Wireless communication assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current laundry machines face challenges in powering and communicating with sensors within a rotating drum due to the complexity and damage risks associated with wired connections, which can lead to inconsistent voltage readings and structural damage.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication assembly using a primary coil to generate an electromagnetic field and a secondary coil to convert this energy into power for sensors, enabling wireless power transfer and communication between modules, allowing sensors to transmit data back to a central processor without physical wires.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wired connections are used to power sensors and transmit data within the rotating drum, then power and communication can be established, but the wires may suffer damage or cause inconsistent voltage readings due to drum movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewire connection reliabilityVSAvoidwire damage and voltage inconsistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with an electromagnetic field-based wireless power and communication system. The primary coil generates an electromagnetic field that couples with the secondary coil to transfer power and data without physical wire connections, thereby eliminating wire damage and voltage inconsistency issues caused by drum rotation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary medium between the power source and sensors. The primary coil generates the electromagnetic field, which acts as a mediator to transfer energy and information to the secondary coil and sensors without requiring direct physical contact through wires

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If wires are run through the drum axis to power sensors, then sensors can be powered, but the structural strength of the axis is weakened and repair becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor powering capabilityVSAvoiddrum axis structural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the mechanical wire routing through the drum axis by using wireless electromagnetic coupling. The primary coil mounted on the drum exterior generates an electromagnetic field that penetrates to power the secondary coil and sensors inside the drum, preserving the structural integrity of the drum axis while maintaining sensor powering capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple wires are harnessed together through the drum axis, then multiple sensors can be powered, but the complexity of installation and repair increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-sensor powering capabilityVSAvoidwire harness complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical wire harness system with a simplified wireless electromagnetic field system. A single primary coil generates an electromagnetic field that can simultaneously power multiple secondary coils and sensors throughout the drum volume, eliminating the need for complex wire routing while maintaining the ability to power multiple sensors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnetic field generated by the primary coil serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power to multiple sensors, enables wireless communication, and eliminates the need for separate wiring for each sensor. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 provides a reliable and damage-resistant means of powering and communicating with sensors within a rotating drum, reducing structural risks and enabling accurate data collection on conditions like temperature, moisture, and turbidity without the need for complex wired connections.

Implementation Method 1

The first module includes a primary coil configured to generate an electromagnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The second module includes a secondary coil configured to convert energy within the electromagnetic field into electric power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9668084B2Wireless communication assembly

Publication Date: 2017.05.30 DEXTER LAUNDRY INC

AI summary

A wireless communication assembly includes a driver module connected to a first portion of a machine, such as a laundry machine, and a receiver module connected to a second portion of the machine, such as a rotatable drum. The first module includes a primary coil configured to generate an electromagnetic field and a first wireless transceiver. The second module includes a secondary coil configured to convert energy within the electromagnetic field into electric power, and a second wireless transceiver powered by the secondary coil and configured to communicate with the first wireless transceiver. One or more sensors may be positioned within the drum to measure various conditions. The receiver module may be powered by the secondary coil and when powered on, may communicate data from the one or more sensors to the first module.