Sensor module and laundry treating apparatus having the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry treating apparatuses require separate installation and management of vibration and water level sensors, increasing manufacturing processes and complexity.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a sensor module that simultaneously detects the water level and vibration of the tub, using a housing with a pressure sensor for water level detection and a vibration sensor, connected via a water level detecting pipe, and a sensor module mount for secure installation on the tub.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If vibration sensor and water level sensor are installed separately, then each sensor can be individually managed and maintained, but the number of manufacturing processes increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the vibration sensor and water level sensor into a single integrated sensor module that is installed together as one unit. The sensor module includes both sensors mounted on a common structure, allowing simultaneous detection of vibration and water level while reducing the number of installation steps and simplifying manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor module serves multiple functions by integrating both vibration detection and water level detection capabilities into a single device. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate installation and management of individual sensors, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of manufacture.
2Productivity
If separate sensors are used, then each sensor can be optimized for its specific function, but the installation requires multiple separate processes and parts management becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the vibration sensor and water level sensor into a single sensor module, the patent reduces parts management complexity. The integrated module is handled as one component during installation and inventory management, significantly improving installation efficiency while maintaining the specialized detection capabilities of each sensor type.
3Reliability
If multiple separate sensors are installed, then comprehensive detection is achieved, but space utilization is reduced and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves comprehensive detection of both vibration and water level by integrating these sensing functions into a single sensor module. This consolidation maintains full detection capability while occupying less space compared to separate sensor installations, thereby improving space utilization without compromising 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
Reduces manufacturing processes and complexity by allowing simultaneous detection of tub vibration and water level, enhancing space utilization and simplifying installation.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure of the water level detecting pipe
Implementation Method 2
a vibration sensor for detecting a vibration of the tub
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a sensor module and a laundry treating apparatus including the same. The laundry treating apparatus includes a cabinet forming an outer shape of the apparatus, a tub disposed inside the cabinet in a vibrating manner, a drum rotatably disposed inside the tub, a motor disposed on the tub to rotate the drum, a water supplier for supplying washing water to the tub, a water discharger for discharging the washing water in the tub, a sensor module detecting a water level of the washing water stored in the tub, and at the same time, detecting a vibration of the tub, and a sensor module mount disposed on a rear portion of a top of the tub, wherein the sensor module is detachably installed into the sensor module mount.