Damper with displacement sensor for laundry appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing displacement sensors for washing machines and dryers are complex to handle and mount, leading to increased assembly time and production costs, and require complete damper replacement for maintenance, which is costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A pre-assembled displacement sensor module for telescopic-type dampers, comprising a coil element and electronic detection unit, designed for easy mounting and replacement, with a modular design that allows snap-on or screw-on attachment, reducing assembly time and costs, and enabling efficient detection of relative displacement and weight of laundry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a displacement sensor is mounted on a telescopic-type damper in a washing machine, then the displacement and weight of laundry can be detected, but the sensor is complex to handle and mount, increasing assembly time and production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The displacement sensor is segmented into a modular sensor module that can be independently handled and mounted. The sensor module includes a sensor element mounted on a support structure with electrical connections, allowing it to be assembled separately and then attached to the damper as a complete unit, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor element is pre-mounted on the support structure with electrical connections established before attachment to the damper. This preliminary assembly of the sensor module reduces the complexity during final installation, as the entire sensor assembly can be mounted in one operation rather than assembling individual components on the damper during production
2Measurement precision
If a displacement sensor is mounted on a telescopic-type damper, then displacement measurement is enabled, but complete damper replacement is required for maintenance, which is costly and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is segmented into a removable sensor module that can be separated from the damper body. This modular design allows the sensor module to be independently accessed, removed, and replaced without affecting the damper structure, enabling simple maintenance operations while preserving the integrated sensor-damper functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor element is extracted as a separate, removable component from the damper assembly. The sensor module can be taken out for maintenance or replacement while the damper remains in place, eliminating the need for complete damper replacement and reducing maintenance costs and complexity
3Measurement precision
If a coil unit with wire connections to an evaluating unit is used, then displacement measurement is achieved, but the wiring and mounting complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor element, support structure, and electrical connections are merged into a single integrated sensor module. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate wire routing and connection steps, as the complete sensor assembly with its electrical interfaces can be mounted as one unit, reducing wiring complexity while maintaining the coil unit's measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure acts as an intermediary that integrates the sensor element and electrical connections into a unified module. This intermediate structure provides mechanical support and electrical pathways within the module itself, reducing the need for external wiring and simplifying the overall device 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
The solution simplifies the handling and mounting of displacement sensors, reduces assembly and production costs, and allows for easy maintenance by enabling the replacement of only the necessary parts, while improving measurement accuracy and compatibility with existing control electronics.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor element changes the inductivity of the coil unit. As the change of inductivity is proportional to the penetration depth of the piston into the coil unit, the travel path length of the piston can be determined
Data Source
AI summary
A displacement sensor module 1 for mounting on a telescopic-type damper 30, a damper/detector assembly including such a displacement sensor module and a telescopic-type damper, and a household appliance including such a damper/detector assembly is provided. The displacement sensor module 1 includes at least one coil element 4, an electronic detection unit 8 connected to the at least one coil element 4 and adapted to detect an impedance change of the at least one coil element, and a coil housing 2 for receiving and additionally or alternatively a coil support 6 for supporting the at least one coil element 4 and for supporting the electronic detection unit 8. The displacement sensor module 1 is adapted to be mounted on a telescopic-type damper 30, wherein in particular the housing 2 or support 6 is adapted to fit over a portion of a pre-assembled damper 30.