Scanner for a device for measuring moisture content of laundry, device and laundry dryer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing moisture content detection systems in tumble dryers with rotating drying drums face issues with long-term functionality due to wear and tear, particularly in professional settings where high loads and diverse textile types accelerate the degradation of carbon contacts.
Innovation Solution
The use of electrically conductive plastic for sliding contacts with reduced friction and low electrical resistance, designed for durability at elevated temperatures, ensures prolonged functionality and minimizes the need for maintenance or repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If carbon contacts are used in the scanner, then the initial functionality for moisture content detection is achieved, but the service life is limited due to wear and tear from friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the sliding contact from traditional carbon to electrically conductive plastic with specific friction characteristics (sliding friction value ≤ 0.6). This parameter change reduces wear and extends the functional lifespan while maintaining electrical conductivity for moisture detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material - electrically conductive plastic - that combines the low friction properties of plastics with electrical conductivity. This composite material simultaneously achieves low wear through reduced friction and maintains the necessary electrical properties for the moisture content detection function
2Reliability
If high-friction materials are used for sliding contacts, then manufacturing and electrical properties are maintained, but wear increases reducing service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a maximum sliding friction value (μ ≤ 0.6) for the contact material, changing the friction parameter from high to low. This reduces wear and extends service life while the material maintains necessary electrical properties for detection functionality
3Measurement precision
If traditional contact materials are used, then initial detection accuracy is achieved, but functionality degrades over time due to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs electrically conductive plastic as a composite material that simultaneously provides low friction for reduced wear and sufficient electrical conductivity for accurate moisture detection. This resolves the contradiction between maintaining measurement precision and ensuring long-term reliability
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 extends the service life of the scanner and tumble dryer, reducing customer service calls and maintaining accurate moisture content detection without the need for maintenance over the entire service life, especially in high-load professional environments.
Implementation Method 1
The sliding contact has a sliding friction value, dynamic against steel, of less than or equal to 0.6, preferably less than or equal to 0.4, particularly preferably less than or equal to 0.2
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor (14) for a device for detecting the moisture content of laundry (24) located in a clothes dryer (2) with a rotatable drying drum (4), comprising a holder (16) and at least one sliding contact (18, 20) spring-mounted on the holder (16) for sliding contact with a contact strip (8, 10) arranged on the drying drum (4) or the drying drum of the clothes dryer. To provide a sensor (14), a device for detecting the moisture content of laundry (24), and a clothes dryer (2) with such a device in which proper functioning of the moisture content detection of the laundry (24) is ensured over a long period of time, it is proposed that the sliding contact (18, 20) be made of an electrically conductive plastic.Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for detecting moisture content and a clothes dryer (2) with a rotatable drying drum (4).