or over drying of articles, and often necessitate the use of dedicated humidity sensors, which increase costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A laundry appliance system that includes a controller, a heater, and a laundry basket, where the controller initiates a dry cycle by activating the heater and receives motion signals to evaluate the dry state of articles, allowing for modification of the dry cycle based on this evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dedicated humidity sensor is used to detect moisture in articles, then the accuracy of drying detection is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses motion signals from the laundry basket as an intermediary to indirectly detect the dry state of articles. Instead of directly measuring moisture with a humidity sensor, the system detects changes in motion characteristics (vibration, tumbling patterns) that occur when articles transition from wet to dry state, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/electrical humidity sensing system with a motion-based detection system. By using motion sensors to detect physical movements and vibrations of the laundry basket containing articles, the system achieves drying detection without requiring dedicated humidity sensors, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining detection capability
2Ease of operation
If manual user input is required for drying cycle parameters, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the productivity and energy efficiency deteriorate due to under or over drying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where motion signals are continuously monitored during the drying cycle, and the controller automatically adjusts drying parameters or terminates the cycle based on detected dry state. This closed-loop feedback system eliminates the need for manual parameter adjustment while optimizing drying efficiency and energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service drying detection by automatically monitoring motion signals and determining article dry state without requiring user intervention. The appliance autonomously manages the drying process, adjusting parameters and timing based on real-time motion data, thereby improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation through automatic functionality
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 automated and efficient drying cycles without the need for dedicated humidity sensors, improving user satisfaction, reducing energy and resource consumption, and enhancing the durability and cost-effectiveness of the appliance.
Implementation Method 1
The heater may be configured to heat and remove moisture from air within the chamber
Implementation Method 2
The controller may be operably coupled to the motion sensor and configured to receive a plurality of motion signals during the dry cycle
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry appliance may include a cabinet, a tub, a laundry basket, a heater, and a controller. The laundry basket may be rotatably mounted within the tub and define a chamber for receipt of articles for washing or drying. The heater may be configured to heat and remove moisture. The controller may be operably coupled to the heater and configured to initiate a laundry operation. The laundry operation may include directing a dry cycle, directing the dry cycle comprising activating the heater according to the dry cycle. The laundry operation may also include receiving a plurality of motion signals during the dry cycle, evaluating the plurality of received motion signals, and determining a dry state of the articles based on the evaluation of the plurality of received motion signals. The laundry operation may further include modifying direction of the dry cycle based on the determined dry state.