Wirelessly Powered Additive Dispenser for Dryer Drum Misting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry appliances, such as dryers, lack the ability to automatically supply specific additives like dryer sheets or fabric protectors to laundry loads, requiring user intervention and estimation of additive quantities, and face challenges in providing power to dispensers without direct wired connections.
Innovation Solution
A wireless powered additive dispensing system for laundry appliances, comprising a transmitter power coil and a receiver power coil, along with a fluid pump and dispenser nozzle, allows for the automatic delivery of additives as a mist into the dryer drum, eliminating the need for direct user input and wired connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wired connection is used to power the additive dispensing assembly, then reliable power supply is achieved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with an electromagnetic wireless power transmission system. The transmitter coil generates an electromagnetic field that induces current in the receiver coil, eliminating the need for physical wire connections while maintaining reliable power supply to the additive dispensing assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium to transfer power between the power source and the additive dispensing assembly. The transmitter and receiver coils act as intermediaries that couple the power source to the dispenser without direct electrical connection, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Productivity
If automatic additive dispensing is implemented, then productivity and consistency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The additive dispensing assembly is designed to be multi-functional, capable of dispensing different types of additives (liquid, gel, foam) through a single unified system. This universal design improves productivity by eliminating the need for multiple separate dispensing mechanisms while managing complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic detection and dispensing capabilities that allow the additive dispensing assembly to operate autonomously. Sensors detect when additives are needed and trigger dispensing without manual intervention, improving productivity while the control system manages complexity through automated decision-making algorithms.
3Ease of operation
If wireless power transmission is used, then ease of installation and device flexibility are improved, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the transmitter and receiver coils in close proximity to each other, creating a localized strong electromagnetic field coupling. This local concentration of energy transfer minimizes energy loss in the wireless transmission while maintaining installation flexibility and convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless power transmission operates in periodic pulses rather than continuous transmission. The system activates the transmitter coil only when power is needed by the additive dispensing assembly, reducing overall energy loss while maintaining ease of installation and operational flexibility.
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
Enables the automatic and controlled dispensing of additives across various laundry loads, ensuring consistent application without user intervention, and provides a convenient, power-efficient solution for delivering additives like fabric softeners and UV protectors.
Implementation Method 1
The receiver power coil may be in selective wireless communication with the transmitter power coil to receive an electromagnetic field therefrom
Implementation Method 2
The fluid pump may motivate a volume of a liquid additive therefrom for the additive mist
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry or dryer appliance may include a cabinet, a drum, a transmitter power coil, and an additive dispensing assembly. The transmitter power coil may be mounted to the cabinet proximal to the door. The additive dispensing assembly may include a fluid pump, a receiver power coil, and a dispenser nozzle. The fluid pump may motivate a volume of a liquid additive therefrom for an additive mist to the drum. The receiver power coil may be in selective wireless communication with the transmitter power coil to receive an electromagnetic field therefrom. The receiver power coil may be operably coupled to the fluid pump. The dispenser nozzle may be directed toward the drum downstream from the fluid pump to guide the volume of the liquid additive into the space defined by the drum.