Method for detecting a low water pressure in a washing machine appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machine appliances fail to accurately detect low water pressure, leading to inadequate water fill and decreased wash performance due to their reliance on average flow rates, which are not adjusted for variations in pressure.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a camera within the washing machine to capture images of the fluid inlet during the fill process, using image processing and machine learning algorithms to determine if the water pressure is above a predetermined minimum, allowing for real-time adjustments to ensure proper water fill levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional water fill algorithm using predetermined time based on average flow rate is used, then the control logic is simple, but the water fill accuracy deteriorates under low water pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical/timing-based water fill control system with an optical sensing system using a camera and image processing algorithms. The camera captures images of the water inlet during the fill process, and image processing algorithms analyze the water flow characteristics to detect low pressure conditions and adjust the fill duration accordingly, thereby maintaining accurate water fill levels despite variations in water pressure without requiring complex manual calibration or multiple sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the camera continuously monitors the water inlet during the fill process, image processing algorithms analyze the captured images to determine actual water flow conditions, and the controller adjusts the water fill valve operation based on this real-time feedback. This closed-loop system ensures accurate water fill levels by dynamically compensating for low pressure conditions detected through image analysis of the water flow
2Productivity
If the water fill valve is opened for a predetermined time calculated assuming average flow rate, then the control process is simple and fast, but the wash performance deteriorates when water pressure is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by capturing images of the water inlet during the fill process and analyzing water flow characteristics before the fill is complete. The image processing algorithms detect low pressure conditions early in the fill process, allowing the controller to adjust the water fill valve duration in real-time to ensure the correct amount of water is delivered, thereby maintaining wash performance without significantly extending the overall fill time
3Device complexity
If no water pressure detection is implemented, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different water pressure conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a camera, which is a common component in modern appliances, to perform multiple functions: capturing images for water flow analysis, detecting low pressure conditions, and providing visual feedback for control algorithms. This multi-functional use of the camera enables the system to adapt to different water pressure conditions (both average and low pressure) without requiring separate detection systems for each scenario, thereby achieving broad adaptability with moderate complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Washing machine appliances and methods of operating the same are provided. Such methods may include, and/or appliances may be configured for, receiving a command to commence an operating cycle of the washing machine appliance and filling the wash tub with wash liquid from a fluid circulation system configured for providing fluid to the wash tub via an inlet of the fluid circulation system in response to the command. Methods may further include and/or appliances may be configured for, obtaining one or more images of the inlet of the fluid circulation system during the fill step using a camera mounted within the cabinet. The camera is positioned and oriented with the inlet within a field of vision of the camera. Based on the one or more images, a determination is made whether a water pressure provided to the fluid circulation system is above a predetermined minimum water pressure.