Washing machine appliance turbidity detection and evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machine appliances face issues with inaccurate sensor readings, leading to inefficient operation due to conventional error detection methods that only verify signal presence rather than accuracy, resulting in undesirable outcomes.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a controller that records and compares turbidity measurements with temperature measurements from multiple sensors to evaluate sensor accuracy, ensuring that turbidity readings are within a predefined tolerance range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional error detection methods are used to verify signal presence from sensors, then the detection process is simple and quick, but the sensor reading accuracy cannot be ensured leading to inefficient operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using a second temperature sensor to verify the temperature reading from the first temperature sensor. The controller compares the two temperature measurements and evaluates whether the turbidity measurement is accurate based on this comparison. This feedback mechanism ensures sensor accuracy without requiring complex external verification systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification by using redundant sensors (first and second temperature sensors, turbidity sensor) that monitor each other's readings. The controller autonomously evaluates the accuracy of measurements by comparing readings from multiple sensors and adjusts operation based on this self-assessment, eliminating the need for external quality control systems.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are used to verify measurement accuracy, then measurement reliability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using temperature sensors to serve dual purposes: monitoring wash fluid temperature for washing effectiveness and simultaneously verifying the accuracy of turbidity sensor readings. The second temperature sensor validates the first temperature sensor's reading, and this validation mechanism is also used to evaluate turbidity measurement accuracy, making the temperature sensors serve multiple verification functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system evaluates sensor accuracy by monitoring changes in physical parameters (temperature readings from two sensors) and using these parameter variations to assess the reliability of other sensor measurements (turbidity). The controller compares parameter values and determines accuracy based on predefined criteria, transforming parameter comparison into a reliability verification mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine appliance includes a cabinet with a wash tub positioned within the cabinet and a first temperature sensor disposed at the wash tub. The washing machine appliance also includes a turbidity sensor, a conductivity sensor, and a second temperature sensor disposed in the cabinet. The washing machine appliance further includes a controller in signal communication with the first temperature sensor, the turbidity sensor, the conductivity sensor and the second temperature sensor. The controller may be configured for, or a method of operating the washing machine appliance may include, recording a turbidity temperature measurement from the turbidity sensor, a first temperature measurement from the first temperature sensor, and a second temperature measurement from the second temperature sensor, comparing the first temperature measurement and the second temperature measurement, and evaluating the turbidity measurement based on the comparison of the first temperature measurement and the second temperature measurement.