Drying device, humidity measurement method and drying control method therefor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining clothes dryness based on resistance measurement are inaccurate when clothes are dried unevenly, failing to account for varying humidity at different positions, leading to ineffective drying.

Innovation Solution

A drying device with rotatable electrode plates forming capacitors, which measure capacitance values to determine the position of maximum humidity, allowing targeted adjustment of air outlets for improved drying.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a resistance sensor is used to measure humidity of clothes, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision is poor when clothes are dried unevenly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehumidity measurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement system is segmented into multiple electrode plates (at least two first electrode plates and at least two second electrode plates) positioned at different locations. Each electrode plate measures humidity at its specific position, allowing the system to capture spatial variations in humidity distribution throughout the clothes rather than relying on a single measurement point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a single-point measurement approach to a multi-dimensional measurement approach by distributing electrode plates throughout the treatment chamber. The rotatable treatment chamber enables measurements to be taken from multiple angular positions, adding a rotational dimension to the measurement space and comprehensively mapping humidity distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If the treatment chamber rotates to multiple positions for measurement, then the measurement precision improves, but the measurement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehumidity measurement precisionVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The treatment chamber rotates periodically to predetermined positions where measurements are taken. By rotating to specific angular positions (e.g., 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) and taking measurements at each position, the system efficiently captures humidity distribution from multiple angles without requiring continuous rotation or excessive measurement points, thus balancing precision with time efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

Accurately identifies the position of maximum humidity, enabling targeted drying that enhances drying efficiency and effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

Multiple capacitors are formed between the second electrode plates and the first electrode plates. The control unit is configured to acquire capacitance values of the multiple capacitors and determine a position with the maximum humidity of the clothes based on the capacitance values of the multiple capacitors.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP4682305A1Drying device, humidity measurement method and drying control method therefor
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 QINGDAO HAIER WASHING MASCH CO LTD
  • EP4682305A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4682305A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4682305A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided are a drying device, a humidity measurement method and a drying control method thereof. The drying device comprises a treatment chamber (20) configured to place and treat clothes, at least two first electrode plates (A1, A2), at least two second electrode plates (B1, B2), and a control unit, where the treatment chamber (20) is rotatable; the at least two first electrode plates (A1, A2) are horizontally and fixedly mounted on one side of the treatment chamber (20) and spaced apart and insulated from the treatment chamber (20); the at least two second electrode plates (B1, B2) are mounted on the treatment chamber (20) in an insulating manner and rotatable along with the treatment chamber (20), a plurality of capacitors are formed among the second electrode plates (B1, B2) and the first electrode plates (A1, A2); and the control unit is configured to acquire capacitance values of the plurality of capacitors and determine, based on the capacitance values of the plurality of capacitors, a position with the maximum humidity of the clothes.