Patent Application
20190041074
This disclosure generally relates to humidifiers and methods associated with humidifiers.
Low humidity in an ambient environment may cause discomfort and, in some instances, health-related issues (e.g., respiratory issues). To increase the moisture content of air in an ambient environment, a humidifier can be used. A humidifier can be supplied with water and operate to output a mist into the ambient environment, thereby increasing the ambient environment's moisture content.
Currently available humidifiers can be limited in their design. Generally, currently available humidifiers include a fluid supply storage component. The fluid supply storage component can hold and supply water to the humidifier during operation and may be refilled with water by a user as needed. However, the design of such currently available humidifiers can make it difficult to access an interior of the fluid supply storage component. In many cases, the only opening to the interior of the fluid supply storage component is a small port used for both refilling and supplying water to the humidifier. The size of such port may substantially prevent access to the interior of the fluid supply storage component for cleaning or other maintenance.
Additionally, currently available humidifiers can be limited in their operational capability and efficiency. For example, these currently available humidifiers may lack the capability to easily and accurately control an amount of mist expelled from the humidifier. Such humidifiers may lack interfaces for providing the ability for the user to control various operating parameters.
Currently available humidifiers also may simply operate assuming there is water available for atomizing and/or otherwise introducing into the surrounding environment without any knowledge related to an amount of water available for operation. Additionally, water in a humidifier may eventually become stale before it has been used by the humidifier, which may lead to undesirable operating results when the stale water is introduced into the environment by the humidifier.
Aspects of this disclosure are related to humidifiers including a base portion and a liquid tank removably attachable to the base portion. The base portion can include a controller and lower connector and the liquid tank can include an upper connector configured to engage the lower connector. The liquid tank can include a liquid level sensor positioned along a sidewall of the liquid tank configured to output a value indicative of an amount of liquid present in the liquid tank. Additionally or alternatively, the liquid tank can include a touch interface configured to receive a touch input from the outside of the liquid tank. In some embodiments, the liquid tank can include a mate ring that includes the upper connector and provides electrical communication between the upper connector and the touch interface and/or the liquid level sensor.
In some such embodiments, when the lower connector of the base portion engages the upper connector of the liquid tank, the controller in the base portion is in electrical communication with the liquid level sensor and/or the touch interface of the liquid tank. In various examples, the controller can be configured to control operation of the humidifier based on input signals received from the touch interface. For example, in some examples, the controller can be configured to adjust a mist output level from the humidifier using the touch interface. Additionally or alternatively, the controller can be configured to identify the level of liquid in the liquid tank based on an output value received from the liquid level sensor.
In some examples, the controller can be configured to monitor an amount of liquid in the liquid tank over time and establish a water freshness index representative of the freshness of the liquid in the liquid tank. In some such embodiments, the controller can be further configured to output an indication of the freshness index. In some examples, the indication of the freshness index can be output via a freshness indicator such as a colored light indicator.
This disclosure is filed concurrently with the following three patent applications that are owned by the owner of this disclosure: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/665,611, titled “Humidifier Liquid Tank”; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/665,614, titled “Humidifier Reservoir Fluid Control”; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/665,616, titled “Humidifier User Interaction”. These three patent applications are hereby incorporated into this disclosure by reference in their entirety.
The details of one or more examples are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings.
The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of the present invention and therefore do not limit the scope of the invention. The drawings are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following description. Embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements.
The following detailed description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description provides some practical illustrations for implementing exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Examples of constructions, materials, and/or dimensions are provided for selected elements. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the noted examples have a variety of suitable alternatives.
In the example of
Humidifier 100a includes a fluid column 114 through which atomized liquid can travel from the reservoir 110 out of the humidifier 100a. The column 114 can extend within the interior volume of the liquid tank 102. As shown in the example of
In the illustrated embodiment, the lid 106 of the tank 102 includes a burp valve 118. The burp valve 118 can allow for fluid communication between the first interior volume of the tank 102 and an ambient environment. In one example, the burp valve 118 can be actuated between a first position that allows for such fluid communication thereat and a second positon that seals the first interior volume from the ambient environment thereat. The burp valve 118 may, as an example, be a self-actuated pressure control valve such that it is configured to actuate from the second position to the first position when a pressure within first interior volume of the tank 102 reaches a predetermined pressure level. For instance, at times when the column 114 is sealed from the ambient environment, communication of liquid from the tank 102 to the reservoir 110 may cause pressure to build within the tank 102. If this pressure builds to a sufficient level, it may tend to hold liquid in the tank 102 and thereby impede communication of liquid from the tank 102 to the reservoir 110. Accordingly, the burp valve 118 can be useful in relieving pressure built up within the tank 102 by allowing air to pass between the first interior volume of the tank 102 and the ambient environment.
In the example of
In the illustrated example, the base portion 120a is removably coupled to the tank 102 by way of a mate ring 122. In some examples, the mate ring is integrally formed into the tank 102 such that when the tank 102 and base portion 120a are joined, the mate ring 122 engages base portion 120a. The mate ring 122 and tank bottom can provide a sealing engagement between the base portion 120a and the tank 102 so that liquid in the tank 102 and/or the base portion 120a (e.g., in reservoir 110) does not escape the humidifier 100a at the interface between the tank 102 and base portion 120a.
The humidifier 100a of
In various examples, light from the interface 130 can present information to the user, such as a mist emission level from the humidifier. In some such examples, the interface includes a plurality of light emitting elements arranged linearly. The number of light emitting elements that actively emit light can correspond to a level of mist emission. For example, a lowest level of mist emission can correspond to a single light source, for instance, positioned nearest the mate ring 122. As the mist emission increases, the number of active light sources can similarly increase to represent the increasing emission.
As shown, humidifier 100a further comprises the tank liquid level sensor 140 that can be used to detect the level of liquid in the liquid tank 102. For instance, in the illustrated examples, tank liquid level sensor 140 extends along the vertical dimension of sidewall 108 so that the interface between the liquid and air in the tank 102 at the tank liquid level sensor 140 is representative of the amount of liquid in the tank 102. In some embodiments, tank liquid level sensor 140 comprises a capacitive sensor configured to detect the liquid level based on changes in capacitance at the tank liquid level sensor 140. In some such examples, the internal components of the tank liquid level sensor 140 can be isolated from the external environment surrounding the humidifier 100a so that any stray electric fields or touching of the outer surface of the humidifier 100a does not impact the capacitance of the tank liquid level sensor 140.
In some embodiments, a controller can be configured to control operation of one or more components such as the interface 130, tank liquid level sensor 140, atomizer (not shown), fan (not shown), a reservoir valve, and the like. In some such embodiments, the controller can be positioned in the base portion 120a of the humidifier 100a. A controller positioned in the base portion 120a can communicate with various components via wired or wireless communication. In some examples, the controller positioned in the base portion 120a can be arranged to communicate with components in the tank 102 (e.g., the interface 130, the tank liquid level sensor 140, etc.) via a connector that facilitates electrical communication between the base portion 120a and the mate ring 122.
As shown, base portion 120a of the humidifier 100a of
In some embodiments, humidifier 100a includes one or more fans positioned within the base portion 120a to further promote air cooling of components within the base portion 120a, for example, by pulling in ambient air via vents 124. Additionally or alternatively, one or more fans within the humidifier 100a can be used to force mist from the atomizer through column 114 and out of the cap 116a and/or 116b.
In other examples, vents 124 may be excluded. For instance, in some embodiments, air cooling may not be necessary within the base portion 120a. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, one or more sensors for sensing conditions of the ambient environment may be positioned outside of the humidifier and may be in wired or wireless communication with one or more humidifier components. In some such examples, vents (e.g., 124 in
As described elsewhere herein, exemplary humidifier 200 can include an interface 230. In the illustrated example of
The interface 230 as shown in
The interface includes an isolation interface 238 between the board 236 and the interior of the liquid tank 202. The isolation interface 238 can protect electrical components (e.g., light emitting sources on board 236, capacitive sensing elements, etc.) in the interface 230 from liquid in the liquid tank 202. In some embodiments, the isolation interface 238 comprises a space to provide isolation between the liquid in liquid tank 202 and the other components of interface 230. In various embodiments, the space can comprise a vacuum, or can be filled with air, electrically insulating materials (e.g., plastic), electrically shielding materials (e.g., metals), or combinations thereof.
Such isolation can minimize the impact of the liquid on operation of the electrical components of the interface 230. For example, as described, in some embodiments, the interface 230 includes capacitive sensing elements configured to detect the touch of a user. However, in some such examples, such capacitive sensing elements can be impacted by any of a variety of objects proximate the capacitive sensing elements can impact the capacitance of the sensing elements, including liquid in the liquid tank 202. For instance, in an exemplary configuration, if the capacitive sensing elements are not isolated from the liquid in liquid tank 202, liquid being incident on a portion of the interface 230 can be misinterpreted as a user touching a similar portion of the interface 230 (e.g., at a similar position along the length of the interface). Such false sensing of a user touch could lead to undesirable operation of the humidifier 200. Isolation interface 238 can be configured to isolate the liquid in the liquid tank 202 to prevent the liquid from impacting operation of the interface 230. In particular, in some examples, isolation interface 238 provides electrical isolation to prevent the electrical properties of the liquid from impacting operation of capacitive sensing elements in the interface 230.
The humidifier 200 of
As shown, in the illustrated example of
In the example of
In some embodiments, a humidifier 300 can include one or more magnets can be used to enhance the engagement (e.g., the strength and/or accuracy of the engagement) between the lower connector 360 and a corresponding connector (e.g., on tank 302). For example, one or more magnets can be positioned on the base portion 320 proximate the lower connector 326 to engage one or more corresponding magnets or magnetically susceptible portions of the liquid tank 302 to improve the connection between such components.
Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, some or all of the interfacing portions of the base portion 320 and the liquid tank 302 can include one or more compressible materials, such as rubber. Such material(s) can be effective to enhance sealing between one or more locations of the interface and/or to reduce vibrations at one or more locations. For instance, in some examples, the lower connector 326 and/or a corresponding connector in the liquid tank 302 (e.g., in the mate ring 322) can be suspended in a compressible material to reduce the impact of any vibrations on the connections between the base portion 320 and the tank 302.
In some examples, the base portion 420 includes a housing, generally shown as 494. In some embodiments, housing 494 at least partially defines the boundary of the reservoir 410 and prevents liquid from escaping into other portions of the base portion 420. In some such examples, the housing 494 can further enclose additional components, such as a controller and/or a power supply (not shown). In some examples, the housing 494 includes vent 424 to allow air to flow into an area defined by the housing, for example, to facilitate air cooling of various components. In other examples, vent 424 may be omitted, such as shown in
The base portion 420 of
The liquid tank 502 of
As described elsewhere herein, in some examples, the liquid tank 502 can include an attachment mechanism, such as a magnet, to facilitate connection between the liquid tank 502 and a base portion, such as between upper connector 528 and lower connector 426 in
In various embodiments, different components (e.g., interface 530, liquid level sensor 540) can communicate with different numbers of communication channels depending on the needs of such components. In some embodiments, the upper connector 528 (and corresponding lower connector) includes as many individual isolated connections (e.g., via pins, etc.) as there are separate electrical channels provided by mate ring 522. In some alternative embodiments, the mate ring 522 provides communication channels for communication between the upper connector 528 and some, but not all, of available components. For instance, in an exemplary embodiment, interface 530 is in direct communication with upper connector 528 without requiring one or more communication channels in the mate ring 522.
In some examples, interface 630 receives power and/or data directly from connector 628. Additionally or alternatively, mate ring 622 can include communication channels 662 (e.g., conductive channels) for facilitating transmission of signals between the circuit board 660 and system components such as the interface 630 and/or the liquid level sensor 640. In various embodiments, communication channels 662 can include electrical communication channels (e.g., electrically conductive wires), optical communication channels (e.g., fiber optics), or other appropriate communication devices.
As described, connectors can facilitate communication between various portions of the humidifier, for example, between a circuit board (e.g., 660) housed in the base portion and an interface and/or liquid level sensor proximate the liquid tank.
In some examples, connection between the upper 728 and lower 7265 connectors occurs proximate space 754 between the gasket 750 and the upper connector 728. In some such examples, this location is most susceptible to interference, for example, by liquid in the humidifier. In some examples, gasket 750 includes ridges (e.g., 752a-752d) surrounding or partially surrounding the perimeter of the connection. For instance, in some embodiments, ridges 752a and 752c are portions of the same ridge surrounding the gasket 750. The ridges 752a-752d can provide a seal between the top surface of the gasket 750 and the bottom surface of the upper connector 728 to prevent liquid or other contaminants from entering space 754 and potentially disrupting communication between the lower 726 and upper 728 connectors. While shown as providing a seal between against a surface on the upper connector 728 in
In some embodiments, gasket 750 surrounds the connection between the upper connector 728 and the lower connector 726 without engaging pins (e.g., 738d, 748d). In other examples, gasket 750 comprises connecting channels (e.g., 743d) to facilitate communication between the upper connector 728 and lower connector 726. For example, in the exemplary configuration of
The coupling shown in
In some embodiments, the compressible surrounding 755 can include separate compressible components 756 and 758, shaded in light and dark gray, respectively, in
In the example of
Interface 830 of
As described elsewhere herein, lens 832 can include a touch sensor 833 to receive touch input signals from a user. In some examples, inputs received via the touch sensor 833 can be communicated to a controller located in the base portion of the humidifier (not shown) via the upper connector 828, lower connector 826, pins 848, and circuit board 860. As described elsewhere herein, an isolation interface 838 can protect internal elements of the interface 830 and minimize interference from liquid in the liquid tank.
The example of
The base portion 920 further includes additional humidifier components, such as an atomizer 972, a timer 974, one or more fans 976, a memory 978, one or more sensors 980 (e.g., a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, etc.), and a communication interface 982. Such components may be used during various operations of the humidifier. For instance, in some exemplary embodiments, atomizer 972 and one or more fans 976 operate together to create mist from liquid stored in a reservoir and subsequently expel the mist from the humidifier. Memory 978 can be used to store operating instructions for the controller 984 and/or data collected during various humidifier operations. Additionally or alternatively, controller 984 can receive data from one or more sensor(s) 980 representative of one or more characteristics of the humidifier environment, such as surrounding air temperature, humidity, and the like. In various examples, components such as timer 974 and/or memory 978 may be integrated into controller 984 or may be stand-alone components (e.g., on circuit board 860 in
According to the exemplary configuration of
In various embodiments, controller 984 can include any component or combination of components capable of receiving data (e.g., a user-selected mist emission setting via the user interface, liquid level data via the liquid level detector, sensor data from or more sensors 980, etc.) from one or more system components. The controller 984 can be further configured to analyze the received data, and perform one or more actions based on the analyzed data. In various examples, controller 984 can be embodied as one or more processors operating according to instructions included in a memory (e.g., memory 978), such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Such memory can be integral with the controller 984 or separate therefrom. In other examples, such a controller 984 can be embodied as one or more microcontrollers, circuitry arranged to perform prescribed tasks, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or the like.
In some embodiments, the controller 984 can be configured to communicate with other humidifier components in any of a variety of ways, such as via wired or wireless communication (e.g., via lower connector 926 and upper connector 928). In some examples, the controller 984 can communicate with one or more components via an I2C connection, a Bluetooth® connection, or other known communication types. In various embodiments, controller 984 can be embodied as a plurality of controllers separately in communication with different system components. Such controllers can be programmed to operate in concert (e.g., according to instructions stored in a single memory or communicating memories), or can operate independently of one another.
For example, in various embodiments, the controller 984 can be in one- or two-way communication with various components of the humidifier, such as the atomizer 972, the timer 974, the interface 930, and/or the tank water level sensor 940. For example, as described elsewhere herein, in some embodiments, the controller 984 can be configured to receive data from the interface 930 and control operation of the atomizer 972 based upon programming instructions. In another example, controller 984 can control a display on the interface 930 (e.g., one or more LEDs) based on a received input (e.g., from the interface 930). It will be appreciated that various examples are possible, some of which are described herein by way of example.
In some embodiments, the communication interface 982 can facilitate communication between one or more humidifier components (e.g., controller 984) and one or more external components via a wired connection and/or a wireless connection, such one or more of a WiFi® connection, a Bluetooth® connection, or the like. In some such embodiments, the controller 984 can be accessed via the communication interface 982 such that a user can adjust one or more settings of the controller 984 via an external or remote device. Similarly, such access to the controller 984 can be used to control operation of the humidifier, such as a desired amount of mist emission or the like, in addition to or instead of other interfaces (e.g., interface 930). In some such examples, a user can interface with the communication interface 982 of the humidifier via, for example, a web interface and/or an application running on the user's mobile device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or the like, for example, as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/665,616, titled “Humidifier User Interaction”, which is incorporated into this disclosure by reference above.
In some embodiments, the controller 984 can additionally or alternatively be in communication with one or more external devices, for example, via communication interface 982. In some such examples, the controller can receive data from one or more sensors external to or built-in to the humidifier, for example, via wired or wireless connection, such as Ethernet, Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®, etc. Some such sensors can be used for measuring different aspects of the ambient environment of the humidifier, such as a temperature sensor, humidity sensor (e.g., a hygrometer), or the like. In some such examples, the controller 984 can perform one or more operations according to received data from external sensors. In some embodiments, remotely located components such as a humidity sensor, temperature sensor, or the like can be used to measure various parameters regarding the ambient environment surrounding the humidifier. In some such examples, there is no need to sample surrounding air in the humidifier itself, and the humidifier base portion can be made without vents (e.g., base portion 120b in
In the illustrated example, power supply 970 is in communication with a variety of components in the base portion 920 as well as lower connector 926. The lower connector 926 is in communication with an upper connector 928, for example, via a press-fit connection. One or more gaskets can be used to seal the connection between the upper connector 928 and the lower connector 926. The upper connector 928 is in communication with the tank water level sensor 940 and the interface 930. Thus, in various embodiments, the power supply 970 can provide electrical power to various components in the base portion 920, such as the atomizer 972, timer 974, fan(s) 976, sensor(s) 980, communication interface 982, controller 984, as well as other components. Further, power supply 970 can provide electrical power to components proximate the liquid tank 902, such as the tank water level sensor 940 and the interface 930, by way of the upper connector 928 and lower connector 926.
In various embodiments, power supply 970 can include one or more sources of electrical power, such as one or more batteries, capacitive energy storage devices, or the like. Additionally or alternatively, power supply 970 can include a wired power supply, for example, a plug capable of plugging into an outlet. In some embodiments, the power supply 970 receives electrical power from a power source (e.g., a wall outlet) and outputs an appropriate electrical power to various humidifier components as needed during operation of the device. For instance, in some examples, power supply 970 may provide a first voltage to interface 930 and a second voltage to operate controller 984. In other examples, each component in the humidifier can operate at approximately the same voltage output from power supply 970. In still further examples, power supply 970 can include a plurality of power-supplying components for providing different amounts of electrical power to different components. For instance, in some embodiments, power supply 970 can include a power board having a plurality of outputs for providing power to various system components. In some embodiments, power supplied to various components within the humidifier are independent from one another so that any short circuit condition (e.g., due to liquid ingress) in the power supplied to one portion of the humidifier does not impact the power supplied elsewhere.
In the embodiment of
In various embodiments, each section 1035a-1035g of the interface can include one or more light sources capable of emitting one or more colors of light via each respective section. For instance, in some examples, one or more such sections include a plurality of different colored LEDs (e.g., red, green, and blue LEDs) that can be selectively activated within each section to produce a customized color (e.g., an RGB color) to be displayed at that section. In some examples, the color of each such section can be individually controlled, for example, via the controller.
Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, one or more sections 1035a-1035g is only selectively illuminated as a single color. In various embodiments, such a single color can be emitted at a variable intensity (e.g., as controlled by the controller). In other examples, a section having the single color light output can function as a binary section, for example, having only operating states of “on” and “off.”
During exemplary operation, a user may interact with interface 1030 in order to control operation of a humidifier. For instance, in an exemplary embodiment, sections 1035a-1035g correspond to different operating levels of the humidifier, for example, different amounts of mist expelled from the humidifier. To select a level of operation, a user may touch the interface at a level corresponding to a desired level of operation (e.g., at a touch sensor at section 1035d). The controller in communication with the touch sensors of interface 1030 can receive an indication that section 1035d was touched, and can control operation of the humidifier accordingly. For example, the controller can interface with an atomizer and/or a mist fan to control the output of mist from the humidifier. Such interfacing can include operating the atomizer and/or mist fan at a predetermined level of operation according to the level selected by a user via interface 1030.
Additionally or alternatively, a user may increase or decrease the mist output level (e.g., by adjusting the operation of the atomizer and/or a mist fan) by swiping his or her finger along the surface of the interface 1030. The controller in communication with one or more touch sensors of the interface 1030 can be configured to detect the direction of a swipe and adjust the mist output accordingly (e.g., increase mist intensity for an upward swipe and decrease intensity for a downward swipe). In some such examples, the length of the user swipe corresponds to the amount the mist output is adjusted. Further, in some embodiments, a user may cease the emission of mist from the humidifier by swiping his or her finger to a predetermined location (e.g., proximate section 1035g) on the interface 1030. Similarly, in some embodiments, the touch sensor aspect of the interface 1030 can be used to turn on the humidifier.
For example, the touch sensor may be used to turn on the humidifier from a sleep or stand-by mode when sensing the touch of a user. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, interface 1030 includes a proximity sensor separate from the touch sensor. Proximity sensor can include, for example, a wire extending around the touch sensor. In some examples, the proximity sensor can be used to wake-up the humidifier from a sleep or stand-by mode upon detecting an object within close proximity of the interface 1030.
In some examples, one or more sections 1035a-1035g can be lit to identify the current output level of the humidifier. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, section 1035g being lit corresponds to a minimum amount of mist being emitted from the humidifier while section 1035a being lit corresponds to a maximum amount of mist being emitted. In some such examples, a single section can be lit to indicate the output level of the humidifier. In other examples, each section up to the output level can be lit. For instance, in an exemplary configuration, sections 1035c-1035g can be lit when the output level is indicated by section 1035c.
In some embodiments, only a subset of sections 1035a-1035g is used for indicating the output level of the humidifier. For example, in some embodiments, one or more sections may be used to indicate other information. In an exemplary embodiment, sections 1035a-1035f are used to indicate the output level of the humidifier such as described above. However, section 1035g is used to separately indicate additional data, for example, a liquid freshness level. In some such examples, sections used to indicate the humidifier output level (e.g., 1035a-1035g) can be single-colored (e.g., white) sections, while section(s) used to indicate other parameters (e.g., 1035g; liquid freshness) can be a multi-colored (e.g., RGB) section. For example, a liquid freshness indicator section (e.g., 1035g) can change in a spectrum from green to red as the liquid freshness in the tank decreases.
Accordingly, in some embodiments, capacitance values at sections 1141a-1141g can be measured and compared to a baseline value in order to determine the location of the junction between the liquid and air within the liquid tank, and thus the liquid level in the liquid tank. For example, with reference to
In some embodiments, liquid level sensor 1140 further includes a continuous electrode 1143 extending along a second length of the liquid level sensor 1140. In the illustrated embodiment, the second length of the liquid level sensor 1140 is approximately the entirety of the liquid level sensor 1140. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the second length along which the continuous electrode 1143 extends can be equal to the first length along which the plurality of sections 1141a-1141g are arranged. In general, the second length can be longer than the first length, shorter than the first length, or equal in size to the first length. Additionally, in various examples, the first and second lengths can be vertically aligned with one another at the top of the lengths, the bottom of the lengths, the center of the lengths, or any other alignment, including independently positioned along the liquid level sensor 1140.
Similar to the discrete sections 1141a-1141g, the continuous electrode 1143 can be capacitively coupled to a ground electrode (not shown). Thus, liquid proximate portions of the continuous electrode 1143 affects the electric field, and thereby the capacitance, between continuous and ground electrodes.
In other examples, each of the discrete sections 1141a-1141g outputs a continuous range of signals corresponding to the level of liquid incident on that given section. For example, in some embodiments, each section outputs a “zero” value when no liquid is incident on the section, a saturated value when the liquid level is above the section, and an intermediate value if the liquid level is between the upper and lower boundaries of the section. The intermediate value can be an indication of the precise liquid level between the upper and lower boundaries of the section. It will be appreciated that the “zero” value indicative of no liquid being incident on the section may or may not correspond to a measurement value of zero. Rather, the “zero” value as used herein refers to a measurement reflecting a liquid level that is below the lower boundary of the section.
For example, during exemplary operation of such an embodiment, if the liquid level is within section 1141d, sections 1141e, 1141f, and 1141g will output the saturation value, sections 1141a, 1141b, and 1141c will output the “zero” value, and section 1141d will output an intermediate value. The intermediate value from section 1141d can be indicative of how far the liquid level extends up the length of section 1141d.
In some embodiments, individual sections 1141a-1141g are individually in communication with other components (e.g., controller 984) such that if one the individual sections stops working, the other sections can still function normally. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the controller (e.g., 984) is configured to identify which of the sections (1141a-1141g) is coincident with the top of the liquid level, e.g., section 1141d in the previous example. In some such embodiments, the controller is further configured to disable and/or disregard data from sections outside of a predetermined proximity of the identified section, such as within one section of the identified section. For instance, with reference to the previous example, if the liquid level is within section 1141d, the controller may disable and/or disregard data from sections 1141a, 1141b, 1141f, and 1141g, while considering data from sections 1141c, 1141d, and 1141e. This prevents extraneous data (e.g., from a user's touch or splashing liquid) incident on sections sufficiently far from the identified liquid level from impacting the liquid level measurement via sensors 1141a-1141g.
In some such examples, for example, during a liquid fill process, as the liquid level rises past the junction between two sections (e.g., 1141d and 1141c), the output of the new section (e.g., 1141c) will rise from the “zero” value to an intermediate value, while the value at the previous section (e.g., 1141d) will remain at the saturation value. In some embodiments, after the output from a certain section (e.g., 1141c) rises a predetermined amount beyond the “zero” value (e.g., 15% from the “zero” value to the saturation value), the controller assumes that the liquid level is sufficiently within that section. In some such examples, any drift or errors (e.g., due to human touch, etc.) on lower sections (e.g., 1141d) will be disregarded, since the controller knows the liquid level is at least within the identified section. In some such instances, the controller can continue to monitor the output of the identified section (e.g., 1141c) and, if the output drops below a predetermined amount (e.g., the predetermined amount beyond the “zero” value referenced above), data from lower sections (e.g., 1141d) is considered.
In some examples, the system saves various output values in a memory (e.g., memory 978), such as the “zero” value and the saturation value associated with each section 1141a-1141g. In some such examples, such values can be dynamically updated during sensor operation. For instance, in some embodiments, if the controller detects a transition of the liquid level from section 1141d to section 1141c based on the output rising above the “zero” value for section 1141c, the output value of section 1141d can be saved as an updated saturation value for that section. Similarly, if the output value from section 1141d begins dropping below the saturation value, the value at section 1141c can be saved as an updated “zero” value for that section. In general, the controller can be configured to detect transitions of the liquid level between sections, and use the identified transition to update stored values.
Further, in some embodiments, when the system is initiated (e.g., turned on) and/or when the liquid tank is attached to the base portion, the controller is configured to read the initial values from each of sections 1141a-1141g. If the detected values from one or more such sections is higher than the expected “zero” value, the controller can be configured to analyze the output values from any sections below the identified section for which the initial value is higher than the “zero” value. If the output values from the lower sections are saturated, then the liquid level can be determined based on the intermediate value of the identified section. However, if it is determined that the liquid level is likely not as high as the identified section, the output value for that section can be saved as the new “zero” value for that section.
Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, if, during operation or upon initiation, an output value from one or more sections 1141a-1141g is outside of an expected value, a measurement of the liquid level can be made from the continuous electrode 1143. Such a measurement can be made to determine, for example, if a section showing a non-“zero” output is likely to be influenced by the presence of a liquid in the tank, or if the “zero” value should be updated in memory. Thus, it can be advantageous to include both the discrete section and continuous electrode configurations for determining the liquid level within the liquid tank.
In some examples, liquid level sensor 1140 can be factory calibrated to identify expected capacitance values (e.g., on one or more of sections 1141a-1141g and/or continuous electrode 1143) for an empty liquid tank and/or for tanks having various liquid levels. Such factory calibration settings can be stored in a memory such as memory 978 in the base portion 920 of the humidifier or in a separate memory, such as an auxiliary memory in the liquid tank 902. For instance, in some examples, an EEPROM can be stored in the liquid tank (e.g., proximate the user interface 130) and can include calibration data for the liquid level sensor. The factory calibration settings can be referenced when determining a liquid level within a tank during operation and/or when performing a calibration procedure.
During exemplary operation according to some embodiments, once the section with which the top of the liquid level is identified, the controller can act to disable one or more sections separate from the identified section. For instance, in some examples, the controller disables (e.g., disregards, disconnects, or other method of not accounting for data) sections that are used for liquid level sensing that are not the identified section or the sections immediately above or below the identified section. In some such examples, artifacts such as a user touching the humidifier at an inactive section or liquid splashing on an inactive section do not undesirably and incorrectly affect the liquid level measurement.
Additionally, the method can include the step of determining the liquid level using the continuous electrode (e.g., 1143). In some example, this can be performed by measuring a capacitance of the continuous electrode. In various embodiments, determining the liquid level using the sections 1141a-1141g and/or via the continuous electrode 1143 is done using the factory calibration data read in step 1280.
The method can include the step of comparing the liquid level values determined via the sections (e.g., 1141a-1141g) and using the continuous electrode (e.g., 1143) (1284). This comparison can act as a check to ensure that the sensors are working properly. For example, in some cases, the capacitance reading of the continuous electrode (e.g., 1143) can drift over time, leading to measurement errors and incorrect liquid level determinations. Accordingly, after the values are compared (1284), if the values are determined to be sufficiently different (1285), the continuous sensor can be calibrated in view of the data from the discrete sections (1288), and the process can be repeated with the further-calibrated continuous sensor. However, if the determined liquid level values from the continuous and the discrete sections are determined to be sufficiently close to one another (1285), the discrete and continuous values can be averaged together (1286). In the method of
In some embodiments, the step of calibrating the continuous sensor in view of the discrete section data (1288) comprises updating a value in memory (e.g., a “zero” value, a saturation value, or the like) such that the liquid level determined via the sections and via the continuous electrode are sufficiently close in value. In some embodiments, in addition to calibrating the continuous sensor in view of the discrete section data (1288), the method can include the step of determining the liquid level (1287), for example, from the discrete section data alone.
In various embodiments, the liquid level sensor(s) (e.g., the continuous electrode sensor and/or the discrete sections) can be sampled at regular intervals. For instance, in some examples, the liquid level can be detected n times per minute or second (with n being an integer value), every minute, every 10 minutes, every hour, every day, or any other appropriate period of time. Additionally or alternatively, one or both of the continuous electrode liquid level sensor and the discrete section liquid level sensor can be calibrated or recalibrated based on various detected conditions of the detected liquid level. For example, in some embodiments, when a new liquid level is detected, if the new liquid level is beyond a threshold value or a threshold change in values from the previous reading such that the liquid level is unlikely to be correct (e.g., the liquid level is less than zero or changed by an unlikely amount), the sensor(s) can be recalibrated, for example, using factory calibration values
Various configurations have been described. Several non-limiting examples of humidifier operation that can be performed using such exemplary humidifier configurations are described below.
With further reference to
The controller 984 can adjust operation of one or more humidifier components to adjust the humidifier output according to the received commands from the interface 930. In some examples, the controller 984 can adjust the operation (e.g., the operating power) of the atomizer 972 in order to produce more or less mist. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 984 can adjust the operating speed of a fan 976 (e.g., a mist fan) to control the speed at which mist is expelled from the humidifier. In some examples, the controller 984 always controls the same components to adjust the humidifier output level. In other examples, the controller 984 may selectively adjust one or both of the atomizer 972 and the fan 976 depending on the magnitude of output level change and/or desired output level.
Additionally or alternatively, the controller 984 can be configured to adjust the output of the humidifier (e.g., the atomizer 972 and/or the fan(s) 976) separately from commands received via interface 930. In some examples, the controller 984 can be configured to receive control data from a user via the communication interface 982. In some such examples, the user can adjust the humidifier settings (e.g., mist output, etc.) from an external source, such as via a web interface and/or an application running on the user's mobile device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or the like, for example, as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/665,616, titled “Humidifier User Interaction”, which is incorporated into this disclosure by reference above.
In still further examples, as described elsewhere herein, the controller 984 can receive data from one or more sensors, such as sensors 980 in the base portion 920 of the humidifier and/or external sensors in communication with controller 984 via communication interface 982. In some such examples, the controller 984 can be configured to receive data from such sensors, such as humidity and/or temperature data representative of the humidifier's surrounding environment, and adjust humidifier operation accordingly. For instance, in an exemplary embodiment, the controller 984 monitors the humidity of the environment surrounding the humidifier and, if the surrounding humidity drops below a threshold value, the controller 984 acts to turn on and/or increase the operating level of the humidifier. Similarly, in another exemplary embodiment, if the controller 984 senses the humidity of the surrounding environment to exceed a threshold, the controller 984 can act to reduce and/or shut off the humidifier output.
In some examples, the controller 984 can store determined liquid level readings in memory 978. The controller can monitor the liquid level over time using timer 974 and liquid level values stored in memory 978. In some examples, the controller 984 can determine the amount of time that has passed since fresh liquid has been added to the humidifier and determine a liquid freshness level based on the amount of time. In further examples, the controller 984 can determine a liquid freshness level based on a determined time that fresh liquid was added and the amount of fresh liquid that was added. For example, if an amount of fresh liquid is added to the humidifier that is equal to half of the total volume of liquid in the humidifier (e.g., based on detected changes in the liquid level), the freshness level of the liquid may be lower than that if all of the liquid in the humidor were replaced with fresh liquid.
Additionally or alternatively, the liquid freshness can be measured using a liquid freshness index. In some such examples, when the liquid tank (e.g., 102) is filled with fresh liquid, the freshness index starts at zero. As long as no additional fresh liquid is added, the freshness index increases over time. For example, in some embodiments, the freshness index increases by a predetermined amount at regular intervals.
In some examples, the controller 984 can continuously or periodically update the determined liquid freshness based on data received from the tank water level sensor 940 and the timer 974. In various embodiments, freshness levels can be updated at any of a variety of intervals, such as n times per minute or second (with n being an integer value), every minute, every 10 minutes, every hour, every day, or any other appropriate period of time.
Once the liquid freshness is determined, the controller 984 can control the interface 930 to present an indication of the liquid freshness. For example, in some embodiments, the interface 930 includes a section (e.g., section 1035g in
If the liquid level is determined to be greater than zero (1483), then the new liquid level is set as a value Xn (1486). The new liquid level Xn is compared to the previous liquid level Xn−1 (1487). If the new liquid value Xn is not greater than the previous liquid level Xn−1, then it is assumed that no new fresh liquid has been added to the tank, and the liquid freshness index is updated so that the new liquid freshness index In in increased by one from the previous liquid freshness index In−1 (1488).
However, if the new liquid value Xn is greater than the previous liquid level Xn−1, then it is assumed that fresh liquid has been added to the liquid tank. In such examples, the previous freshness index In−1 is scaled by a factor of Xn−1/Xn such that the updated liquid freshness index In=In−1×Xn−1/Xn (1489). That is, since Xn>Xn−1, the scaling factor Xn−1/Xn is less than one and the freshness index In decreases from the previous value In−1, implying the liquid in the liquid tank has increased in freshness. The increase in freshness depends on the amount of new fresh liquid added to the tank (Xn−Xn−1) and the amount of liquid that was in the tank previously Xn−1.
As described with respect to steps 1485, 1488, and 1489, the liquid freshness index is updated during each iteration of the process of
According to the method of
As described with respect to
In the illustrated example, the controller 1584 is in communication with a switch that can be used to selectively apply power from a power supply 1570 to one or more pins 1548a-1548h of lower connector 1526 via switch 1588. In some embodiments, the controller 1584 operates to read the signal on each of pins 1548a-1548h one-by-one via the multiplexer 1586 and compares each signal to an expected value. If the measured value one or more of pins 1548a-1548h does not meet the expected value (e.g., does not fall within a predetermined range of values), the controller 1584 detects a fault condition in the humidifier.
In some embodiments, the controller 1584 can be configured to diagnose the detected fault condition based on the signal(s) received from pins 1548a-1548h. For example, in an exemplary fault-detection process, the controller 1584 can identify if any of pins 1548a-1548h are shorted together, such as due to improper placement of the tank on the base portion or liquid ingress into the connector.
In some embodiments, the controller 1584 is configured to disable operation of the humidifier when a fault is detected. In some such embodiments, the fault detection is performed at start-up of the humidifier and only allows operation of the humidifier when no fault is detected. Additionally or alternatively, the controller can be configured to alert a user of a detected fault condition. For instance, in some examples, the controller can alert a user of a fault condition via an interface, such as interface 130. With respect to
Various non-limiting exemplary embodiments have been described. It will be appreciated that suitable alternatives are possible without departing from the scope of the examples described herein. These and other examples are within the scope of the following claims.
