Household Appliance Drying With Multispectral Moisture Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household appliances struggle to accurately detect the moisture content and type of objects being dried, leading to inconsistent drying results due to varying drying characteristics of different materials.
Innovation Solution
A household appliance equipped with a sensor that measures light intensity at specific wavelengths to determine moisture content using the Lambert-Beer law, and a controller that uses reference characteristics to identify the type of objects being dried, allowing for continuous monitoring and precise control of the drying process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If temperature measurement via thermal radiation is used to determine moisture content, then non-contact measurement is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to different drying characteristics of different materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from temperature (thermal radiation) to light reflection intensity across multiple wavelengths. By measuring reflected light at a first wavelength where water absorbs strongly and at second wavelengths where water absorbs weakly, the system obtains wavelength-dependent reflection characteristics that are material-specific, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining non-contact operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the wavelength dimension to the measurement process. Instead of measuring only temperature (single parameter), the system measures light reflection intensity across multiple wavelengths, creating a spectral fingerprint for each material type. This dimensional expansion enables both non-contact measurement and material-specific precision
2Device complexity
If single wavelength light measurement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to distinguish different materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the wavelength dimension by using multiple light sources emitting at different wavelengths. Each material type reflects light differently across wavelengths due to varying absorption characteristics, creating unique spectral signatures. This enables material identification without requiring complex multi-sensor arrays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the light measurement system multi-functional by using the same sensor to detect both moisture content (through absorption intensity) and material type (through spectral pattern recognition). The controller analyzes reflection characteristics across wavelengths to simultaneously determine both parameters, reducing overall device complexity
3Productivity
If drying process is stopped based on fixed time or single threshold, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to varying drying characteristics of different materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback control by repeatedly measuring light reflection characteristics during the drying process. The controller monitors changes in reflection intensity at multiple wavelengths and compares them against predetermined thresholds or reference characteristics. This enables real-time adjustment of drying parameters and accurate determination of drying completion based on actual material state rather than fixed timing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static drying control (fixed time/threshold) to dynamic control that adapts to material-specific drying characteristics. By continuously monitoring spectral changes and adjusting drying parameters in real-time, the system optimizes drying efficiency for each material type while ensuring consistent results
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 accurate and continuous monitoring of moisture content and type of objects being dried, ensuring optimal drying conditions and reducing the risk of defective drying results.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor is configured to detect a first measurement signal I in a water absorption band corresponding to a wavelength range in which water absorbs light
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a household appliance (10) with a drying function and with a device for detecting a humidity H of objects (20) to be arranged in the household appliance (10) to be dried, the household appliance (10) having: a container (18) for Accommodating the objects (20) to be dried, at least one sensor (12) for detecting at least one measurement signal in the form of a light intensity (I, I02, I03) reflected by the objects (20) to be dried, and a controller (16) which is connected to the at least one sensor (12) and in which at least one reference characteristic (30) is stored, the sensor (12) being configured to generate a first measurement signal (I) in a water absorption band corresponding to a wavelength range in which water absorbs light, to detect, and to detect at least one second measurement signal in a different wavelength range, which has a reflected light intensity (I0), and at d to give the controller (16), wherein the controller (16) is configured, on the basis of the first and the at least one second measurement signal and on the basis of the stored reference characteristic (30), to measure the moisture (H) of the objects (20) to be dried in to determine the container (18). The invention also relates to a household appliance (10) with a drying function and with a device for detecting a type of objects (20) to be dried that can be arranged in the household appliance (10) and a method for detecting humidity and/or for detecting a type of in objects to be dried which can be arranged in a domestic appliance (10).