Laundry Humidity Sensor Reuse for Capacitive User Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry appliances require dedicated and expensive hardware components to implement user presence/absence functionality, leading to increased costs and potential redesigns, as well as larger appliance sizes due to additional space occupation.
Innovation Solution
A laundry appliance that utilizes a conductive element for capacitive coupling with a user, sharing components with the humidity sensing arrangement, allowing the processing unit to assess user presence or absence based on electric signal patterns, thereby controlling appliance functionalities such as display, lighting, and data exchange without the need for dedicated hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If dedicated hardware components are used for user presence/absence functionality, then sensing capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive element originally designed for humidity sensing is made to serve dual purposes: both humidity measurement and user presence detection. The processing unit analyzes different patterns of electric signals from the same conductive element to distinguish between humidity changes and user proximity, eliminating the need for separate sensing hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the user presence sensing function with the existing humidity sensing arrangement by utilizing the same conductive element and processing unit. This consolidation reduces device complexity while maintaining both sensing capabilities through intelligent signal pattern recognition.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If dedicated hardware components are used for user presence/absence functionality, then sensing capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive element originally designed for humidity sensing is made to serve dual purposes: both humidity measurement and user presence detection. The processing unit analyzes different patterns of electric signals from the same conductive element to distinguish between humidity changes and user proximity, eliminating the need for separate sensing hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing conductive element and processing unit serve themselves by performing multiple functions. The system uses its own existing components to detect user presence, eliminating the need for additional dedicated hardware and reducing manufacturing costs.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If additional sensing components are added, then user presence detection is enabled, but appliance volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the user presence sensing function with the existing humidity sensing arrangement by utilizing the same conductive element and processing unit. This consolidation reduces device complexity while maintaining both sensing capabilities through intelligent signal pattern recognition.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functionalities are controlled concurrently, then user information needs are met, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts which functionalities are active based on real-time user presence detection. When a user is detected, the control unit enables relevant functions such as display, lighting, and audio outputs. When no user is present, these functions are deactivated to conserve energy, creating a dynamic adaptation to user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the conductive element's electric signal patterns to determine user presence and subsequently controls appliance functionalities accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust energy consumption based on actual user needs rather than operating at full capacity continuously.
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective implementation of user presence/absence functionality using existing components, reducing energy consumption and appliance size while maintaining effective control over appliance operations.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive element (160) electrically coupled to the processing unit (315) is arranged on a front structure (115) of the laundry appliance (100) such that, when an at least partially conductive body (such as the human body of a user) is in proximity of the conductive element (160), an electric signal is generated by capacitive coupling between the conductive element (160) and the least partially conductive body
Data Source
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AI summary
A laundry treatment appliance (100) is proposed which comprises: a humidity measuring arrangement (315, 325, 420) comprising a sensing unit (325, 420) for sensing an electric parameter associated with a laundry load housed in a laundry treatment chamber, a processing unit (315) for determining the humidity of the laundry load according to the sensed electric parameter; and a conductive element (160) electrically coupled to the processing unit (315) and arranged such that, when an at least partially conductive body is in proximity of the conductive element (160), an electric signal is generated by capacitive coupling between the conductive element (160) and the least partially conductive body, wherein the processing unit (315) is configured to assess a presence or absence of a user near the appliance according to a pattern of the electric signal at the processing unit (315).