Self-Powered Sensing Device for Dryer Drum Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in selecting the appropriate mode for drying different types of items in a dry apparatus, leading to potential damage and inefficiencies, particularly with large items like bedding which require longer drying times, and existing methods struggle to accurately measure dryness, resulting in incomplete drying or excessive energy use.
Innovation Solution
A dry apparatus equipped with a user interface, communication interface, drum, hot wind supplying device, and a sensing device that generates power through movement, allowing the processor to control the operation of the hot wind supplying device based on input settings and sensing data, including humidity and temperature, to determine optimal drying times and settings for various items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the user directly selects a mode for drying, then the drying process can be started immediately, but the user may misunderstand the type of subject to be dried and select a wrong mode causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing device automatically detects the type of subject to be dried and selects the appropriate drying mode without user intervention. The device serves itself by using sensors to identify fabric type, moisture content, and other characteristics, then autonomously configures the drying parameters, eliminating the need for manual mode selection while preventing wrong mode selection
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing device continuously monitors the drying process and provides feedback to the control unit, which adjusts the drying mode and parameters in real-time based on the detected state of the subject. This closed-loop control ensures the correct mode is maintained throughout the drying process
2Manufacturing precision
If the user selects a longer drying time for large items like bedding, then the inner side can be dried completely, but the user needs to manually select the appropriate mode or set additional drying process
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing device automatically detects whether the subject is a large item like bedding and autonomously selects the appropriate drying mode with extended duration and specific parameters for large items. The device self-configures the drying process without requiring the user to manually select special modes or set additional drying cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The drying process dynamically adjusts its parameters based on real-time sensing data. The control unit modifies drying time, temperature, and airflow patterns during the process based on moisture detection, allowing the system to adapt to different item sizes and moisture distributions automatically
3Manufacturing precision
If an additional drying process is performed after the initial drying is completed, then the subject can be dried more thoroughly, but the subject may smell bad and power is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing device continuously monitors moisture content and provides real-time feedback to the control unit. When the subject reaches the desired dryness level, the system automatically stops the drying process, preventing over-drying. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for additional drying cycles while avoiding energy waste and preventing the subject from developing unpleasant odors
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies drying action only to the extent necessary to achieve the desired result. By using sensors to detect when the drying objective is met, the system avoids excessive drying action that would waste energy and potentially damage the subject
4Device complexity
If the sensing device is equipped with self-power generation capability, then the device can operate without external power source, but the sensing device needs to move inside the drum to generate voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the natural movement of the drum during the drying process into useful electrical energy. The sensing device harnesses the kinetic energy from the drum's rotation to generate voltage through electromagnetic induction or piezoelectric effects, transforming what would be ordinary operational movement into a power generation opportunity. This eliminates the need for separate power sources while requiring no additional user 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
The system ensures accurate determination of drying times and settings for different items, preventing damage and optimizing energy use by automatically adjusting based on sensed data, ensuring thorough drying without excessive power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a sensing device configured to perform self-power generation based on a movement of the sensing device inside the drum while the drum is being rotated
Implementation Method 2
a hot wind supplying device configured to supply hot air to the drum in association with the dry course to dry the subject while the subject is accommodated in drum
Data Source
AI summary
A dryer comprising: a user interface configured to receive input for a drying course; a communication interface; a drum; a hot air supply device to supply hot air to the drum; a sensing device, enabled to self-generate power based on a movement of the sensing device inside the drum while the drum is being rotated and transmits sensing data according to a voltage generated according to the self-power generation to the communication interface; and a processor to control an operation of the hot air supply device on the basis of the input for the drying course received through the user interface, where the control of the operation of the hot wind supplying device by the processor includes determining an operation time during which the hot air supply device operates to supply the hot air to the drum on the basis of the sensing data.