Washing Machine Pressure Sensing for Dispenser Levels and Imbalance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current washing machines lack accurate detection of fluid levels in dispensers and fail to effectively report out-of-balance conditions during operation, leading to inefficient fluid management and potential machine damage due to vibrations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of pressure sensors in washing machines to monitor fluid levels in dispensers and detect out-of-balance conditions by measuring pressure changes, providing real-time feedback and notifications to users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a level sensor is placed at the bottom of the fluid container to detect fluid presence, then the sensor can determine when fluid is present at its location, but the sensor cannot determine whether the container is completely full or simply at a level just at or above the sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fluid level detection into multiple discrete levels by placing multiple sensors at different heights within the container. Each sensor monitors a specific level, and the controller integrates signals from all sensors to determine the overall fluid level status (empty, low, full), thereby resolving the information loss from single-point detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point detection to multi-level detection by adding the vertical dimension to sensor placement. Instead of one sensor at the bottom, multiple sensors are positioned at different heights (e.g., 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 of container height), creating a dimensional expansion that enables comprehensive level assessment
2Measurement precision
If multiple level sensors are employed at various heights within the container to provide advance notification of fluid levels, then accurate fluid level monitoring is achieved, but the complexity and cost of the washing machine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the sensor system multi-functional by using the same pressure sensor to perform both fluid level detection and out-of-balance condition detection. The sensor serves dual purposes: monitoring detergent/fabric softener levels and detecting wash load imbalance through pressure variations, thereby reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single sensor system. Instead of separate sensors for fluid level and balance detection, the invention merges these functions into one pressure sensor that can detect both fluid pressure (indicating level) and dynamic pressure changes (indicating balance conditions)
3Reliability
If the wash basket contains articles with different shapes and densities that stick together after draining, then the center of mass becomes off-center causing extreme vibration during spin cycles, but the machine lacks the capability to detect and report this out of balance condition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the pressure sensor to continuously monitor pressure conditions and provide real-time information to the controller about balance status. The controller receives feedback signals from the sensor and can detect out-of-balance conditions, enabling the system to respond appropriately (e.g., alert the user, adjust operation)
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate fluid level monitoring across various levels and detects imbalances, preventing machine strain and damage by providing timely user notifications and predictive load estimates.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure sensor is provided that is in communication with the fluid contained in the dispenser and is configured to provide a signal indicative of the level of fluid present in the container of the dispenser
Implementation Method 2
detecting an out of balance condition with the one or more pressure sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for sensing the level of fluid present in a dispenser, such as a detergent or fabric softener dispenser, of a washing machine appliance and to detecting an out of balance condition for such appliance is provided. A pressure sensor is used to determine the level of fluid present and to provide indications of the same at various levels of use of the fluid. One or more pressure sensors can also be used to detect an out of balance condition when the appliance is a washing machine.