ADJUSTABLE DRYER BASED ON WEATHER

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 63/719,292 , filed Nov. 12, 2024, entitled “ADJUSTABLE DRYER BASED ON WEATHER,” and assigned to the assignee hereof. The contents of the prior application are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

In a rotatable enclosure, such as a dryer, heat may be moved into the enclosure (e.g., for drying clothes). The heat may be further forced from the enclosure and into an outdoor environment. However, forcing the heat outside may waste energy when an environment that includes the dryer is temperature controlled (e.g., using a heating system).

SUMMARY

In some implementations, a system may include an enclosure configured to rotate and at least one heating element, outside of the enclosure, configured to heat air. The system may include a fan configured to move the air through the enclosure, a first duct connecting the fan to an indoor environment, and a second duct connecting the fan to an outdoor environment. The system may include a valve configured to switch between a first position associated with the first duct and a second position associated with the second duct.

In some implementations, a system may include a fan configured to move air through a rotatable enclosure and a valve configured to switch between a first position, associated with a first duct that connects the fan to an indoor environment, and a second position associated with a second duct that connects the fan to an outdoor environment. The system may include a controller configured to activate the fan and operate the valve between the first position and the second position.

In some implementations, a device may include one or more processors. The one or more processors may be configured to transmit, to a fan configured to move air through a rotatable enclosure, a command to turn on; receive an input signal associated with a first duct connected to an indoor environment or a second duct connected to an outdoor environment; and transmit a control signal, based on the input signal, to a valve to trigger the valve to connect the fan to the first duct or connect the fan to the second duct.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams of an example implementation relating to an adjustable dryer, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are diagrams of example implementations relating to operation of an adjustable dryer, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of example components of one or more devices of FIGS. 2A-2C, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an example process relating to operation of an adjustable dryer, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description of example implementations refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements.

Some appliances, such as a dryer, move heated air into a rotatable enclosure (e.g., for drying clothes). The heated air may be further forced through a duct (e.g., via a fan) to an outdoor environment. However, when an indoor environment including the dryer is temperature controlled (e.g., with a forced air heating system or a boiler system, among other examples), forcing the heated air outside may waste energy (e.g., by triggering a heating system to generate more heat for the indoor environment even though the heated air in the enclosure was just forced to the outdoor environment).

Some implementations described herein enable selective use of a fan and a duct to move heat from a rotatable enclosure to an indoor environment including the enclosure. As a result, energy is conserved when the indoor environment is already being heated (e.g., on a regular, or at least semi-regular, basis). Additionally, in some implementations, the fan and the duct may be reconfigured to move heat from the rotatable enclosure to an outdoor environment. As a result, energy is conserved when the indoor environment is being cooled (e.g., with an air conditioning system).

FIGS. 1A and 1B depict an example implementation of an adjustable dryer from a side view 100 and from a top-down view 150, respectively. As shown in FIG. 1A, the adjustable dryer includes a door 101. The door 101 may be configured to swing (e.g., horizontally around axis z in FIG. 1A or vertically around axis x in FIG. 1A) along a hinge. The door 101 may be formed of a solid material (e.g., a metal, a plastic or another type of solid polymer, and/or a metal alloy, among other examples). The door 101 may, with additional sides, form an enclosed space (e.g., as described in connection with FIG. 1B), which is cylindrical in FIG. 1A. In some implementations, the door 101 may include a window 103 that allows a user to view the enclosed space. The window 103 may be formed of glass or another type of transparent material (e.g., poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) or another type of clear polymer, among other examples).

In some implementations, the adjustable dryer may include an intake vent 105. The intake vent 105 may allow air to flow from outside the adjustable dryer into (and through) the enclosed space.

As further shown in FIG. 1A, the adjustable dryer may include a supporting structure 107. The supporting structure 107 may be formed of a solid material (e.g., a metal, a plastic or another type of solid polymer, and/or a metal alloy, among other examples) to support one or more control knobs (e.g., control knob 109a and control knob 109b in FIG. 1A, although other examples may include fewer control knobs, additional control knobs, or even no control knobs at all). The supporting structure 107 may additionally or alternatively support a control panel 111 (e.g., a touch screen, a digital screen with accompanying buttons, or an analog screen with accompanying buttons, among other examples). The supporting structure 107 may protrude from the enclosed space such that a user may access the control knobs 109 and/or the control panel 111 without exposing the enclosed space (e.g., by opening the door 101).

In order to dry clothes or otherwise heat materials in the enclosed space, the adjustable dryer may include a set of heating elements (e.g., heating element 113 in FIG. 1A, although other examples may include additional heating elements). For example, the heating element 113 may include a filament that converts electrical current through the filament into heat and may be configured for use during a baking or cooking operation. Although the heating element 113 is described in connection with an electrical dryer, other examples may include a heating element used in a gas-powered dryer. For example, the heating element may include a vent for burning natural gas along with an automatic ignition switch (e.g., configured to produce a small spark to ignite the natural gas vented from the heating element).

To move air through the enclosed space, the adjustable dryer may include a fan 115. During a drying operation, the fan 115 may force air out of the enclosed space. Because forcing air out of the enclosed space results in a pressure drop, more air is forced into the enclosed space, via the intake vent 105, to equalize pressure. The air entering the enclosed space via the intake vent 105 may pass over and/or around the heating element 113 before entering the enclosed space (e.g., through a vent or another type of opening in the walls forming the enclosed space). Therefore, the fan 115 and the heating element 113 may cooperate to pass heated air through the enclosed space.

As further shown in FIG. 1A, the enclosed space of the adjustable dryer is rotatable. For example, a gear 117 may be configured to rotate (e.g., using a synchronous motor, an induction motor, or another type of alternating current (AC) motor; a brushed motor, a brushless motor, or another type of direct current (DC) motor; and/or a rotary engine, among other examples). A belt may connect the gear 117 may connect to the enclosed space, such that rotation of the gear 117 results in rotation of the enclosed space.

FIG. 1B depicts an enclosed space 119, as described above. As used herein, “enclosure” may refer to structural elements that envelop (or otherwise form or result in) the enclosed space 119. For example, the door 101, along with cylindrical walls, may be referred to as the “enclosure” of the adjustable dryer in FIGS. 1A-1B.

In FIG. 1B, the fan 115 includes a plurality of blades and is configured to move the air within a volume of the enclosed space 119 out of the enclosed space 119. For example, the plurality of blades may be patterned such that the plurality of blades physically push air out of the enclosed space 119 and towards valve 123 when the fan 115 is rotating the plurality of blades (e.g., using a synchronous motor, an induction motor, or another type of AC motor; a brushed motor, a brushless motor, or another type of DC motor; and/or a rotary engine, among other examples).

As further shown in FIG. 1B, the valve 123 may be physically connected (e.g., integrally, such as via welding, or externally, such as via an adhesive) to a first duct 125a. The first duct 125a may connect the fan 115 to an indoor environment for the adjustable dryer. Additionally, the valve 123 may be physically connected (e.g., integrally, such as via welding, or externally, such as via an adhesive) to a second duct 125b. The second duct 125b may connect the fan 115 to an outdoor environment (e.g., beyond a wall 127 that encloses the indoor environment). The ducts 125a and 125b may include a solid material (e.g., a metal, a plastic or another type of solid polymer, and/or a metal alloy, among other examples) that forms a hollow cylinder, prism, or another type of geometry such that gas may flow through a hollow portion of the ducts 125a and 125b and be directed by a solid portion of the ducts 125a and 125b.

The valve 123 may include a ball valve or another type of 3-way valve that allows air to flow from the enclosed space 119 through the first duct 125a or allows air to flow from the enclosed space 119 through the second duct 125b. In some implementations, the valve 123 may further disallow air to flow out of the enclosed space 119 through the valve 123. The valve 123 may be controlled by an electrical signal (e.g., from a controller, as described in connection with FIGS. 2A-2C).

As further shown in FIG. 1B, the first duct 125a may further include a filter 129. The filter 129 may be configured to trap (and thus remove) particulate matter from air that is vented from the enclosed space 119 (e.g., by the fan 115). Additionally, or alternatively, the filter 129 may be configured to catalyze pollutants in the air that is vented from the enclosed space 119 (e.g., by the fan 115). For example, the filter 129 may include one or more catalytic materials (e.g., platinum, rhodium, or palladium, among other examples) in a carrier (e.g., a washcoat). The filter 129 may catalyze redox reactions on toxic chemicals and pollutants in the air that is vented from the enclosed space 119 (e.g., by the fan 115). The filter 129 may include the catalytic material(s) when the adjustable dryer is gas-powered.

A user may initiate an operation by the adjustable dryer (e.g., using the control knob 109a, the control knob 109b, and/or the control panel 111). In one example, the user may initiate a drying cycle. In another example, the user may initiate a fluff cycle.

A controller (e.g., the device described in connection with FIG. 3) may receive a signal (whether analog or digital) that triggers the controller to activate the heating element 113. For example, the controller may transmit an activation signal (whether analog or digital) to the heating element 113. In some implementations, the controller may activate the heating element 113 during a drying cycle. The controller may vary an amount of heat generated by the heating element 113 for different types of drying cycles (e.g., less heat for a delicate or cottons mode as compared with a normal or colors mode). Similarly, the controller may transmit a deactivation signal (whether analog or digital) to the heating element 113. In some implementations, the controller may deactivate the heating element 113 after a drying cycle (and optionally to initiate a cool-down cycle).

The controller may additionally operate the gear 117. For example, the controller may transmit an activation signal (whether analog or digital) to the gear 117. In some implementations, the controller may activate the gear 117 (and thus initiate rotation of the enclosed space 119) during a drying cycle, a fluff cycle, or a cool-down cycle. Similarly, the controller may transmit a deactivation signal (whether analog or digital) to the gear 117. In some implementations, the controller may deactivate the gear 117 (and thus terminate rotation of the enclosed space 119) after a drying cycle, a fluff cycle, and/or a cool-down cycle. In a combinatory example, the controller may activate the heating element 113 and the gear 117 during a drying cycle. In another combinatory example, the controller may activate the gear 117 and deactivate the heating element 113 during a fluff cycle or a cool-down cycle.

The controller may additionally operate the fan 115. For example, the controller may activate or deactivate the fan 115 in response to temperature (e.g., as described in connection with FIG. 2A), input from the user (e.g., as described in connection with FIG. 2B), and/or a state of the door 101 (e.g., as described in connection with FIG. 2C). Additionally, or alternatively, the controller may activate or deactivate the fan 115 based on an operation of the adjustable dryer. For example, the controller may transmit a command to turn on, to the fan 115, based on a drying cycle starting, a fluff cycle starting, or a cool-down cycle starting. Therefore, the controller may activate expulsion of air from the enclosed space 119 during the drying cycle, the fluff cycle, or the cool-down cycle. In another example, the controller may transmit a command to turn off, to the fan 115, based on an end of a drying cycle, a cool-down cycle, or a fluff cycle. Therefore, the controller may deactivate expulsion of air from the enclosed space 119 after the drying cycle, the cool-down cycle, or the fluff cycle.

The controller may operate the valve 123 in addition to, or in lieu of, the fan 115. For example, the controller may operate the valve 123 between a first position (e.g., that allows air to flow from the enclosed space 119 through the first duct 125a), a second position (e.g., that allows air to flow from the enclosed space 119 through the second duct 125b), and/or a third position (e.g., that disallows air to flow out of the enclosed space 119 through the valve 123) in response to temperature (e.g., as described in connection with FIG. 2A), input from the user (e.g., as described in connection with FIG. 2B), and/or a state of the door 101 (e.g., as described in connection with FIG. 2C). Additionally, or alternatively, the controller may switch the valve 123 based on an operation of the adjustable dryer. For example, the controller may transmit a command to trigger the valve 123 to connect to the indoor environment (or to connect to the outdoor environment) based on a drying cycle starting. Therefore, the controller may direct air into the indoor environment (or the outdoor environment) during the drying cycle. In another example, the controller may transmit a command to trigger the valve 123 to connect to the indoor environment (or to connect to the outdoor environment) based on a cool-down cycle starting. Therefore, the controller may direct air into the indoor environment (or the outdoor environment) during the cool-down cycle.

Similarly, the controller may transmit a command to trigger the valve 123 to close both the first duct 125a and the second duct 125b based on an end of a drying cycle, an end of a fluff cycle, or an end of a cool-down cycle, among other examples. Therefore, the controller may keep air within the enclosed space 119 after the drying cycle, the fluff cycle, or the cool-down cycle.

As indicated above, FIGS. 1A-1B are provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard to FIGS. 1A-1B.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C depict example implementations 200, 230, and 260, respectively, of an adjustable dryer. Each implementation may include a controller 203, which may be a device as described in connection with FIG. 3 (e.g., and thus may include one or more processors, as described in connection with FIG. 3).

The controller 203 may communicate (e.g., wirelessly, such as over Bluetooth® or WiFi®) with at least one sensor. The at least one sensor may be configured for perform a measurement associated with the enclosed space 119, the door 101, the indoor environment, and/or the outdoor environment. Additionally, or alternatively, the controller 203 may communicate (e.g., using a wireless network, such as a WiFi network or a cellular network, and/or a wired network, such as the Internet or an intranet, among other examples) with an external device (e.g., a user device or a server, among other examples). Additionally, or alternatively, the controller 203 may communicate (e.g., over a wired connection, such as a bus) with the control knobs 109 and/or the control panel 111.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the example implementation 200 may include a temperature sensor 201a associated with the indoor environment. For example, the temperature sensor 201a may be a bimetallic strip sensor, a thermistor, a thermocouple, a resistance thermometer, a silicon bandgap temperature sensor, or an integrated circuit (IC) sensor, among other examples. The temperature sensor 201a may be mounted on the wall 127 or otherwise positioned within the indoor environment.

The controller 203 may operate the valve 123 based on an input signal (whether analog or digital) from the temperature sensor 201a. For example, the controller 203 may transmit a control signal to the valve 123 to trigger the valve 123 to connect the fan 115 to the indoor environment using the first duct 125a in response to the input signal indicating a temperature of the indoor environment that satisfies a coldness threshold. Accordingly, the controller 203 may direct air from the enclosed space 119 to the indoor environment when the indoor environment is sufficiently chilly. The coldness threshold may be a default value (e.g., stored in a memory of the controller 203), a value input by a user (e.g., via the control knobs 109 and/or the control panel 111, among other examples), or received from an external device (e.g., received wirelessly from a thermostat associated with the indoor environment). In another example, the controller 203 may transmit a control signal to the valve 123 to trigger the valve 123 to connect the fan 115 to the outdoor environment using the second duct 125b in response to the input signal indicating a temperature of the indoor environment that fails to satisfy the coldness threshold. Accordingly, the controller 203 may direct air from the enclosed space 119 to the outdoor environment when the indoor environment is sufficiently warm.

Additionally, or alternatively, the example implementation 200 may include a temperature sensor 201b associated with the outdoor environment. For example, the temperature sensor 201b may be a bimetallic strip sensor, a thermistor, a thermocouple, a resistance thermometer, a silicon bandgap temperature sensor, or an IC sensor, among other examples. The temperature sensor 201b may be mounted on the wall 127 or otherwise positioned within the outdoor environment.

The controller 203 may operate the valve 123 based on an input signal (whether analog or digital) from the temperature sensor 201b. For example, the controller 203 may transmit a control signal to the valve 123 to trigger the valve 123 to connect the fan 115 to the indoor environment using the first duct 125a in response to the input signal indicating a temperature of the outdoor environment that satisfies a coldness threshold. Accordingly, the controller 203 may direct air from the enclosed space 119 to the indoor environment when the outdoor environment is sufficiently chilly. The coldness threshold may be a default value (e.g., stored in a memory of the controller 203), a value input by a user (e.g., via the control knobs 109 and/or the control panel 111, among other examples), or received from an external device (e.g., received wirelessly from a thermostat associated with the indoor environment). In another example, the controller 203 may transmit a control signal to the valve 123 to trigger the valve 123 to connect the fan 115 to the outdoor environment using the second duct 125b in response to the input signal indicating a temperature of the outdoor environment that fails to satisfy the coldness threshold. Accordingly, the controller 203 may direct air from the enclosed space 119 to the outdoor environment when the outdoor environment is sufficiently warm.

In a combinatory example, the controller 203 may operate the valve 123 based on the input signal from the temperature sensor 201a in combination with the input signal from the temperature sensor 201b. For example, the controller 203 may transmit a control signal to the valve 123 to trigger the valve 123 to connect the fan 115 to the indoor environment using the first duct 125a in response to a temperature of the outdoor environment exceeding a temperature of the indoor environment. Accordingly, the controller 203 may direct air from the enclosed space 119 to the indoor environment when the indoor environment is colder than the outdoor environment. In another example, the controller 203 may transmit a control signal to the valve 123 to trigger the valve 123 to connect the fan 115 to the outdoor environment using the second duct 125b in response to a temperature of the indoor environment exceeding a temperature of the outdoor environment. Accordingly, the controller 203 may direct air from the enclosed space 119 to the outdoor environment when the indoor environment is warmer than the outdoor environment.

Additionally, or alternatively, the example implementation 200 may include an external device 201c associated with weather information. For example, the external device 201c may be a server associated with the National Weather Service, AccuWeather®, or The Weather Channel®, among other examples. The controller 203 may operate the valve 123 based on an input signal (whether analog or digital) from the external device 201c. For example, the controller 203 may transmit a control signal to the valve 123 to trigger the valve 123 to connect the fan 115 to the indoor environment using the first duct 125a in response to the input signal indicating a temperature of the outdoor environment that satisfies a coldness threshold. Accordingly, the controller 203 may direct air from the enclosed space 119 to the indoor environment when the outdoor environment is sufficiently chilly. In another example, the controller 203 may transmit a control signal to the valve 123 to trigger the valve 123 to connect the fan 115 to the outdoor environment using the second duct 125b in response to the input signal indicating a temperature of the outdoor environment that fails to satisfy the coldness threshold. Accordingly, the controller 203 may direct air from the enclosed space 119 to the outdoor environment when the outdoor environment is sufficiently warm. The input signal from the external device 201c may be used in combination with the input signal from the temperature sensor 201a, similarly as described above for a combination of the input signal from the temperature sensor 201b with the input signal from the temperature sensor 201a.

Although the example implementation 200 is described in connection with temperature sensors external to the enclosed space 119, other examples may additionally or alternatively include a temperature sensor within the enclosed space 119. Accordingly, the controller 203 may operate the valve 123 based on an input signal (whether analog or digital) from the temperature sensor within the enclosed space 119. For example, the controller 203 may transmit a control signal to the valve 123 to trigger the valve 123 to connect the fan 115 to the indoor environment using the first duct 125a in response to the input signal indicating a temperature of the enclosed space 119 that satisfies a warmness threshold. Accordingly, the controller 203 may direct air from the enclosed space 119 to the indoor environment when the enclosed space 119 is sufficiently hot. The warmness threshold may be a default value (e.g., stored in a memory of the controller 203) or a value input by a user (e.g., via the control knobs 109 and/or the control panel 111, among other examples). In another example, the controller 203 may transmit a control signal to the valve 123 to trigger the valve 123 to connect the fan 115 to the outdoor environment using the second duct 125b in response to the input signal indicating a temperature of the enclosed space 119 that fails to satisfy the warmness threshold. Accordingly, the controller 203 may direct air from the enclosed space 119 to the outdoor environment when the enclosed space 119 is sufficiently cold.

In a combinatory example, the controller 203 may operate the valve 123 based on the input signal from the temperature sensor 201a in combination with the input signal from the temperature sensor within the enclosed space 119. For example, the controller 203 may transmit a control signal to the valve 123 to trigger the valve 123 to connect the fan 115 to the indoor environment using the first duct 125a in response to a temperature of the enclosed space 119 exceeding a temperature of the indoor environment. Accordingly, the controller 203 may direct air from the enclosed space 119 to the indoor environment when the enclosed space 119 is warmer than the indoor environment. In another example, the controller 203 may transmit a control signal to the valve 123 to trigger the valve 123 to connect the fan 115 to the outdoor environment using the second duct 125b in response to a temperature of the indoor environment exceeding a temperature of the enclosed space 119. Accordingly, the controller 203 may direct air from the enclosed space 119 to the outdoor environment when the indoor environment is warmer than the enclosed space 119.

Although the example implementation 200 is described in connection with the controller 203 operating the valve 123, other examples may additionally or alternatively include the controller 203 operating the fan 115. For example, the controller 203 may transmit a control signal to the fan 115 to trigger the fan 115 to expel air from the enclosed space 119 in response to a temperature of the enclosed space 119 exceeding a temperature of the indoor environment. Accordingly, the controller 203 may direct air from the enclosed space 119 to the indoor environment (or the outdoor environment) when the enclosed space 119 is warmer than the indoor environment. In another example, the controller 203 may transmit a control signal to the to the fan 115 to trigger the fan 115 to power down in response to a temperature of the indoor environment exceeding a temperature of the enclosed space 119. Accordingly, the controller 203 may stop expelling air from the enclosed space 119 when the indoor environment is warmer than the enclosed space 119.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the example implementation 230 is similar to the example implementation 200 but includes an input device 231 instead of the temperature sensor 201a, the temperature sensor 201b, and the external device 201c. The input device 231 may be an IC associated with the control knobs 109 and/or the control panel 111. Additionally, or alternatively, the input device 231 may be connected (e.g., wirelessly) to a user device. Accordingly, the input device 231 may be configured to receive input from the user.

The controller 203 may operate the valve 123 based on an input signal (whether analog or digital) from the input device 231. For example, the controller 203 may transmit a control signal to the valve 123 to trigger the valve 123 to connect the fan 115 to the indoor environment using the first duct 125a in response to the input signal instructing the controller 203 to expel air from the enclosed space 119 and into the indoor environment. In another example, the controller 203 may transmit a control signal to the valve 123 to trigger the valve 123 to connect the fan 115 to the outdoor environment using the second duct 125b in response to the input signal instructing the controller 203 to expel air from the enclosed space 119 and into the outdoor environment.

Although the example implementation 230 is described in connection with the controller 203 operating the valve 123, other examples may additionally or alternatively include the controller 203 operating the fan 115. For example, the controller 203 may transmit a control signal to the fan 115 to trigger the fan 115 to expel air from the enclosed space 119 in response to the input signal instructing the controller 203 to expel air from the enclosed space 119. In another example, the controller 203 may transmit a control signal to the to the fan 115 to trigger the fan 115 to power down in response to the input signal instructing the controller 203 not to expel air from the enclosed space 119.

The example implementation 230 may be combined with the example implementation 200. For example, the input signal from the input device 231 (e.g., associated with the valve 123 and/or the fan 115) may override any input signals from the temperature sensor 201a, the temperature sensor 201b, and the external device 201c. In another example, the input signal from the input device 231 may authorize the controller 203 to instruct the fan 115 and/or the valve 123 based on one or more input signals from the temperature sensor 201a, the temperature sensor 201b, and/or the external device 201c.

As shown in FIG. 2C, the example implementation 260 is similar to the example implementation 200 but includes a sensor 261 associated with the door 101 instead of the temperature sensor 201a, the temperature sensor 201b, and the external device 201c. The sensor 261 may be a microwave sensor, an infrared sensor, or a pressure-sensing pad, among other examples.

The controller 203 may operate the valve 123 based on an input signal (whether analog or digital) from the sensor 261. For example, the controller 203 may transmit a control signal to the valve 123 to trigger the valve 123 to connect the fan 115 to the indoor environment using the first duct 125a in response to the input signal indicating that the door 101 is open. In another example, the controller 203 may transmit a control signal to the valve 123 to trigger the valve 123 to connect the fan 115 to the outdoor environment using the second duct 125b in response to the input signal indicating that the door 101 is closed.

Although the example implementation 260 is described in connection with the controller 203 operating the valve 123, other examples may additionally or alternatively include the controller 203 operating the fan 115. For example, the controller 203 may transmit a control signal to the fan 115 to trigger the fan 115 to expel air from the enclosed space 119 in response to the input signal indicating that the door 101 is closed. In another example, the controller 203 may transmit a control signal to the to the fan 115 to trigger the fan 115 to power down in response to the input signal indicating that the door 101 is open.

The example implementation 260 may be combined with the example implementation 200. In some implementations, the input signal from the sensor 261 may override any input signals from the temperature sensor 201a, the temperature sensor 201b, and the external device 201c. For example, the controller 203 may close the valve 123 and/or stop the fan 115 in response to the door 101 being open, regardless of any input signals from the temperature sensor 201a, the temperature sensor 201b, and the external device 201c. Additionally, or alternatively, the input signal from the sensor 261 may authorize the controller 203 to instruct the fan 115 and/or the valve 123 based on one or more input signals from the temperature sensor 201a, the temperature sensor 201b, and/or the external device 201c. For example, the controller 203 may use one or more input signals from the temperature sensor 201a, the temperature sensor 201b, and the external device 201c in response to the door 101 being closed.

Additionally, or alternatively, the example implementation 260 may be combined with the example implementation 230. In some implementations, the input signal from the sensor 261 may override any input signal from the input device 231. For example, the controller 203 may close the valve 123 and/or stop the fan 115 in response to the door 101 being open, regardless of the input signal from the input device 231. Additionally, or alternatively, the input signal from the sensor 261 may authorize the controller 203 to instruct the fan 115 and/or the valve 123 based on an input signal from the device 231. For example, the controller 203 may use the input signal from the input device 231 in response to the door 101 being closed.

As indicated above, FIGS. 2A-2C are provided as examples. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard to FIGS. 2A-2C.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of example components of a device 300, which may correspond to a control device in an adjustable dryer. In some implementations, the control device may include one or more devices 300 and/or one or more components of device 300. As shown in FIG. 3, the device 300 may include a bus 310, a processor 320, a memory 330, an input component 340, an output component 350, and a communication component 360.

The bus 310 includes one or more components that enable wired and/or wireless communication among the components of the device 300. The bus 310 may couple together two or more components of FIG. 3, such as via operative coupling, communicative coupling, electronic coupling, and/or electric coupling. The processor 320 includes a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit, a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor, a field-programmable gate array, an application-specific integrated circuit, and/or another type of processing component. The processor 320 is implemented in hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. In some implementations, the processor 320 includes one or more processors capable of being programmed to perform one or more operations or processes described elsewhere herein.

The memory 330 includes volatile and/or nonvolatile memory. For example, the memory 330 may include random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive, and/or another type of memory (e.g., a flash memory, a magnetic memory, and/or an optical memory). The memory 330 may include internal memory (e.g., RAM, ROM, or a hard disk drive) and/or removable memory (e.g., removable via a universal serial bus connection). The memory 330 may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The memory 330 stores information, instructions, and/or software (e.g., one or more software applications) related to the operation of the device 300. In some implementations, the memory 330 includes one or more memories that are coupled to one or more processors (e.g., processor 320), such as via the bus 310.

The input component 340 enables the device 300 to receive input, such as user input and/or sensed input. For example, the input component 340 may include a touch screen, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a button, a microphone, a switch, a sensor, a global positioning system sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and/or an actuator. The output component 350 enables the device 300 to provide output, such as via a display, a speaker, and/or a light-emitting diode. The communication component 360 enables the device 300 to communicate with other devices via a wired connection and/or a wireless connection. For example, the communication component 360 may include a receiver, a transmitter, a transceiver, a modem, a network interface card, and/or an antenna.

The device 300 may perform one or more operations or processes described herein. For example, a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., memory 330) may store a set of instructions (e.g., one or more instructions or code) for execution by the processor 320. The processor 320 may execute the set of instructions to perform one or more operations or processes described herein. In some implementations, execution of the set of instructions, by one or more processors 320, causes the one or more processors 320 and/or the device 300 to perform one or more operations or processes described herein. In some implementations, hardwired circuitry may be used instead of or in combination with the instructions to perform one or more operations or processes described herein. Additionally, or alternatively, the processor 320 may be configured to perform one or more operations or processes described herein. Thus, implementations described herein are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

The number and arrangement of components shown in FIG. 3 are provided as an example. The device 300 may include additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown in FIG. 3. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of components (e.g., one or more components) of the device 300 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of the device 300.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an example process 400 associated with operating an adjustable dryer. In some implementations, one or more process blocks of FIG. 4 may be performed by a control device. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more process blocks of FIG. 4 may be performed by one or more components of device 300, such as processor 320, memory 330, input component 340, output component 350, and/or communication component 360.

As shown in FIG. 4, process 400 may include transmitting, to a fan configured to move air through a rotatable enclosure, a command to turn on (block 410). For example, the control device (e.g., using processor 320, memory 330, and/or communication component 360) may transmit a command to turn on to a fan configured to move air through a rotatable enclosure.

As further shown in FIG. 4, process 400 may include receiving an input signal associated with a first duct connected to an indoor environment or a second duct connected to an outdoor environment (block 420). For example, the control device (e.g., using processor 320, memory 330, input component 340, and/or communication component 360) may receive an input signal associated with a first duct connected to an indoor environment or a second duct connected to an outdoor environment.

As shown in FIG. 4, process 400 may include transmitting a control signal, based on the input signal, to a valve to trigger the valve to connect the fan to the first duct or connect the fan to the second duct (block 430). For example, the control device (e.g., using processor 320, memory 330, and/or communication component 360) may transmit a control signal, based on the input signal, to a valve to trigger the valve to connect the fan to the first duct or connect the fan to the second duct.

Although FIG. 4 shows example blocks of process 400, in some implementations, process 400 may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or differently arranged blocks than those depicted in FIG. 4. Additionally, or alternatively, two or more of the blocks of process 400 may be performed in parallel.

The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications may be made in light of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the implementations.

As used herein, the term “component” is intended to be broadly construed as hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. It will be apparent that systems and/or methods described herein may be implemented in different forms of hardware, firmware, and/or a combination of hardware and software. The hardware and/or software code described herein for implementing aspects of the disclosure should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the operation and behavior of the systems and/or methods are described herein without reference to specific software code—it being understood that software and hardware can be used to implement the systems and/or methods based on the description herein.

As used herein, satisfying a threshold may, depending on the context, refer to a value being greater than the threshold, greater than or equal to the threshold, less than the threshold, less than or equal to the threshold, equal to the threshold, not equal to the threshold, or the like.

Although particular combinations of features are recited in the claims and/or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of various implementations. In fact, many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and/or disclosed in the specification. Although each dependent claim listed below may directly depend on only one claim, the disclosure of various implementations includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set. As used herein, a phrase referring to “at least one of” a list of items refers to any combination and permutation of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, and a-b-c, as well as any combination with multiple of the same item. As used herein, the term “and/or” used to connect items in a list refers to any combination and any permutation of those items, including single members (e.g., an individual item in the list). As an example, “a, b, and/or c” is intended to cover a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, and a-b-c.

When “a processor” or “one or more processors” (or another device or component, such as “a controller” or “one or more controllers”) is described or claimed (within a single claim or across multiple claims) as performing multiple operations or being configured to perform multiple operations, this language is intended to broadly cover a variety of processor architectures and environments. For example, unless explicitly claimed otherwise (e.g., via the use of “first processor” and “second processor” or other language that differentiates processors in the claims), this language is intended to cover a single processor performing or being configured to perform all of the operations, a group of processors collectively performing or being configured to perform all of the operations, a first processor performing or being configured to perform a first operation and a second processor performing or being configured to perform a second operation, or any combination of processors performing or being configured to perform the operations. For example, when a claim has the form “one or more processors configured to: perform X; perform Y; and perform Z,” that claim should be interpreted to mean “one or more processors configured to perform X; one or more (possibly different) processors configured to perform Y; and one or more (also possibly different) processors configured to perform Z.”

No element, act, or instruction used herein should be construed as critical or essential unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Further, as used herein, the article “the” is intended to include one or more items referenced in connection with the article “the” and may be used interchangeably with “the one or more.” Furthermore, as used herein, the term “set” is intended to include one or more items (e.g., related items, unrelated items, or a combination of related and unrelated items), and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Where only one item is intended, the phrase “only one” or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the terms “has,” “have,” “having,” or the like are intended to be open-ended terms. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise. Also, as used herein, the term “or” is intended to be inclusive when used in a series and may be used interchangeably with “and/or,” unless explicitly stated otherwise (e.g., if used in combination with “either” or “only one of”).