Portable dehumidifier with remote moisture sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable dehumidifiers often shut off when the surrounding air is dry, even if there is still moisture present in the form of wet clothes or standing water, leading to inefficient operation and potential energy wastage.
Innovation Solution
A portable dehumidifier equipped with a remote moisture sensor that can be positioned independently of the dehumidifier housing to sense moisture levels, allowing for more accurate control of the dehumidification process based on moisture conditions at the sensor's location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a portable dehumidifier uses an integrated moisture sensor to control operation, then the device can automatically shut off when air humidity is low, but it will incorrectly shut off when moisture is present on surfaces or in clothing despite dry air
Solution Approach 1:
The moisture sensing function is segmented from the main dehumidifier housing into a separate, remotely positionable sensor unit. This allows the sensor to be placed in direct contact with or proximity to the target object (clothing, surfaces) while the dehumidifier remains positioned for optimal air circulation. The segmented design resolves the contradiction by enabling the sensor to independently detect local moisture conditions without being constrained by the housing's position or integrated sensor limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
A remote moisture sensor acts as an intermediary between the dehumidifier's control system and the target moisture source. The sensor transmits moisture level data to the controller, which then adjusts operation accordingly. This intermediary enables accurate moisture detection at the point of interest while maintaining automated control, resolving the reliability issue without sacrificing automation.
2Productivity
If the dehumidifier is positioned for optimal air circulation, then cooling and dehumidification efficiency is maximized, but the integrated sensor cannot accurately detect moisture on specific surfaces or clothing
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the sensing function into a separate unit, the sensor can be independently positioned on or near the target object (clothing, surfaces) while the dehumidifier housing maintains its optimal position for air intake and circulation. This segmentation allows both dehumidification efficiency and moisture detection accuracy to be maximized simultaneously without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the sensor detection from the air space dimension to the surface contact dimension. The remote sensor can be placed in direct contact with or immediate proximity to the target surface, detecting moisture at the source rather than inferring it from ambient air humidity. This dimensional shift enables precise local moisture detection while the housing operates optimally in the air circulation dimension.
3Reliability
If the dehumidifier runs continuously to ensure complete drying of moisture, then all moisture is removed, but energy is wasted once the target is dry
Solution Approach 1:
The remote moisture sensor provides continuous feedback to the controller about the actual moisture level of the target object. When the sensor detects that the target has reached the desired dryness level, the controller automatically shuts off the dehumidifier. This feedback mechanism ensures complete drying is achieved while preventing unnecessary continued operation, thereby eliminating energy waste without compromising drying reliability.
4Reliability
If a remote moisture sensor is used to accurately detect moisture at the source, then operational effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While segmentation does increase component count, it simplifies the control logic by separating sensing from actuation. The remote sensor unit is a simple detection device that only needs to transmit moisture level data, while the controller handles all decision-making. This segmentation makes the system more modular and easier to implement reliably compared to trying to integrate complex sensing capabilities into the housing.
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 remote moisture sensor enables the dehumidifier to continue operating effectively even when the air is dry, ensuring that moisture on surfaces or in clothing is properly dried, thereby improving energy efficiency and operational effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
A fan draws moist air into the dehumidifier and over the evaporator to cool the air and cause water vapor in the air to condense on the surface of the evaporator
Implementation Method 2
a condenser that expels heat
Implementation Method 3
the remote moisture sensor includes a conductivity sensor, a humidity sensor, or a continuity sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A portable dehumidifier includes a remote moisture sensor that is capable of being physically positioned at a location that is remote from a portable housing of the portable dehumidifier to sense moisture at the location. In some instances, the remote moisture sensor may be positioned near or on clothing in order to sense the dryness of the clothing and/or positioned near or on floors, walls, furniture, etc., in order sense the dryness thereof in connection with water damage restoration.