Measuring unit of household appliance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measuring units for household appliances like washing machines and tumble dryers lack effective and reliable methods for accurately collecting and transmitting process parameters such as temperature, pressure, and humidity, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage from harsh conditions and interference.
Innovation Solution
A wireless measuring unit with a tunnel-protected sensor, Li-Ion battery, 4-layer PCB electronics, and options for USB and inductive charging, designed to withstand harsh conditions and provide precise data collection and transmission, including an energy harvesting module for extended use and a waterproof housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the measuring sensor is exposed directly in the housing, then the sensor can detect parameters easily, but the sensor is damaged by harsh conditions and interference
Solution Approach 1:
A tunnel structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the sensor and the harsh environment. The tunnel extends into the housing and protects the sensor from direct exposure to mechanical impacts, noise, and other interference while still allowing the sensor to detect parameters like temperature, humidity, and pressure through the tunnel opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The tunnel acts as a protective shell structure that filters harmful mechanical elements while permitting thermal and humidity parameters to pass through for measurement. The tunnel's design allows it to block physical interference while maintaining sensor access to the measurement environment.
2Ease of operation
If wireless communication is used to transmit data, then data transmission is convenient, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous wireless transmission, the system uses periodic transmission where the sensor collects parameters continuously and transmits data at intervals or when threshold changes are detected. This reduces the overall energy consumption of the wireless communication module while maintaining data availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission frequency and power levels are dynamically adjusted based on parameter changes, load conditions, and battery status. When parameters are stable, transmission is reduced or suspended, conserving energy. When significant changes occur, transmission is activated to report new conditions.
3Volume of moving object
If the measuring unit is made compact for drum installation, then installation space is optimized, but sensor accuracy is reduced due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The tunnel structure extends in a specific dimension into the housing, creating a spatial separation between the sensor and sources of interference. This dimensional approach allows the compact unit to maintain sensor protection and measurement accuracy by positioning the sensor deep within the tunnel, away from mechanical impacts and noise.
4Duration of action of moving object
If energy storage capacity is increased for extended operation, then operating duration is extended, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically manages power consumption by adjusting transmission frequency, sensor sampling rates, and processing intensity based on operational conditions and battery status. This allows extended operating duration from a compact battery by optimizing energy usage patterns rather than simply increasing battery capacity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A measuring unit (11) of a household appliance (10) for collecting process parameters of the household appliance (10) comprises: a housing(12,13) an energy storage (18), a PCB electronics (19), and a measuring sensor (17). The measuring unit (11) is wirelessly connected with the household appliance (10) and the measuring sensor (17) is placed in a tunnel (15) which tunnel (15) extends into the housing (12, 13). The measuring unit is intended for use in a household appliance, especially washing machine or tumble dryer which is able to measure and collect the washing or drying parameters and are able to communicate wirelessly with the household appliance. Supervising the processes parameters helps to control the process and adjust the process parameters in order to achieve the best effectiveness of the household appliance.