A laundry dryer comprising a UV light source
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry dryers with UV light sources do not provide efficient sterilization throughout the drying process due to the limited operational lifespan of the UV light sources and varying radiation effectiveness at different temperatures, leading to incomplete disinfection.
Innovation Solution
A laundry dryer with a control unit that activates the UV light source based on temperature sensors and humidity detection, ensuring efficient operation between 40°C and 56°C, and deactivates it below 4°C or above 56°C to enhance sterilization efficacy and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UV light source is activated after the drying process, then sterilization is provided, but the sterilization efficiency is reduced due to lower temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The UV light source is activated during the drying process before the drying is complete, rather than after. The control unit determines activation based on temperature and humidity conditions, ensuring the UV source operates when temperatures are optimal for sterilization efficacy, thereby performing the sterilization action in advance rather than as an afterthought
2Use of energy by moving object
If the UV light source operates at temperatures below 40°C, then energy consumption is reduced, but sterilization performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit monitors temperature parameters and uses them to determine when to activate the UV light source. By changing the operational parameter (activation state) based on the temperature condition, the system ensures the UV source only operates when temperatures are sufficient for effective sterilization, thus maintaining sterilization performance while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption at low temperatures
3Reliability
If the UV light source operates above 56°C, then sterilization is effective, but the light source lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit uses temperature parameters to control the activation of the UV light source, activating it only within the optimal temperature range (below 56°C) where sterilization is effective but the light source lifespan is preserved. This parameter-based control resolves the contradiction by finding the optimal operating window
4Reliability
If the UV light source is activated throughout the entire drying process, then continuous sterilization is provided, but energy waste increases due to operation at suboptimal temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically changes the operational state of the UV light source based on real-time temperature and humidity parameters. Instead of continuous activation, the system activates the UV source only when parameters indicate optimal sterilization conditions, thereby maintaining effective sterilization coverage while eliminating energy waste during suboptimal 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 control unit ensures effective sterilization of laundry by optimizing UV light source activation according to temperature and humidity conditions, improving disinfection performance and energy savings.
Implementation Method 1
a UV light source (8) which is disposed in the body (2) and which emits UV light into the drum (3)... UV light sources are used to eliminate viruses and bacteria in the laundry dryers
Implementation Method 2
a compressor (5) which is disposed in the body (2) and which provides the refrigerant cycle
Implementation Method 3
an air circulation duct (4) which provides the delivery of the drying air into the drum (3)
Implementation Method 4
a first temperature sensor (6) which is disposed on the compressor (5) and which measures a temperature of the compressor (5); a second temperature sensor (7) which is disposed in the air circulation duct (4) and which measures a temperature of the air drawn from the drum (3)
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a laundry dryer (1) comprising a body (2); a drum (3) which is disposed in the body (2) and wherein the laundry is loaded; an air circulation duct (4) which provides the delivery of the drying air into the drum (3); a compressor (5) which is disposed in the body (2) and which provides the refrigerant cycle; a first temperature sensor (6) which is disposed on the compressor (5) and which measures the temperature of the compressor (5); a second temperature sensor (7) which is disposed in the air circulation duct (4) and which measures the temperature of the air drawn from the drum (3); and a UV light source (8) which is disposed in the body (2) and which emits UV light into the drum (3).