Heater and control scheme for multi-compartment dryer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-compartment dryers face limitations in throughput due to electrical constraints, such as home outlets not exceeding 30 amperes, which restrict simultaneous operation of both dryer compartments, necessitating a solution to optimize energy usage and heating distribution.
Innovation Solution
A heater arrangement with a relay system that diverts power from a first heater to a second heater based on temperature demands and heating capacities, using sensors to manage power distribution between the heaters to prioritize heating in each compartment and maximize throughput within electrical limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If power is diverted from the first heater to the second heater when the first dryer compartment reaches target temperature, then throughput is increased and dry time is reduced, but the first dryer compartment may not maintain optimal heating capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by using a relay to switch power allocation between heaters based on real-time temperature conditions. When the first dryer compartment reaches target temperature, power is dynamically diverted to the second heater; when it needs heating, power is redirected back. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by ensuring the first compartment maintains reliable heating capacity only when needed, while maximizing overall throughput through intelligent power redistribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors temperature in both dryer compartments and uses this feedback to make real-time power allocation decisions. The relay switches power between heaters based on feedback from temperature sensors, ensuring that the first compartment receives power when it needs heating while allowing the second compartment to utilize diverted power when the first is sufficiently heated, thus maintaining reliability while improving productivity.
2Speed
If both dryer compartments operate simultaneously at full power, then drying speed is maximized, but electrical constraints (30-ampere outlet limit) are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic alternation of power allocation between the two heaters through the relay control system. Instead of both heaters operating at full power simultaneously (which would exceed electrical limits), the system periodically switches power allocation based on which compartment needs heating more urgently. This periodic action allows both compartments to receive full power at different times, maximizing overall drying speed while staying within the 30-ampere electrical constraint.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the heaters by dynamically adjusting which heater receives full power versus which operates at reduced or zero power. This parameter change approach allows the system to maximize drying speed by ensuring at least one heater always operates at full capacity while the other receives diverted power or remains off, thereby adhering to electrical constraints without significantly compromising overall drying performance.
3Productivity
If power is diverted to the second heater, then the second dryer compartment can operate more efficiently, but the relay system adds complexity to the control mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The relay acts as an intermediary device that simplifies the power management between the two heaters. Instead of requiring a complex control system to directly manage power distribution, the relay serves as a straightforward switching mechanism that responds to control signals from the appliance controller. This intermediary approach enables efficient power diversion to the second heater while keeping the control architecture relatively simple and easy to implement.
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 allows for increased throughput by efficiently diverting power between heaters, ensuring that both compartments can operate simultaneously while staying within electrical constraints, thereby shortening dry times and enhancing the overall performance of the multi-compartment dryer.
Implementation Method 1
The relay, responsive to a demand for heat to the first dryer compartment and the first dryer compartment having a temperature being less than a target temperature, diverts power to the first heater
Data Source
AI summary
A heater arrangement for a multi-compartment appliance comprises a first heater, a second heater, and a relay. The first heater is disposed within a first airflow path for a first dryer compartment. The second heater is disposed within a second airflow path for a second dryer compartment. The relay interconnects, via an electrical harness, the first and second heaters. The relay, responsive to a demand for heat to the first dryer compartment and the first heater having a temperature being less than a target temperature, diverts power to the first heater.