Steam Additive Control in Dryers for Load-Specific Textile Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing textile drying methods do not optimize the effect of additives and their consumption, as they supply additives in a fixed manner independent of textile requirements, leading to inefficient use and potential overconsumption.
Innovation Solution
A method and dryer system that supply at least one additive to textiles during the drying cycle, with parameters adjusted based on program selection and textile characteristics, such as weight and type, using a control unit to optimize additive effect and reduce consumption, including the use of steam and other additives like fragrance or disinfectants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If additives are supplied in a fixed manner independent of textile requirements, then the drying process can be simplified and operated consistently, but the effect of additives is not optimized and consumption is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of additive supply parameters based on detected textile characteristics. The control unit modifies at least one additive supply parameter in dependency of detected textile characteristics such as weight, humidity, or material type, transforming the fixed supply system into a dynamic one that adapts to varying textile requirements throughout the drying cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical or chemical parameters of additive supply based on textile characteristics. The control unit modifies parameters such as additive amount, flow rate, temperature, or supply timing in dependency of detected textile properties, enabling optimized additive effect while reducing overall consumption by supplying only what is needed for each specific load.
2Ease of operation
If additives are supplied in a fixed manner, then the device operation is simple, but the effect of additive treatment is not optimized for different textile requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting textile characteristics and autonomously modifying additive supply parameters without user intervention. The control unit receives detection signals from sensors measuring textile properties and automatically changes additive supply parameters, enabling the system to serve itself in optimizing the drying process for varying textile loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where detection means continuously monitor textile characteristics during the drying cycle and provide information to the control unit, which then adjusts additive supply parameters accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that additive treatment effect is optimized based on actual textile conditions while maintaining automated operation.
3Loss of substance
If the dryer system detects and adjusts parameters based on textile characteristics, then additive effect is optimized and consumption is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it controls the drying cycle, receives signals from various detection means (weight sensors, humidity sensors), determines textile characteristics, and adjusts additive supply parameters. By making the control unit universal and multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity while achieving optimized additive management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the detection means and control functions into an integrated system where the control unit processes information from multiple sensors and directly controls additive supply. By merging the control of drying parameters and additive supply adjustment into a single coordinated system, the patent reduces complexity compared to having separate independent systems for each function.
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 approach ensures that additives are used optimally and efficiently, tailored to the specific requirements of the textiles, reducing waste and enhancing drying performance by adjusting parameters like amount, flow rate, and composition based on the selected program and detected characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
Introduction into the air or onto the textiles may be performed by a supply unit producing steam
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Method of drying textiles in a dryer (2), the drying sequence including the supply of at least one additive to the textiles, wherein at least one additive supply parameter is modified in dependency of a program selection and/or textile characteristic; characterized in that the additive is injected as steam, in particular the steam being water steam or mainly comprising water; and the at least one additive supply parameter is modified in dependency of the weight of the textiles.