Tumble Dryer Sensor Arrangement for Distributed Moisture Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tumble dryers face inaccuracies in measuring operational parameters due to sensors being placed at different points, leading to high inaccuracy and inflexibility in design, and require significant installation space.
Innovation Solution
A tumble dryer with a sensor arrangement featuring at least two sensors based on the same measuring principle, such as temperature, humidity, or pressure, arranged along the laundry carrier, equipped with a self-sufficient energy supply and interface for wireless data communication, allowing precise monitoring and control of drying programs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If sensors are placed at different points in the tumble dryer, then the measurement coverage is improved, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to detecting different measuring points
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor arrangement is divided into multiple individual sensors (at least two) that are distributed along the laundry carrier. Each sensor detects parameters at its specific location, and the control device processes these segmented measurements to determine overall laundry characteristics, thus achieving both wide coverage and maintained accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The sensors are arranged along the longitudinal extension of the laundry carrier rather than being clustered at a single point. This spatial distribution along one dimension (length of carrier) expands measurement coverage while the control device integrates these multi-point measurements to maintain overall measurement accuracy
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional sensor arrangements are used, then the installation is straightforward, but the installation space requirement increases and design flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensors are integrated into a single sensor arrangement unit that is mounted on the laundry carrier. This merging of multiple sensing functions into one compact assembly reduces the total installation space required while maintaining the capability to detect parameters at multiple locations along the carrier
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor arrangement serves multiple functions: it detects laundry parameters at multiple points, provides spatial distribution information, and maintains compact installation. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve enhanced measurement capabilities without proportionally increasing installation space requirements
3Measurement precision
If sensors are placed close to the measurement object, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the design flexibility and installation space are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The laundry carrier itself becomes a dynamic mounting structure that can be positioned at different locations within the tumble dryer drum. By moving the carrier (and the integrated sensor arrangement) to optimal positions, the system achieves close proximity to the laundry for accurate measurement while maintaining overall design flexibility through the carrier's mobility and repositionability
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a clothes dryer 1 with a control unit 8, a drum 3 for receiving laundry items in which at least one laundry carrier 5, 22 is arranged, wherein the laundry carrier 5, 22 contains a sensor arrangement 23 with at least two sensors 24, 25, 26, 27, an independent power supply 28 and an interface 29 for wireless data communication, and at least one evaluation unit 30 for sensor signals of the sensor arrangement 23, wherein the control unit 8 and the sensor arrangement 23 are configured to communicate wirelessly with each other, and wherein at least two sensors 24, 25, 26, 27 of the sensor arrangement 23 are based on the same measuring principle and are arranged along the laundry carrier 5, 22. The invention also relates to a method for operating such a clothes dryer.