US20230389773A1 - Systems and methods of sensor transfer function identification in appliances - Google Patents
Systems and methods of sensor transfer function identification in appliances Download PDFInfo
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- US20230389773A1 US20230389773A1 US17/829,419 US202217829419A US2023389773A1 US 20230389773 A1 US20230389773 A1 US 20230389773A1 US 202217829419 A US202217829419 A US 202217829419A US 2023389773 A1 US2023389773 A1 US 2023389773A1
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Images
Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
- A47L15/42—Details
- A47L15/46—Devices for the automatic control of the different phases of cleaning ; Controlling devices
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
- A47L15/0018—Controlling processes, i.e. processes to control the operation of the machine characterised by the purpose or target of the control
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
- A47L15/42—Details
- A47L15/4287—Temperature measuring or regulating arrangements
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
- A47L15/42—Details
- A47L15/4289—Spray-pressure measuring or regulating arrangements
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
- A47L15/42—Details
- A47L15/4297—Arrangements for detecting or measuring the condition of the washing water, e.g. turbidity
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L2401/00—Automatic detection in controlling methods of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, e.g. information provided by sensors entered into controlling devices
- A47L2401/10—Water cloudiness or dirtiness, e.g. turbidity, foaming or level of bacteria
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L2401/00—Automatic detection in controlling methods of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, e.g. information provided by sensors entered into controlling devices
- A47L2401/12—Water temperature
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L2401/00—Automatic detection in controlling methods of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, e.g. information provided by sensors entered into controlling devices
- A47L2401/14—Water pressure or flow rate
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L2401/00—Automatic detection in controlling methods of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, e.g. information provided by sensors entered into controlling devices
- A47L2401/19—Air humidity
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L2501/00—Output in controlling method of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, i.e. quantities or components controlled, or actions performed by the controlling device executing the controlling method
- A47L2501/36—Other output
Definitions
- the present subject matter relates generally to identifying sensor transfer functions in appliances.
- Dishwashers assist with cleaning of various items, including dishes, tableware, glassware, pots, pans, and utensils.
- a sump of the dishwasher is frequently filled with a wash fluid, such as a mix of water and detergent, which is pumped to one or more sprayers in order to clean items within the dishwasher with the cleaning mixture.
- a wash fluid such as a mix of water and detergent
- Various sensors may be used throughout operation of the dishwasher appliance. Different sensor suppliers manufacture the sensors with different operating parameters. Thus, each sensor may use a different transfer function from the sensor output in order to convert the output to measurement units. If the transfer function used by the controller does not match the output from the sensor, the measurement units will be inaccurate. Thus, improved systems and methods for using sensors from different manufacturers in the same dishwashing appliance would be advantageous.
- a dishwasher appliance in one example embodiment, includes a cabinet defining a wash chamber, a sensor disposed in the wash chamber, and a controller in signal communication with the sensor.
- the controller is configured to adjust to one of a plurality of transfer functions in response to an output of the sensor.
- Each of the plurality of transfer functions is associated with a respective one of a plurality of sensor types.
- an appliance in another example embodiment, includes a cabinet, a sensor disposed in the cabinet, and a controller in signal communication with the sensor.
- the controller is configured to adjust to one of a plurality of transfer functions in response to an output of the sensor.
- Each of the plurality of transfer functions is associated with a respective one of a plurality of sensor types.
- a method of operating a dishwashing appliance includes receiving, at a controller of the dishwasher appliance, an output of a sensor. Then selecting, by the controller, one of a plurality of transfer functions for the sensor in response to the output of the sensor. Each of the plurality of transfer functions is associated with a respective one of a plurality of sensor types.
- FIG. 1 provides a front view of an example embodiment of a dishwashing appliance of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the example dishwashing appliance of FIG. 1 with a door in an intermediate position.
- FIG. 3 provides a side, cross section view of the example dishwashing appliance of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 provides a method of operating dishwashing appliance in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
- the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”).
- the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components.
- upstream and downstream refer to the relative flow direction with respect to fluid flow in a fluid pathway. For instance, “upstream” refers to the flow direction from which the fluid flows, and “downstream” refers to the flow direction to which the fluid flows.
- article may refer to, but need not be limited to dishes, pots, pans, silverware, and other cooking utensils and items that can be cleaned in a dishwashing appliance.
- wash cycle is used to refer to an overall operation of the dishwashing appliance which may include two or more distinct phases.
- wash phase is intended to refer to one or more periods of time during which a dishwashing appliance operates while containing the articles to be washed and uses a wash liquid (e.g., water, detergent, or wash additive) and may be a portion of the wash cycle, such as a beginning or early portion of the wash cycle.
- rinse phase is intended to refer to one or more periods of time during which the dishwashing appliance operates to remove residual soil, detergents, and other undesirable elements that were retained by the articles after completion of the wash phase and may be a portion of the wash cycle, such as an intermediate portion of the wash cycle.
- drain phase is intended to refer to one or more periods of time during which the dishwashing appliance operates to discharge soiled water from the dishwashing appliance and may be a portion of the wash cycle, such as a later portion of the wash cycle.
- wash liquid refers to a liquid used for washing or rinsing the articles that is typically made up of water and may include additives, such as detergent or other treatments (e.g., rinse aid).
- terms of approximation such as “generally,” “approximately,” “substantially,” or “about,” refer to being within a ten percent (10%) margin of error.
- angle or direction When used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction, e.g., “generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V.
- FIGS. 1 through 3 depict an example dishwasher or dishwashing appliance (e.g., dishwashing appliance 100 ) that may be configured in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
- dishwasher 100 defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T.
- Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular to one another and form an orthogonal direction system.
- Dishwasher 100 includes a tub 104 that defines a wash chamber 106 therein. As shown in FIG. 3 , tub 104 extends between a top 107 and a bottom 108 along the vertical direction V, between a pair of side walls 110 along the lateral direction L, and between a front side 111 and a rear side 112 along the transverse direction T.
- Tub 104 includes a front opening 114 at the front side 111 .
- the dishwashing appliance 100 may also include a door 116 at the front opening 114 .
- the door 116 may, for example, be coupled to the tub 104 by a hinge 200 at its bottom for movement between a normally closed vertical position ( FIGS. 1 and 3 ), wherein the wash chamber 106 is sealed shut for washing operation, and a horizontal open position (not shown) for loading and unloading of articles from dishwasher 100 .
- a door closure latch 118 e.g., may be provided to lock and unlock door 116 for accessing and sealing wash chamber 106 .
- tub side walls 110 accommodate a plurality of rack assemblies.
- guide rails 120 may be mounted to side walls 110 for supporting a lower rack assembly 122 and an upper rack assembly 126 .
- upper rack assembly 126 is positioned at a top portion of wash chamber 106 above lower rack assembly 122 along the vertical direction V.
- each rack assembly 122 , 126 may be adapted for movement between an extended loading position (not shown) in which the rack is substantially positioned outside the wash chamber 106 , and a retracted position (shown in FIGS. 1 through 3 ) in which the rack is located inside the wash chamber 106 .
- movement is facilitated, for instance, by rollers 128 mounted onto rack assemblies 122 , 126 , respectively.
- guide rails 120 and rollers 128 are illustrated herein as facilitating movement of the respective rack assemblies 122 , 126 , it should be appreciated that any suitable sliding mechanism or member may be used according to alternative embodiments.
- rack assemblies 122 , 126 are fabricated into lattice structures including a plurality of wires or elongated members 130 (for clarity of illustration, not all elongated members making up rack assemblies 122 , 126 are shown).
- rack assemblies 122 , 126 are generally configured for supporting articles within wash chamber 106 while allowing a flow of wash liquid to reach and impinge on those articles (e.g., during a cleaning or rinsing phase of the wash cycle).
- a silverware basket (not shown) may be removably attached to a rack assembly (e.g., lower rack assembly 122 ), for placement of silverware, utensils, and the like, that are otherwise too small to be accommodated by the rack assembly.
- a rack assembly e.g., lower rack assembly 122
- dishwasher 100 includes one or more spray assemblies for urging a flow of fluid (e.g., wash liquid) onto the articles placed within wash chamber 106 .
- fluid e.g., wash liquid
- dishwasher 100 includes a lower spray arm assembly 134 disposed in a lower region 136 of wash chamber 106 and above a sump 138 so as to rotate in relatively close proximity to lower rack assembly 122 .
- lower spray arm assembly 134 may generally be configured for urging a flow of wash liquid up through lower rack assembly 122 .
- an upper spray assembly 142 may be located proximate to and, e.g., below, upper rack assembly 126 along the vertical direction V. In this manner, upper spray assembly 142 may be generally configured for urging of wash liquid up through upper rack assembly 126 .
- fluid circulation assembly 150 for circulating wash liquid in tub 104 .
- fluid circulation assembly 150 includes a circulation pump 152 for circulating wash liquid in tub 104 .
- Circulation pump 152 may be mounted to sump 138 and in fluid communication with the sump 138 through a circulation outlet 151 from the sump 138 .
- circulation pump 152 When assembled, circulation pump 152 may be in fluid communication with an external water supply line (not shown) and sump 138 .
- a water inlet valve (not shown) can be positioned between the external water supply line and circulation pump 152 (e.g., to selectively allow water to flow from the external water supply line to circulation pump 152 ). Additionally or alternatively, water inlet valve can be positioned between the external water supply line and sump 138 (e.g., to selectively allow water to flow from the external water supply line to sump 138 ).
- water inlet valve may be selectively controlled to open to allow the flow of water into dishwasher 100 and may be selectively controlled to close and thereby cease the flow of water into dishwasher 100 .
- fluid circulation assembly 150 may include one or more fluid conduits or circulation piping for directing wash fluid from circulation pump 152 to the various spray assemblies and manifolds.
- a primary supply conduit 154 extends from circulation pump 152 , along rear side 112 of tub 104 along the vertical direction V to supply wash liquid throughout wash chamber 106 .
- circulation pump 152 urges or pumps wash liquid to a diverter 156 ( FIG. 3 ).
- diverter 156 is positioned within sump 138 of dishwashing appliance 100 ).
- Diverter 156 may include a diverter disk (not shown) disposed within a diverter chamber 158 for selectively distributing the wash liquid to the spray assemblies 134 , 142 , or other spray manifolds or assemblies.
- the diverter disk may have at least one aperture configured to align with one or more outlet ports (not shown) at the top of diverter chamber 158 . In this manner, the diverter disk may be selectively rotated to provide wash liquid to the desired spray device(s).
- diverter 156 is configured for selectively distributing the flow of wash liquid from circulation pump 152 to various fluid supply conduits—only some of which are illustrated in FIG. 3 for clarity.
- diverter 156 includes two or more outlet ports (not shown) for supplying wash liquid to a first conduit for rotating lower spray arm assembly 134 and a second conduit for supplying upper spray assembly 142 (e.g., supply conduit 154 ).
- Additional embodiments may also include one or more additional conduits, e.g., a third conduit for spraying an auxiliary rack such as a silverware rack, etc.
- a supply conduit 154 is used to supply wash liquid to one or more spray assemblies (e.g., to upper spray assembly 142 ). It should be appreciated, however, that according to alternative embodiments, any other suitable plumbing configuration may be used to supply wash liquid throughout the various spray manifolds and assemblies described herein. For instance, according to another example embodiment, supply conduit 154 could be used to provide wash liquid to lower spray arm assembly 134 and a dedicated secondary supply conduit (not shown) could be utilized to provide wash liquid to upper spray assembly 142 . Other plumbing configurations may be used for providing wash liquid to the various spray devices and manifolds at any location within dishwashing appliance 100 .
- Each spray assembly 134 and 142 may include an arrangement of discharge ports or orifices for directing wash liquid received from circulation pump 152 onto dishes or other articles located in wash chamber 106 .
- the arrangement of the discharge ports also referred to as jets, apertures, or orifices, may provide a rotational force by virtue of wash liquid flowing through the discharge ports.
- spray assemblies 134 , 142 may be motor-driven, or may operate using any other suitable drive mechanism.
- Spray manifolds and assemblies may also be stationary. The resultant movement of the spray assemblies 134 , 142 and the spray from fixed manifolds provides coverage of dishes and other dishwasher contents with a washing spray.
- Other configurations of spray assemblies may be used as well.
- dishwasher 100 may have additional spray assemblies for cleaning silverware, for scouring casserole dishes, for spraying pots and pans, for cleaning bottles, etc.
- Drainage of soiled wash liquid within sump 138 may by provided, for instance, by a drain pump 168 (e.g., during or as part of a drain phase).
- wash liquid may exit sump 138 through a drain outlet 167 and may flow through a drain conduit or directly to the drain pump 168 .
- drain pump 168 is downstream of sump 138 and facilitates drainage of the soiled wash liquid by urging or pumping the wash liquid to a drain line external to dishwasher 100 .
- a filter assembly may be provided, e.g., in the sump 138 and/or at a top entrance into the sump 138 , e.g., to filter fluid to circulation assembly 150 and/or drain pump 168 .
- the filter assembly removes soiled particles from the liquid that flows to the sump 138 from the wash chamber 106 during operation of dishwashing appliance 100 .
- the filter assembly may include both a first filter (also referred to as a “coarse filter”) and a second filter (also referred to as a “fine filter”).
- circulation pump 152 and drain pump 168 are described herein, it is understood that other suitable pump configurations (e.g., using only a single pump for both recirculation and draining) may be provided.
- the dishwashing appliance 100 may further include a heating element 184 , such as a resistance heating element, positioned in or near the sump 138 .
- the heating element 184 may be positioned “near” the sump 138 in that the heating element 184 is disposed above the sump 138 and within the lower region 136 of wash chamber 106 , such as below the lower spray arm 134 and/or below the lower rack assembly 122 .
- the heating element 184 may be positioned and configured to heat liquid in the sump 138 , such as for a heated wash phase, and/or to heat air within the wash chamber 106 , such as for drying articles during a dry phase.
- Dishwashing appliance 100 may also include ventilation features, e.g., to promote improved, e.g., more rapid, drying of articles therein after the wash and rinse phases.
- one or more vents 170 may be provided in the tub 104 for introducing relatively dry air from outside of the tub 104 into the wash chamber 106 and/or for removing relatively humid air from the wash chamber 106 to the outside of the tub 104 .
- a fan 172 may be provided. The fan 172 may be operable to urge air through the wash chamber 106 , such as to promote air circulation and/or ventilation within and through the wash chamber. Such air movement may increase the rate of evaporation of moisture from articles in the wash chamber 106 after a wash and/or rinse phase.
- dishwasher 100 includes a controller 160 configured to regulate operation of dishwasher 100 (e.g., initiate one or more wash operations).
- Controller 160 may include one or more memory devices and one or more microprocessors, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a wash operation or wash cycle that may include a pre-wash phase, a wash phase, a rinse phase, a drain phase, and/or a dry phase.
- the memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH.
- the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory.
- the memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor.
- controller 160 may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry—such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like—to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. It should be noted that controllers as disclosed herein are capable of and may be operable to perform any methods and associated method steps as disclosed herein.
- Controller 160 may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout dishwasher 100 .
- controller 160 is located within a control panel area 162 of door 116 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 ).
- I/O Input/output
- the controller 160 includes or is operatively coupled to a user interface panel/controls 164 through which a user may select various operational features and modes and monitor progress of dishwasher 100 .
- user interface 164 includes a general purpose I/O (“GPIO”) device or functional block.
- GPIO general purpose I/O
- user interface 164 includes input components, such as one or more of a variety of electrical, mechanical or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, and capacitive touch controls, e.g., touchscreen.
- user interface 164 includes a display component, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user. When assembled, user interface 164 may be in operative communication with the controller 160 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.
- the dishwashing appliance 100 may also include a temperature sensor 186 in operative communication with the controller 160 .
- the temperature sensor 186 may be located in the sump 138 and may thereby be operable to measure a temperature of a liquid, e.g., wash liquid, within the sump 138 .
- the “temperature sensor” may include any suitable type of temperature measuring system or device positioned at any suitable location for measuring the desired temperature.
- temperature sensor 186 may be any suitable type of temperature sensor, such as a thermistor, a thermocouple, a resistance temperature detector, a semiconductor-based integrated circuit temperature sensor, etc.
- temperature sensor 186 may be positioned at any suitable location and may output a signal, such as a voltage, to the controller 160 that is proportional to and/or indicative of the temperature being measured.
- a signal such as a voltage
- dishwashing appliance 100 may include any other suitable number, type, and position of temperature, humidity, and/or other sensors as well as or instead of the example temperature sensor 186 according to alternative embodiments.
- FIGS. 1 through 3 are for illustrative purposes only. For instance, different locations may be provided for control panel area 162 (e.g., on the front of the door 116 as illustrated in FIG. 1 or on the top of the door 116 as illustrated in FIG. 2 , or other locations as well), different configurations may be provided for rack assemblies 122 , 126 , different spray assemblies 134 , 142 and spray manifold configurations may be used, different sensors may be used, and other differences may be applied while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 4 shows a method 400 of operating an appliance, such as dishwasher appliance 100 .
- Method 400 is thus described in greater detail below in the context of dishwasher appliance 100 .
- controller 160 may be configured or programmed to at least partially implement method 400 .
- method 400 may be used in or with other appliances, such as a refrigerator appliance, an oven appliance, a washing machine appliance, a dryer appliance, a water heater appliance, etc.
- method 400 may assist with reading outputs from a variety of sensors within an appliance, such as when each sensor is from a different manufacturer.
- method 400 includes receiving an output from a sensor.
- the sensor output may be a frequency or a voltage, or other suitable form of analog or digital output.
- controller 160 selects one of a plurality of transfer functions for the sensor in response to the output of the sensor.
- the sensor may be one of a plurality of sensor types, such as a temperature sensor, a turbidity sensor, a pressure sensor, and/or a humidity sensor.
- Each of the types of sensor types may have a respective output.
- each of the types of sensor types may output a different frequency or a voltage at 410 .
- similar types of sensors from different manufacturers may include different respective outputs.
- the respective outputs of the sensor may be a range of outputs.
- each of the types of sensors include a respective range of outputs.
- the sensor output is transformed through a transfer function to convert the output to measurement units.
- each sensor output may require a different transfer function.
- the plurality of transfer functions may be stored within the memory of controller 160 , and method 400 may select the appropriate transfer function in response to the output of the sensor.
- Method 400 may be initiated at the activation, or powering-on, of dishwasher appliance 100 , or may be a looped algorithm monitoring sensor types and transfer functions constantly.
- controller 160 may advantageously read or interpret the output from the sensor received at 410 by using the selected transfer function from 420 .
- each of the transfer functions may correspond to a respective (e.g., linear or non-linear) relationship between the electrical output from the sensor and the measurement variable monitored by the sensor, such as temperature, turbidity, motor speed, flow rate, etc.
- a respective (e.g., linear or non-linear) relationship between the electrical output from the sensor and the measurement variable monitored by the sensor such as temperature, turbidity, motor speed, flow rate, etc.
- method 400 may be applied to any suitable appliance or system, such as a washing machine, a refrigerator appliance, a water heater appliance, an over appliance, etc.
- a pressure sensor from a supplier “Alpha” may output a signal of between thirty and forty Hertz (30-40 Hz), and a pressure sensor from supplier “Beta” may output a signal of between one-hundred and one-hundred and ten Hertz (100-110 Hz).
- the respective outputs of each sensor may require a respective transfer function.
- method 400 may detect an output of thirty-five Hertz (35 Hz) in dishwasher appliance 100 and select the transfer function pertaining to pressure sensors from supplier “Alpha”.
- a technician may install a new pressure sensor that outputs one-hundred and five Hertz (105 Hz).
- controller 160 may dynamically adjust and select the transfer function pertaining to pressure sensors from supplier “Beta”.
- This example is provided by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting to any range of output or type of sensor.
- controller 160 may be in signal communication with the sensors and may be configured to adjust to one of a plurality of transfer functions in response to the output of each of the sensors.
- Each of the plurality of transfer functions stored within controller 160 may be associated with a respective one of a plurality of sensor types.
- sensors may be directly swapped and the applicable transfer function may be detected based upon the sensor output.
- dynamically selecting the transfer function for converting the sensor output to measurement units permits the use of multiple sensors from different manufacturers for both production and service.
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- Washing And Drying Of Tableware (AREA)
Abstract
A dishwasher appliance includes a cabinet defining a wash chamber, a sensor disposed in the wash chamber, and a controller in signal communication with the sensor. The controller is configured to adjust to one of a plurality of transfer functions in response to an output of the sensor. Each of the plurality of transfer functions is associated with a respective one of a plurality of sensor types.
Description
- The present subject matter relates generally to identifying sensor transfer functions in appliances.
- Dishwashers assist with cleaning of various items, including dishes, tableware, glassware, pots, pans, and utensils. During operation, a sump of the dishwasher is frequently filled with a wash fluid, such as a mix of water and detergent, which is pumped to one or more sprayers in order to clean items within the dishwasher with the cleaning mixture.
- Various sensors may be used throughout operation of the dishwasher appliance. Different sensor suppliers manufacture the sensors with different operating parameters. Thus, each sensor may use a different transfer function from the sensor output in order to convert the output to measurement units. If the transfer function used by the controller does not match the output from the sensor, the measurement units will be inaccurate. Thus, improved systems and methods for using sensors from different manufacturers in the same dishwashing appliance would be advantageous.
- Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.
- In one example embodiment, a dishwasher appliance includes a cabinet defining a wash chamber, a sensor disposed in the wash chamber, and a controller in signal communication with the sensor. The controller is configured to adjust to one of a plurality of transfer functions in response to an output of the sensor. Each of the plurality of transfer functions is associated with a respective one of a plurality of sensor types.
- In another example embodiment, an appliance includes a cabinet, a sensor disposed in the cabinet, and a controller in signal communication with the sensor. The controller is configured to adjust to one of a plurality of transfer functions in response to an output of the sensor. Each of the plurality of transfer functions is associated with a respective one of a plurality of sensor types.
- In another example embodiment, a method of operating a dishwashing appliance includes receiving, at a controller of the dishwasher appliance, an output of a sensor. Then selecting, by the controller, one of a plurality of transfer functions for the sensor in response to the output of the sensor. Each of the plurality of transfer functions is associated with a respective one of a plurality of sensor types.
- These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
- A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.
-
FIG. 1 provides a front view of an example embodiment of a dishwashing appliance of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the example dishwashing appliance ofFIG. 1 with a door in an intermediate position. -
FIG. 3 provides a side, cross section view of the example dishwashing appliance ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 provides a method of operating dishwashing appliance in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. - Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.
- Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
- As used herein, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). The terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the relative flow direction with respect to fluid flow in a fluid pathway. For instance, “upstream” refers to the flow direction from which the fluid flows, and “downstream” refers to the flow direction to which the fluid flows. The term “article” may refer to, but need not be limited to dishes, pots, pans, silverware, and other cooking utensils and items that can be cleaned in a dishwashing appliance.
- The term “wash cycle” is used to refer to an overall operation of the dishwashing appliance which may include two or more distinct phases. The term “wash phase” is intended to refer to one or more periods of time during which a dishwashing appliance operates while containing the articles to be washed and uses a wash liquid (e.g., water, detergent, or wash additive) and may be a portion of the wash cycle, such as a beginning or early portion of the wash cycle. The term “rinse phase” is intended to refer to one or more periods of time during which the dishwashing appliance operates to remove residual soil, detergents, and other undesirable elements that were retained by the articles after completion of the wash phase and may be a portion of the wash cycle, such as an intermediate portion of the wash cycle. The term “drain phase” is intended to refer to one or more periods of time during which the dishwashing appliance operates to discharge soiled water from the dishwashing appliance and may be a portion of the wash cycle, such as a later portion of the wash cycle. The term “wash liquid” refers to a liquid used for washing or rinsing the articles that is typically made up of water and may include additives, such as detergent or other treatments (e.g., rinse aid). Furthermore, as used herein, terms of approximation, such as “generally,” “approximately,” “substantially,” or “about,” refer to being within a ten percent (10%) margin of error. When used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction, e.g., “generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V.
- Turning now to the figures,
FIGS. 1 through 3 depict an example dishwasher or dishwashing appliance (e.g., dishwashing appliance 100) that may be configured in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Generally,dishwasher 100 defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T. Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular to one another and form an orthogonal direction system. -
Dishwasher 100 includes atub 104 that defines awash chamber 106 therein. As shown inFIG. 3 ,tub 104 extends between atop 107 and abottom 108 along the vertical direction V, between a pair ofside walls 110 along the lateral direction L, and between afront side 111 and arear side 112 along the transverse direction T. - Tub 104 includes a front opening 114 at the
front side 111. In some embodiments, thedishwashing appliance 100 may also include adoor 116 at the front opening 114. Thedoor 116 may, for example, be coupled to thetub 104 by ahinge 200 at its bottom for movement between a normally closed vertical position (FIGS. 1 and 3 ), wherein thewash chamber 106 is sealed shut for washing operation, and a horizontal open position (not shown) for loading and unloading of articles fromdishwasher 100. Adoor closure latch 118, e.g., may be provided to lock and unlockdoor 116 for accessing and sealingwash chamber 106. - In example embodiments,
tub side walls 110 accommodate a plurality of rack assemblies. For instance,guide rails 120 may be mounted toside walls 110 for supporting alower rack assembly 122 and anupper rack assembly 126. In some such embodiments,upper rack assembly 126 is positioned at a top portion ofwash chamber 106 abovelower rack assembly 122 along the vertical direction V. - Generally, each
rack assembly wash chamber 106, and a retracted position (shown inFIGS. 1 through 3 ) in which the rack is located inside thewash chamber 106. In some embodiments, movement is facilitated, for instance, byrollers 128 mounted ontorack assemblies - Although
guide rails 120 androllers 128 are illustrated herein as facilitating movement of therespective rack assemblies - In optional embodiments, some or all of the
rack assemblies rack assemblies wash chamber 106 while allowing a flow of wash liquid to reach and impinge on those articles (e.g., during a cleaning or rinsing phase of the wash cycle). According to additional or alternative embodiments, a silverware basket (not shown) may be removably attached to a rack assembly (e.g., lower rack assembly 122), for placement of silverware, utensils, and the like, that are otherwise too small to be accommodated by the rack assembly. - Generally,
dishwasher 100 includes one or more spray assemblies for urging a flow of fluid (e.g., wash liquid) onto the articles placed withinwash chamber 106. - In example embodiments,
dishwasher 100 includes a lowerspray arm assembly 134 disposed in alower region 136 ofwash chamber 106 and above asump 138 so as to rotate in relatively close proximity tolower rack assembly 122. In this regard, lowerspray arm assembly 134 may generally be configured for urging a flow of wash liquid up throughlower rack assembly 122. - In some embodiments, an
upper spray assembly 142 may be located proximate to and, e.g., below,upper rack assembly 126 along the vertical direction V. In this manner,upper spray assembly 142 may be generally configured for urging of wash liquid up throughupper rack assembly 126. - The various spray assemblies and manifolds described herein may be part of a fluid distribution system or
fluid circulation assembly 150 for circulating wash liquid intub 104. In certain embodiments,fluid circulation assembly 150 includes acirculation pump 152 for circulating wash liquid intub 104.Circulation pump 152 may be mounted tosump 138 and in fluid communication with thesump 138 through acirculation outlet 151 from thesump 138. - When assembled,
circulation pump 152 may be in fluid communication with an external water supply line (not shown) andsump 138. A water inlet valve (not shown) can be positioned between the external water supply line and circulation pump 152 (e.g., to selectively allow water to flow from the external water supply line to circulation pump 152). Additionally or alternatively, water inlet valve can be positioned between the external water supply line and sump 138 (e.g., to selectively allow water to flow from the external water supply line to sump 138). During use, water inlet valve may be selectively controlled to open to allow the flow of water intodishwasher 100 and may be selectively controlled to close and thereby cease the flow of water intodishwasher 100. Further,fluid circulation assembly 150 may include one or more fluid conduits or circulation piping for directing wash fluid fromcirculation pump 152 to the various spray assemblies and manifolds. In example embodiments, such as that shown inFIG. 3 , aprimary supply conduit 154 extends fromcirculation pump 152, alongrear side 112 oftub 104 along the vertical direction V to supply wash liquid throughoutwash chamber 106. - In optional embodiments,
circulation pump 152 urges or pumps wash liquid to a diverter 156 (FIG. 3 ). In some such embodiments,diverter 156 is positioned withinsump 138 of dishwashing appliance 100).Diverter 156 may include a diverter disk (not shown) disposed within a diverter chamber 158 for selectively distributing the wash liquid to thespray assemblies - In example embodiments,
diverter 156 is configured for selectively distributing the flow of wash liquid fromcirculation pump 152 to various fluid supply conduits—only some of which are illustrated inFIG. 3 for clarity. In certain embodiments,diverter 156 includes two or more outlet ports (not shown) for supplying wash liquid to a first conduit for rotating lowerspray arm assembly 134 and a second conduit for supplying upper spray assembly 142 (e.g., supply conduit 154). Additional embodiments may also include one or more additional conduits, e.g., a third conduit for spraying an auxiliary rack such as a silverware rack, etc. - In some embodiments, a
supply conduit 154 is used to supply wash liquid to one or more spray assemblies (e.g., to upper spray assembly 142). It should be appreciated, however, that according to alternative embodiments, any other suitable plumbing configuration may be used to supply wash liquid throughout the various spray manifolds and assemblies described herein. For instance, according to another example embodiment,supply conduit 154 could be used to provide wash liquid to lowerspray arm assembly 134 and a dedicated secondary supply conduit (not shown) could be utilized to provide wash liquid toupper spray assembly 142. Other plumbing configurations may be used for providing wash liquid to the various spray devices and manifolds at any location withindishwashing appliance 100. - Each
spray assembly dishwashing appliance 100, may include an arrangement of discharge ports or orifices for directing wash liquid received fromcirculation pump 152 onto dishes or other articles located inwash chamber 106. The arrangement of the discharge ports, also referred to as jets, apertures, or orifices, may provide a rotational force by virtue of wash liquid flowing through the discharge ports. Alternatively,spray assemblies spray assemblies dishwasher 100 may have additional spray assemblies for cleaning silverware, for scouring casserole dishes, for spraying pots and pans, for cleaning bottles, etc. - Drainage of soiled wash liquid within
sump 138 may by provided, for instance, by a drain pump 168 (e.g., during or as part of a drain phase). In particular, wash liquid may exitsump 138 through adrain outlet 167 and may flow through a drain conduit or directly to thedrain pump 168. Thus,drain pump 168 is downstream ofsump 138 and facilitates drainage of the soiled wash liquid by urging or pumping the wash liquid to a drain line external todishwasher 100. - In some embodiments, a filter assembly may be provided, e.g., in the
sump 138 and/or at a top entrance into thesump 138, e.g., to filter fluid tocirculation assembly 150 and/ordrain pump 168. Generally, the filter assembly removes soiled particles from the liquid that flows to thesump 138 from thewash chamber 106 during operation ofdishwashing appliance 100. In example embodiments, the filter assembly may include both a first filter (also referred to as a “coarse filter”) and a second filter (also referred to as a “fine filter”). - Although a
separate circulation pump 152 anddrain pump 168 are described herein, it is understood that other suitable pump configurations (e.g., using only a single pump for both recirculation and draining) may be provided. - The
dishwashing appliance 100 may further include aheating element 184, such as a resistance heating element, positioned in or near thesump 138. For example, theheating element 184 may be positioned “near” thesump 138 in that theheating element 184 is disposed above thesump 138 and within thelower region 136 ofwash chamber 106, such as below thelower spray arm 134 and/or below thelower rack assembly 122. Theheating element 184 may be positioned and configured to heat liquid in thesump 138, such as for a heated wash phase, and/or to heat air within thewash chamber 106, such as for drying articles during a dry phase. -
Dishwashing appliance 100 may also include ventilation features, e.g., to promote improved, e.g., more rapid, drying of articles therein after the wash and rinse phases. For example, one ormore vents 170 may be provided in thetub 104 for introducing relatively dry air from outside of thetub 104 into thewash chamber 106 and/or for removing relatively humid air from thewash chamber 106 to the outside of thetub 104. In some embodiments, afan 172 may be provided. Thefan 172 may be operable to urge air through thewash chamber 106, such as to promote air circulation and/or ventilation within and through the wash chamber. Such air movement may increase the rate of evaporation of moisture from articles in thewash chamber 106 after a wash and/or rinse phase. - In certain embodiments,
dishwasher 100 includes acontroller 160 configured to regulate operation of dishwasher 100 (e.g., initiate one or more wash operations).Controller 160 may include one or more memory devices and one or more microprocessors, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a wash operation or wash cycle that may include a pre-wash phase, a wash phase, a rinse phase, a drain phase, and/or a dry phase. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In some embodiments, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively,controller 160 may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry—such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like—to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. It should be noted that controllers as disclosed herein are capable of and may be operable to perform any methods and associated method steps as disclosed herein. -
Controller 160 may be positioned in a variety of locations throughoutdishwasher 100. In optional embodiments,controller 160 is located within acontrol panel area 162 of door 116 (e.g., as shown inFIG. 1 orFIG. 2 ). Input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between the control system and various operational components ofdishwasher 100 along wiring harnesses that may be routed through the bottom ofdoor 116. Typically, thecontroller 160 includes or is operatively coupled to a user interface panel/controls 164 through which a user may select various operational features and modes and monitor progress ofdishwasher 100. In some embodiments,user interface 164 includes a general purpose I/O (“GPIO”) device or functional block. In additional or alternative embodiments,user interface 164 includes input components, such as one or more of a variety of electrical, mechanical or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, and capacitive touch controls, e.g., touchscreen. In further additional or alternative embodiments,user interface 164 includes a display component, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user. When assembled,user interface 164 may be in operative communication with thecontroller 160 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. - The
dishwashing appliance 100 may also include atemperature sensor 186 in operative communication with thecontroller 160. For example, in some embodiments, thetemperature sensor 186 may be located in thesump 138 and may thereby be operable to measure a temperature of a liquid, e.g., wash liquid, within thesump 138. For example, the “temperature sensor” may include any suitable type of temperature measuring system or device positioned at any suitable location for measuring the desired temperature. Thus, for example,temperature sensor 186 may be any suitable type of temperature sensor, such as a thermistor, a thermocouple, a resistance temperature detector, a semiconductor-based integrated circuit temperature sensor, etc. In addition,temperature sensor 186 may be positioned at any suitable location and may output a signal, such as a voltage, to thecontroller 160 that is proportional to and/or indicative of the temperature being measured. Although example positioning of thetemperature sensor 186 is described herein and depicted inFIG. 3 , it should be appreciated thatdishwashing appliance 100 may include any other suitable number, type, and position of temperature, humidity, and/or other sensors as well as or instead of theexample temperature sensor 186 according to alternative embodiments. - It should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to any particular style, model, or configuration of
dishwasher appliance 100. The example embodiments depicted inFIGS. 1 through 3 are for illustrative purposes only. For instance, different locations may be provided for control panel area 162 (e.g., on the front of thedoor 116 as illustrated inFIG. 1 or on the top of thedoor 116 as illustrated inFIG. 2 , or other locations as well), different configurations may be provided forrack assemblies different spray assemblies -
FIG. 4 shows amethod 400 of operating an appliance, such asdishwasher appliance 100.Method 400 is thus described in greater detail below in the context ofdishwasher appliance 100. For example,controller 160 may be configured or programmed to at least partially implementmethod 400. However, it will be understood thatmethod 400 may be used in or with other appliances, such as a refrigerator appliance, an oven appliance, a washing machine appliance, a dryer appliance, a water heater appliance, etc. As discussed in greater detail below,method 400 may assist with reading outputs from a variety of sensors within an appliance, such as when each sensor is from a different manufacturer. - At 410,
method 400 includes receiving an output from a sensor. The sensor output may be a frequency or a voltage, or other suitable form of analog or digital output. At 420,controller 160 selects one of a plurality of transfer functions for the sensor in response to the output of the sensor. The sensor may be one of a plurality of sensor types, such as a temperature sensor, a turbidity sensor, a pressure sensor, and/or a humidity sensor. Each of the types of sensor types may have a respective output. Thus, e.g., each of the types of sensor types may output a different frequency or a voltage at 410. Further, similar types of sensors from different manufacturers may include different respective outputs. In addition, the respective outputs of the sensor may be a range of outputs. Thus, each of the types of sensors include a respective range of outputs. - The sensor output is transformed through a transfer function to convert the output to measurement units. However, each sensor output may require a different transfer function. As such, the plurality of transfer functions may be stored within the memory of
controller 160, andmethod 400 may select the appropriate transfer function in response to the output of the sensor.Method 400 may be initiated at the activation, or powering-on, ofdishwasher appliance 100, or may be a looped algorithm monitoring sensor types and transfer functions constantly. As may be seen from the above,controller 160 may advantageously read or interpret the output from the sensor received at 410 by using the selected transfer function from 420. In certain example embodiments, each of the transfer functions may correspond to a respective (e.g., linear or non-linear) relationship between the electrical output from the sensor and the measurement variable monitored by the sensor, such as temperature, turbidity, motor speed, flow rate, etc. To reiterate, one skilled in the art would understandmethod 400 may be applied to any suitable appliance or system, such as a washing machine, a refrigerator appliance, a water heater appliance, an over appliance, etc. - As a specific example, a pressure sensor from a supplier “Alpha” may output a signal of between thirty and forty Hertz (30-40 Hz), and a pressure sensor from supplier “Beta” may output a signal of between one-hundred and one-hundred and ten Hertz (100-110 Hz). The respective outputs of each sensor may require a respective transfer function. In this scenario,
method 400 may detect an output of thirty-five Hertz (35 Hz) indishwasher appliance 100 and select the transfer function pertaining to pressure sensors from supplier “Alpha”. Furthering the scenario, during servicing ofdishwasher appliance 100, a technician may install a new pressure sensor that outputs one-hundred and five Hertz (105 Hz). Then,controller 160 may dynamically adjust and select the transfer function pertaining to pressure sensors from supplier “Beta”. This example is provided by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting to any range of output or type of sensor. - As may be seen above,
controller 160 may be in signal communication with the sensors and may be configured to adjust to one of a plurality of transfer functions in response to the output of each of the sensors. Each of the plurality of transfer functions stored withincontroller 160 may be associated with a respective one of a plurality of sensor types. Thus, sensors may be directly swapped and the applicable transfer function may be detected based upon the sensor output. As such, dynamically selecting the transfer function for converting the sensor output to measurement units permits the use of multiple sensors from different manufacturers for both production and service. - This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
Claims (18)
1. A dishwasher appliance, comprising:
a cabinet defining a wash chamber;
a sensor disposed in the wash chamber;
a controller in signal communication with the sensor, the controller configured to,
receive an output of a sensor, and
select one of a plurality of transfer functions for the sensor in response to the output of the sensor,
wherein each of the plurality of transfer functions is associated with a respective one of a plurality of sensor types.
2. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1 , wherein the output of the sensor comprises at least one of frequency and voltage.
3. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1 , wherein the controller comprises a memory, the plurality of transfer functions stored within the memory of the controller.
4. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises one of a temperature sensor, a turbidity sensor, a pressure sensor, and a humidity sensor.
5. The dishwasher appliance of claim 4 , wherein each of the temperature sensor, the turbidity sensor, the pressure sensor, and the humidity sensor comprise a respective output.
6. The dishwasher appliance of claim 5 , wherein each of the respective output of each of the temperature sensor, the turbidity sensor, the pressure sensor, and the humidity sensor comprises a respective range of outputs for one of the plurality of transfer functions.
7. A dishwasher appliance, comprising:
a cabinet;
a sensor disposed in the cabinet;
a controller in signal communication with the sensor, the controller configured to,
receive an output of a sensor, and
select one of a plurality of transfer functions for the sensor in response to the output of the sensor,
wherein each of the plurality of transfer functions is associated with a respective one of a plurality of sensor types.
8. The appliance of claim 7 , wherein the output of the sensor comprises at least one of frequency and voltage.
9. The appliance of claim 7 , wherein the controller comprises a memory, the plurality of transfer functions stored within the memory of the controller.
10. The appliance of claim 7 , wherein the sensor comprises one of a temperature sensor, a turbidity sensor, a pressure sensor, and a humidity sensor.
11. The appliance of claim 10 , wherein each of the temperature sensor, the turbidity sensor, the pressure sensor, and the humidity sensor comprise a respective output.
12. The appliance of claim 11 , wherein each of the respective output of each of the temperature sensor, the turbidity sensor, the pressure sensor, and the humidity sensor comprises a respective range of outputs for one of the plurality of transfer functions.
13. A method of operating a dishwasher appliance, comprising:
receiving, at a controller of the dishwasher appliance, an output of a sensor;
selecting, by the controller, one of a plurality of transfer functions for the sensor in response to the output of the sensor,
wherein each of the plurality of transfer functions is associated with a respective one of a plurality of sensor types.
14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the output of the sensor comprises at least one of frequency and voltage.
15. The method of claim 13 , wherein the controller comprises a memory, the plurality of transfer functions stored within the memory of the controller.
16. The method of claim 13 , wherein the sensor comprises one of a temperature sensor, a turbidity sensor, a pressure sensor, and a humidity sensor.
17. The method of claim 16 , wherein each of the temperature sensor, the turbidity sensor, the pressure sensor, and the humidity sensor comprise a respective output.
18. The method of claim 17 , wherein each of the respective output of each of the temperature sensor, the turbidity sensor, the pressure sensor, and the humidity sensor comprises a respective range of outputs for one of the plurality of transfer functions.
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