17955986. METHOD OF USING TURBIDITY MEASUREMENTS TO IMPROVE RINSE PERFORMANCE IN A WASHING MACHINE APPLIANCE simplified abstract (Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.)

METHOD OF USING TURBIDITY MEASUREMENTS TO IMPROVE RINSE PERFORMANCE IN A WASHING MACHINE APPLIANCE

Organization Name

Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.

Inventor(s)

Ryan Ellis Leonard of Louisville KY (US)

James Augustine Ford of Fisherville KY (US)

Michael Glenn Mattingly of Louisville KY (US)

METHOD OF USING TURBIDITY MEASUREMENTS TO IMPROVE RINSE PERFORMANCE IN A WASHING MACHINE APPLIANCE - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17955986 titled 'METHOD OF USING TURBIDITY MEASUREMENTS TO IMPROVE RINSE PERFORMANCE IN A WASHING MACHINE APPLIANCE

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a washing machine appliance with a wash basket that can rotate within a wash tub, a motor assembly to rotate the wash basket, a turbidity sensor to measure the clarity of the wash fluid, and a controller to adjust rinse parameters based on the turbidity measurement for an efficient rinse cycle.

• The washing machine appliance includes a wash basket that can rotate within a wash tub.
• A motor assembly is used to selectively rotate the wash basket.
• A turbidity sensor is positioned within the wash fluid to measure its clarity.
• The controller uses the turbidity measurement to determine rinse parameters for a rinse cycle.

Potential Applications

The technology described in this patent application could be applied to various types of washing machines, both residential and commercial, to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the rinse cycle.

Problems Solved

This technology helps to optimize the rinse cycle of a washing machine by adjusting parameters based on the turbidity of the wash fluid, leading to cleaner clothes with less water and energy consumption.

Benefits

The benefits of this technology include improved cleaning performance, reduced water and energy usage, and potentially longer lifespan of the washing machine due to optimized cycles.

Potential Commercial Applications

Commercial applications for this technology could include laundry facilities, hotels, hospitals, and other businesses that rely on washing machines for cleaning large quantities of clothes and linens.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art could be washing machines with sensors to measure water levels or temperature, but not specifically turbidity sensors to optimize rinse cycles based on the clarity of the wash fluid.

Unanswered Questions

How does the controller determine the rinse parameters based on the turbidity measurement?

The exact algorithm or method used by the controller to adjust rinse parameters based on the turbidity measurement is not specified in the abstract.

Are there any limitations to the use of turbidity sensors in washing machines?

The abstract does not mention any potential limitations or challenges that may arise from using turbidity sensors in washing machines, such as maintenance requirements or accuracy issues.

Original Abstract Submitted

A washing machine appliance includes a wash basket that is rotatably mounted within a wash tub and that defines a wash chamber for receiving a load of clothes. A motor assembly is mechanically coupled to the wash basket for selectively rotating the wash basket and a turbidity sensor is positioned within the wash fluid. A controller is configured to perform a wash cycle, obtain a turbidity of the wash fluid following the wash cycle using the turbidity sensor, determine rinse parameters of a rinse cycle based at least in part on the turbidity of the wash fluid, and perform the rinse cycle in accordance with the rinse parameters.