OPTIMIZED DRYING CYCLE BASED ON WASHING CYCLE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to laundry appliances, and more particularly to laundry appliances with optimized drying operations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various laundry appliances include features for drying articles therein. For example, dryer appliances are typically paired with a separate washing machine appliance such that wet articles from the washing machine appliance may be loaded into the paired dryer appliance for drying.

The washing machine appliance may have one or more features or configurations for characterizing the load of articles, such as determining a type and/or size of the load of articles in the washing machine appliance. Such characterizations may be used to inform the washing operation, such as determining or adjusting one or more operating parameters of the washing machine appliance for the washing operation based on the characterization, e.g., size and/or type, of the load of articles.

Such load information may also be useful in drying the load of articles, e.g., in a dryer appliance, however, conventional approaches to determining drying parameters do not share this information with the dryer appliance nor do such conventional approaches otherwise take the load characterization by the washing machine appliance into account in determining the drying parameters. Thus, conventional approaches to determining drying parameters either require separate characterization of the load of articles in the dryer appliance, which takes extra time and may be redundant, or are based on some degree of subjectivity, e.g., a user's subjective determination of whether the load of articles is a “large” or “small” load size, among other possible examples.

Accordingly, laundry appliances having features to optimize the drying operation in the drying appliance, such as providing recommended drying parameters based on a characterization of the load of articles by the washing machine appliance would be advantageous.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method of operating a pair of laundry appliances is provided. The pair of laundry appliances includes a washing machine appliance and a dryer appliance. The method includes characterizing, by the washing machine appliance, a load of articles in the washing machine appliance. The method also includes washing the load of articles in the washing machine appliance.

The method further includes determining a recommended time and a recommended temperature for a drying operation of the dryer appliance for the load of articles based on the characterization of the load of articles.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of operating a pair of laundry appliances is provided. The pair of laundry appliances includes a washing machine appliance and a dryer appliance. The method of operating the pair of laundry appliances includes characterizing a load of articles in the washing machine appliance. The method also includes washing the load of articles in the washing machine appliance. The method further includes determining a parameter for a drying operation of the dryer appliance for the load of articles based on the characterization of the load of articles.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a laundry appliance in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 provides a cross-section view of the example laundry appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of another laundry appliance as may be used with one or more additional exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of the example laundry appliance of FIG. 3 with portions of a cabinet of the laundry appliance removed to reveal certain components of the laundry appliance.

FIG. 5 provides a schematic diagram of multiple laundry appliances in communication with a remote database.

FIG. 6 provides a flow chart illustrating a method for evaluating a load of articles in a washing machine appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 7 provides an exemplary plot of an angular velocity of a basket over time during an exemplary operation of a washing machine appliance.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method of operating a washing machine appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 9 illustrates a method of operating a washing machine appliance according to another exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 10 provides a flow chart illustrating a method for operating a laundry appliance in accordance with one or more additional exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 provides a flow chart illustrating another method for operating a laundry appliance in accordance with one or more additional exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. The detailed description uses numerical and letter designations to refer to features in the drawings. Like or similar designations in the drawings and description have been used to refer to like or similar parts of the disclosure. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, terms of approximation, such as “substantially,” “generally,” or “about” include values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. When used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction. For example, “generally vertical” includes directions within ten degrees of vertical in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise.

As used herein, the terms “articles,” “clothing,” or “laundry” include but need not be limited to fabrics, textiles, garments, linens, papers, or other items which may be cleaned, dried, and/or otherwise treated in a laundry appliance. Furthermore, the term “load” or “laundry load” refers to the combination of clothing that may be washed together in a washing machine appliance or dried together in a dryer appliance (e.g., clothes dryer), including washed and dried together in a combination laundry appliance, and may include a mixture of different or similar articles of clothing of different or similar types and kinds of fabrics, textiles, garments and linens within a particular laundering process.

FIGS. 1 through 4 illustrate an exemplary pair of laundry appliances, e.g., a washing machine appliance (FIGS. 1 and 2) and a dryer appliance (FIGS. 3 and 4), each of which may be one half of a pair of laundry appliances, such as together with the other illustrated example laundry appliance or with any other suitable washing machine appliance or dryer appliance. The laundry appliances may be paired in that they are mated together, e.g., connected, for communication between the appliances, such as wireless transmission and receipt of data and/or signals. Examples of data which may be communicated between the paired laundry appliances are discussed in more detail below. The washing machine appliance and the dryer appliance may also be paired in that they form a matched set which may be sold and/or used together. For example, the washing machine appliance and the dryer appliance may be located proximate to or next to each other, such as in the same room, e.g., laundry room or laundromat, for washing a load in the washing machine appliance that is then transferred to the dryer appliance for drying the load therein. In some embodiments, the pair of laundry appliances may be commercial laundry appliances, such as may be used in a laundromat, which are configured to be rented and may be usable on a per-cycle basis, e.g., wherein each laundry appliance is paid for by a user at each cycle and such payment unlocks a single usage of the laundry appliance.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a laundry appliance 300 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, the exemplary laundry appliance illustrated in FIG. 1 is an exemplary horizontal axis washing machine appliance 300. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of washing machine appliance 300 according to one example embodiment. As illustrated, washing machine appliance 300 generally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which is mutually perpendicular, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined. Washing machine appliance 300 includes a cabinet 302 that extends between a top 304 and a bottom 306 along the vertical direction V, between a left side 308 and a right side 310 along the lateral direction L, and between a front 312 and a rear 314 along the transverse direction T.

As may be seen in FIG. 2, a wash tub 324 is positioned within cabinet 302 and is generally configured for retaining wash fluids during an operating cycle. As used herein, “wash fluid” may refer to water, detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable wash additive or combination thereof. Wash tub 324 is substantially fixed relative to cabinet 302 such that it does not rotate or translate relative to cabinet 302.

A wash basket 320 is received within wash tub 324 and defines a wash chamber 326 that is configured for receipt of articles for washing. More specifically, wash basket 320 is rotatably mounted within wash tub 324 such that it is rotatable about an axis of rotation A. According to the illustrated embodiment, the axis of rotation is substantially parallel to the transverse direction T. In this regard, washing machine appliance 300 is generally referred to as a “horizontal axis” or “front load” washing machine appliance 300. However, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present subject matter may be used within the context of a vertical axis or top load washing machine appliance as well.

Wash basket 320 may define one or more agitator features that extend into wash chamber 326 to assist in agitation and cleaning of articles disposed within wash chamber 326 during operation of washing machine appliance 300. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a plurality of ribs 328 extends from basket 320 into wash chamber 326. In this manner, for example, ribs 328 may lift articles disposed in wash basket 320 during rotation of wash basket 320.

Washing machine appliance 300 includes a motor assembly 322 that is in mechanical communication with wash basket 320 to selectively rotate wash basket 320 (e.g., during an agitation or a rinse cycle of washing machine appliance 300). According to the illustrated embodiment, motor assembly 322 is a pancake motor. However, it should be appreciated that any suitable type, size, or configuration of motor may be used to rotate wash basket 320 according to alternative embodiments.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, cabinet 302 also includes a front panel 330 that defines an opening 332 that permits user access to wash basket 320 of wash tub 324. More specifically, washing machine appliance 300 includes a door 334 that is positioned over opening 332 and is rotatably mounted to front panel 330 (e.g., about a door axis that is substantially parallel to the vertical direction V). In this manner, door 334 permits selective access to opening 332 by being movable between an open position (not shown) facilitating access to a wash tub 324 and a closed position (FIG. 1) prohibiting access to wash tub 324.

In some embodiments, a window 336 in door 334 permits viewing of wash basket 320 when door 334 is in the closed position (e.g., during operation of washing machine appliance 300). Door 334 also includes a handle (not shown) that, for example, a user may pull when opening and closing door 334. Further, although door 334 is illustrated as mounted to front panel 330, it should be appreciated that door 334 may be mounted to another side of cabinet 302 or any other suitable support according to alternative embodiments. Additionally or alternatively, a front gasket or baffle 338 may extend between tub 324 and the front panel 330 about the opening 332 covered by door 334, further sealing tub 324 from cabinet 302.

As illustrated for example in FIG. 2, wash basket 320 may also include a plurality of perforations 340 extending therethrough in order to facilitate fluid communication between an interior of basket 320 and wash tub 324. A sump 342 is defined by wash tub 324 at a bottom of wash tub 324 along the vertical direction V. Thus, sump 342 is configured for receipt of, and generally collects, wash fluid during operation of washing machine appliance 300. For example, during operation of washing machine appliance 300, wash fluid may be urged (e.g., by gravity) from basket 320 to sump 342 through the plurality of perforations 340. A pump assembly 344 is located beneath wash tub 324 for gravity assisted flow when draining wash tub 324 (e.g., via a drain 346). Pump assembly 344 is also configured for recirculating wash fluid within wash tub 324.

In some embodiments, washing machine appliance 300 includes an additive dispenser or spout 350. For example, spout 350 may be in fluid communication with a water supply (not shown) in order to direct fluid (e.g., clean water) into wash tub 324. Spout 350 may also be in fluid communication with the sump 342. For example, pump assembly 344 may direct wash fluid disposed in sump 342 to spout 350 in order to circulate wash fluid in wash tub 324.

As illustrated, a detergent drawer 352 may be slidably mounted within front panel 330. Detergent drawer 352 receives a wash additive (e.g., detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable liquid or powder) and directs the fluid additive to wash chamber 326 during operation of washing machine appliance 300. According to the illustrated embodiment, detergent drawer 352 may also be fluidly coupled to spout 350 to facilitate the complete and accurate dispensing of wash additive.

In optional embodiments, a bulk reservoir 354 is disposed within cabinet 302. Bulk reservoir 354 may be configured for receipt of fluid additive for use during operation of washing machine appliance 300. Moreover, bulk reservoir 354 may be sized such that a volume of fluid additive sufficient for a plurality or multitude of wash cycles of washing machine appliance 300 (e.g., five, ten, twenty, fifty, or any other suitable number of wash cycles) may fill bulk reservoir 354. Thus, for example, a user can fill bulk reservoir 354 with fluid additive and operate washing machine appliance 300 for a plurality of wash cycles without refilling bulk reservoir 354 with fluid additive. A reservoir pump 356 is configured for selective delivery of the fluid additive from bulk reservoir 354 to wash tub 324.

A control panel 360 including a plurality of input selectors 362 is coupled to front panel 330. Control panel 360 and input selectors 362 collectively form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features. For example, in one embodiment, a display 364 indicates selected features, a countdown timer, or other items of interest to machine users.

Operation of washing machine appliance 300 is controlled by a controller or processing device 366 that is operatively coupled to control panel 360 for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of control panel 360, controller 366 operates the various components of washing machine appliance 300 to execute selected machine cycles and features.

Controller 366 may include a memory (e.g., non-transitive memory) and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a wash operation. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller 366 may be constructed without using a microprocessor (e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry, such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. Control panel 360 and other components of washing machine appliance 300, such as motor assembly 322, may be in communication with controller 366 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. It should be noted that controllers as disclosed herein are capable of and may be operable to perform any methods and associated method steps as disclosed herein. For example, in some embodiments, methods disclosed herein may be embodied in programming instructions stored in the memory and executed by the controller.

In exemplary embodiments, during operation of washing machine appliance 300, laundry items are loaded into wash basket 320 through opening 332, and a wash operation is initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors 362. For example, a wash cycle may be initiated such that wash tub 324 is filled with water, detergent, or other fluid additives (e.g., via spout 350). One or more valves (not shown) can be controlled by washing machine appliance 300 to provide for filling wash basket 320 to the appropriate level for the amount of articles being washed or rinsed. By way of example, once wash basket 320 is properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash basket 320 can be agitated (e.g., with ribs 328) for an agitation phase of laundry items in wash basket 320. During the agitation phase, the basket 320 may be motivated about the axis of rotation A at a set speed (e.g., a tumble speed). As the basket 320 is rotated, articles within the basket 320 may be lifted and permitted to drop therein.

After the agitation phase of the washing operation is completed, wash tub 324 can be drained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed (e.g., through a rinse cycle) by again adding fluid to wash tub 324, depending on the particulars of the cleaning cycle selected by a user. Ribs 328 may again provide agitation within wash basket 320. One or more spin cycles may also be used. In particular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle or after the rinse cycle in order to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. During a spin cycle, basket 320 is rotated at relatively high speeds. For instance, basket 320 may be rotated at one set speed (e.g., a pre-plaster speed) before being rotated at another set speed (e.g., a plaster speed). As would be understood, the pre-plaster speed may be greater than the tumble speed and the plaster speed may be greater than the pre-plaster speed. Moreover, agitation or tumbling of articles may be reduced as basket 320 increases its rotational velocity such that the plaster speed maintains the articles at a generally fixed position relative to basket 320.

After articles disposed in wash basket 320 are cleaned (or the washing operation otherwise ends), a user can remove the articles from wash basket 320 (e.g., by opening door 334 and reaching into wash basket 320 through opening 332).

FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of dryer appliance 410 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 provides another perspective view of dryer appliance 410 with a portion of a cabinet or housing 412 of dryer appliance 410 removed in order to show certain components of dryer appliance 410. Dryer appliance 410 generally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which is mutually perpendicular, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is defined. While described in the context of a specific embodiment of dryer appliance 410, using the teachings disclosed herein, it will be understood that dryer appliance 410 is provided by way of example only. Other dryer appliances having different appearances and different features may also be utilized with embodiments of the present subject matter.

Cabinet 412 includes a front panel 414, a rear panel 416, a pair of side panels 418 and 420 spaced apart from each other by front and rear panels 414 and 416, a bottom panel 422, and a top cover 424. Within cabinet 412, an interior volume 429 is defined. A drum or container 426 is mounted for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis within the interior volume 429. Drum 426 defines a chamber 425 for receipt of articles of clothing for tumbling and/or drying. Drum 426 extends between a front portion 437 and a back portion 438. Drum 426 also includes a back or rear wall 434, e.g., at back portion 438 of drum 426. A supply duct 441 may be mounted to rear wall 434 and receives heated air that has been heated by a heating assembly or system 440.

A motor 431 is provided in some embodiments to rotate drum 426 about the horizontal axis, e.g., via a pulley and a belt (not pictured). Drum 426 is generally cylindrical in shape, having an outer cylindrical wall 428 and a front flange or wall 430 that defines an opening 432 of drum 426, e.g., at front portion 437 of drum 426, for loading and unloading of articles into and out of chamber 425 of drum 426. A plurality of lifters or baffles 427 are provided within chamber 425 of drum 426 to lift articles therein and then allow such articles to tumble back to a bottom of drum 426 as drum 426 rotates. Baffles 427 may be mounted to drum 426 such that baffles 427 rotate with drum 426 during operation of dryer appliance 410.

Drum 426 includes a rear wall 434 rotatably supported within main housing 412 by a suitable fixed bearing. Rear wall 434 can be fixed or can be rotatable. Rear wall 434 may include, for instance, a plurality of holes that receive hot air that has been heated by a heating assembly or system 440, as will be described further below. Motor 431 is also in mechanical communication with an air handler 448 such that motor 431 rotates a fan 449, e.g., a centrifugal fan, of air handler 448. Air handler 448 is configured for drawing air through chamber 425 of drum 426, e.g., in order to dry articles located therein. In alternative example embodiments, dryer appliance 410 may include an additional motor (not shown) for rotating fan 449 of air handler 448 independently of drum 426.

Drum 426 is configured to receive heated air that has been heated by a heating assembly 440, e.g., via holes in the rear wall 434 as mentioned above, in order to dry damp articles disposed within chamber 425 of drum 426. For example, heating assembly 440 may include any suitable heat source, such as a gas burner, an electrical resistance heating element, or heat pump, for heating air. As discussed above, during operation of dryer appliance 410, motor 431 rotates drum 426 and fan 449 of air handler 448 such that air handler 448 draws air through chamber 425 of drum 426 when motor 431 rotates fan 449. In particular, ambient air enters heating assembly 440 via an inlet 451 due to air handler 448 urging such ambient air into inlet 451. Such ambient air is heated within heating assembly 440 and exits heating assembly 440 as heated air. Air handler 448 draws such heated air through supply duct 441 to drum 426. The heated air enters drum 426 through a plurality of outlets of supply duct 441 positioned at rear wall 434 of drum 426.

Within chamber 425, the heated air may accumulate moisture, e.g., from damp clothing disposed within chamber 425. In turn, air handler 448 draws moisture-saturated air through a screen filter (not shown) which traps lint particles. Such moisture-statured air then enters an exit duct 446 and is passed through air handler 448 to an exhaust duct 452. From exhaust duct 452, such moisture-statured air passes out of dryer appliance 410 through a vent 453 defined by cabinet 412. After the clothing articles have been dried, they are removed from the drum 426 via opening 432. A door 433 (FIG. 3) provides for closing or accessing drum 426 through opening 432. The door 433 may be movable between an open position and a closed position, the open position for access to the chamber 425 defined in the drum 426, and the closed position for sealingly enclosing the chamber 425 defined in the drum 426.

In some embodiments, one or more selector inputs 470, such as knobs, buttons, touchscreen interfaces, etc., may be provided or mounted on a cabinet 412 (e.g., on a backsplash 471 of the cabinet 412) and are in operable communication (e.g., electrically coupled or coupled through a wireless network band) with a processing device or controller 490. A display 456 may also be provided on the backsplash 471 and may also be in operable communication with the controller 490. Controller 490 may also be provided in operable communication with motor 431, air handler 448, and/or heating assembly 440. In turn, signals generated in controller 490 direct operation of motor 431, air handler 448, and/or heating assembly 440 in response to the position of inputs 470. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the inputs 470 are provided as knobs. In other embodiments, inputs 470 may also or instead include buttons, switches, touchpads and/or a touch screen type interface.

Controller 490 is a “processing device” or “controller” and may be embodied as described herein. As used herein, “processing device” or “controller” may refer to one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICS), or semiconductor devices and is not restricted necessarily to a single element. The controller 490 may be programmed to operate dryer appliance 410 by executing instructions stored in memory (e.g., non-transitory media). The controller 490 may include, or be associated with, one or more memory elements such as RAM, ROM, or electrically erasable, programmable read only memory (EEPROM). For example, the instructions may be software or any set of instructions that when executed by the processing device, cause the processing device to perform operations.

Controller 490 may include one or more processor(s) and associated memory device(s) configured to perform a variety of computer-implemented functions and/or instructions (e.g. performing the methods, steps, calculations and the like and storing relevant data as disclosed herein). It should be noted that controllers as disclosed herein are capable of and may be operable to perform any methods and associated method steps as disclosed herein. For example, in some embodiments, methods disclosed herein may be embodied in programming instructions stored in the memory and executed by the controller.

In particular, dryer appliance 410 and/or the controller thereof, e.g., controller 490, may be operable to and configured to perform methods as described herein. In some embodiments, the dryer appliance and/or the controller thereof may be coupled to a washing machine appliance, e.g., washing machine appliance 300 described above, such as communicatively coupled for wired or wireless communication, e.g., of laundry information such as load mass and/or load type from the washing machine appliance to the dryer appliance.

For example, exemplary methods may include determining the load type of articles in the wash chamber of the washing machine appliance 300 and/or the controller 366 may be configured to determine a load type of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320. For example, other exemplary methods of establishing a load type are described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,758,913 to Obregon, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

As used herein, the term “load type” corresponds to a composition or fabric type of articles, e.g., within wash chamber 326 of basket 320. As an example, the load type of such articles may be natural, synthetic, or blended. A natural load type may include entirely or predominantly articles composed of natural fiber fabrics, such as cotton. A synthetic load type may include synthetic articles, such as nylon or polyester articles. If a mixed or blended load of articles is disposed within wash chamber 326 of basket 320, the load type of such articles is a mixed or blended load type. Thus, the blended load type can correspond to a blend of cotton articles and synthetic articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320.

The load type of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 may be determined at least in part based on mass of the articles and the absorptivity of the articles. For example, natural articles such as cotton articles can have a relatively high absorptivity whereas synthetic articles, such as nylon or polyester articles, can have a relatively low absorptivity.

As mentioned, embodiments of the present disclosure include a pair of laundry appliances. Some embodiments may further include a larger group of laundry appliances, or the pair of laundry appliances may be part of a larger group of laundry appliances, such as in a laundromat or other commercial setting. The laundry appliances may be configured and operable to communicate with each other (and with other members of the group of laundry appliances when a larger group than just the pair is provided, e.g., in a laundromat), as well as with a remote database, e.g., remote database 1100 as illustrated in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 provides a general schematic of a group of laundry appliances 1002, each of which may be, e.g., the washing machine appliance 300 or the dryer appliance 400 described above and communication features thereof. Each laundry appliance 1002 may include an antenna (not shown) by which the laundry appliance 1002 communicates with, e.g., sends and receives signals to and from, one or more other laundry appliances and the remote database 1100. The remote database 1100 may be, e.g., a cloud-based data storage system. For example, the laundry appliances 1002 may communicate with the remote database 1100 over the Internet, which each laundry appliance 1002 may access via WI-FI®, and the laundry appliances may communicate with each other directly or via the remote database 1100. Such direct communication may be, e.g., via short-range radio such as BLUETOOTH® or any other suitable wireless network having a layer protocol architecture. As used herein, “short-range” may include ranges less than about ten meters and up to about one hundred meters.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method 500 for operating a washing machine appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Method 500 can be used to operate any suitable washing machine appliance, such as the washing machine appliance 300 of FIGS. 1 and 2. For the sake of simplicity, method 500 will be described herein with particular reference to washing machine appliance 300, by way of example only and without limiting the method 500 to any specific washing machine appliance configuration.

For example, controller 366 may be programmed or configured to implement method 500. As another example, method 500 may be used to operate washing machine appliance 300 (FIGS. 1 and 2). Utilizing method 500, a load size of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 (FIG. 2) may be estimated or measured. In particular, a mass of articles within the wash chamber 326 of the basket 320 may be estimated or measured, at least in part, utilizing method 500. FIG. 7 provides a plot of an angular velocity of basket 320 over time during a load sizing cycle of washing machine appliance 300. Method 500 can be performed during the load sizing cycle of washing machine appliance 300 shown in FIG. 7. Method 500 is discussed in greater detail below in the context of the load sizing cycle illustrated in FIG. 7.

As may be seen in FIG. 7, the load sizing cycle includes a plaster step 610. During plaster step 610, controller 366 operates motor 322. In particular, motor 322 can accelerate basket 320 such that an angular velocity of basket 320 increases, e.g., to about a first angular velocity, during the plaster step 610. The first angular velocity can be any suitable angular velocity. For example, the first angular velocity may be greater than a plaster angular velocity of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320. Thus, when motor 322 rotates basket 320 at the first angular velocity, articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 can be plastered against and/or stick to basket 320 because the angular velocity of basket 320 exceeds the plaster angular velocity of basket 320. With articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 plastered against basket 320, articles within wash chamber 326 can be substantially stationary or fixed relative to basket 320 during rotation of basket 320.

At step 510 (FIG. 6), controller 366 operates motor 322 in order to rotate basket 320 at the first angular velocity. At step 520, controller 366 determines an average power delivered to motor 322, e.g., during step 510. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, motor 322 rotates basket 320 at the first angular velocity during a first spin step 620 of the load sizing cycle. At step 520, controller 366 can determine the average power delivered to motor 322 during the entirety of the first spin step 620 or during a portion of the first spin step 620. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, a power delivered to motor 322 when basket 320 is rotating at a constant angular velocity can correspond to about a power required to overcome friction and other static factors hindering rotation of basket 320, e.g., because basket 320 is not accelerating. Thus, the average power delivered to motor 322 determined at step 520 can be used to estimate or gauge the friction and other steady-state losses within motor 322 and other components of washing machine appliance 300 that impede rotation of basket 320.

At step 530, the angular velocity of basket 320 is increased. As an example, controller 366 can operate motor 322 in order to increase the angular velocity of basket 320, e.g., after step 510. In particular, controller 366 can increase the angular velocity of basket 320 from about the first angular velocity to about a second angular velocity with motor 322 at step 530. The second angular velocity can be any suitable angular velocity. For example, the second angular velocity may be greater than the first angular velocity.

At step 540, controller 366 establishes a plurality of instantaneous powers delivered to motor 322, e.g., during step 530. As an example, an instantaneous power may be measured about every ten milliseconds during step 530 in order to establish the plurality of instantaneous powers delivered to motor 322 at step 540. As may be seen in FIG. 7, motor 322 increases the angular velocity of basket 320 from about the first angular velocity to about the second angular velocity during an acceleration step 630 of the load sizing cycle. At step 540, controller 366 can determine the plurality of instantaneous powers delivered to motor 322 during the entirety of the acceleration step 630 or during a portion of the acceleration step 630. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the power delivered to motor 322 when basket 320 is accelerating can correspond to about a power required to overcome friction and other static factors hindering rotation of basket 320 as well as the power required to accelerate basket 320. Thus, each instantaneous power delivered to motor 322 during step 530 can be used to estimate or gauge the power required to accelerate basket 320 after accounting for the friction and other steady-state losses within motor 322 and other components of laundry appliance 300 that impede rotation of basket 320.

At step 550, controller 366 calculates a load score of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 based at least in part on the average power delivered to motor 322 during step 520 and the plurality of instantaneous powers delivered to motor 322 during step 530. The load score is, e.g., directly, proportional to a load size of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320. As an example, the load score of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 may be calculated with the following at step 550,

$Load Score = \sum_{t_{0}}^{t_{1}} (P (t) - P_{avg, ss} * \frac{n (t)}{n_{avg, ss}})$

- where
  - P is an instantaneous power delivered to motor 322 at time t during step 530,
  - P_avg,ssis the average power delivered to motor 322 during step 510,
  - n is an angular velocity of basket 320 at time t during step 530, and
  - n_avg,ssis the first angular velocity.

Thus, the load score of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 can correspond to a sum of the difference between each instantaneous power delivered to motor 322 at step 530 and a product of the average power delivered to motor 322 during step 510 and a weighting or scaling factor, where the weighting factor is a quotient of the angular velocity of basket 320 at time t and the first angular velocity.

In additional embodiments, the load score may be calculated based on only the plurality of instantaneous powers and/or only on the average power. Moreover, such power measurements may be taken at various steps in the process, such as a plurality of instantaneous powers may also or instead be taken while rotating the basket at a constant speed, e.g., during step 510, and/or an average power may be determined while increasing the angular velocity of the basket, e.g., during step 530. For example, some embodiments may include calculating a load score using an equation similar to the example provided above, but without the average power, e.g., without the P_avg,ssand n_avg,ssterms, where each of the plurality of instantaneous powers is multiplied by the corresponding angular velocity, e.g., the angular velocity at the same time (t) as the instantaneous power, and, in such exemplary embodiments, the load score may be a summation of such products. Additional embodiments may include other operations in addition to or instead of the multiplication operations described above, e.g., so long as the load score is calculated consistently from load to load whereby the load score may be used to determine a relative size of each load, such as to distinguish between large loads and small loads, etc.

The load score of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 can be directly proportional to a mass, m, of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 such that

m∝Load Score

Thus, method 500 can also include correlating the load score of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 to the mass of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320. For example, controller 366 can obtain an associated mass of the load score from a lookup table or a function, such as a transfer function, within the memory of controller 366.

It should be understood that method 500 can also include repeating steps 510, 520, 530, 540 and 550 and calculating an average load score for articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320. Repeating steps 510-550 can improve the accuracy and/or consistency of method 500. However, repeating steps 510, 520, 530, 540 and 550 can increase a duration or time interval of method 500.

Moreover, it should be understood that the illustrated steps of FIGS. 6 and 7 are exemplary only and not limiting. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the illustrated steps may be performed in different orders, some steps may be omitted, and/or additional steps may be included. For example, some embodiments may include accelerating and/or decelerating the basket at various stages before arriving at the last speed at which the power measurements are taken.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method 800 of operating a washing machine appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Method 800 can be used to operate any suitable washing machine appliance, such as washing machine appliance 300 (FIGS. 1 and 2). Method 800 may be programmed into and implemented by controller 366 (FIG. 1) of washing machine appliance 300. Utilizing method 800, controller 366 can determine a load type of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320, where the term “load type” corresponds to a composition or fabric type of articles, e.g., as described above.

As discussed above, methods according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, such as method 800, can assist with determining the load type of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320, e.g., based on the mass and absorptivity of such articles. At step 810, controller 366 rotates basket 320 with motor 322. Thus, controller 366 can activate motor 322 at step 810 in order to rotate basket 320. Controller 366 can operate motor 322 at step 810 such that basket 320 rotates at a predetermined frequency or angular velocity. The predetermined frequency or angular velocity can be any suitable frequency or angular velocity. For example, the predetermined frequency or angular velocity may be about one hundred and twenty revolutions per minute.

At step 820, controller 366 adjusts an angular velocity of basket 320. Controller 366 can utilize motor 322 to adjust the angular velocity of basket 320. In certain exemplary embodiments, controller 366 can deactivate motor 322 at step 820 in order to adjust the angular velocity of basket 320. To deactivate motor 322, controller 366 can short windings of motor 322, e.g., using any suitable mechanism or method known to those skilled in the art.

At step 830, controller 366 determines an angular acceleration or first derivative of the angular velocity of basket 320 or a jerk or a second derivative of the angular velocity of basket 320, e.g., based at least in part the adjustment of the angular velocity of basket 320 at step 820. Based upon the first and/or second derivative of the angular velocity of basket 320, controller 366 estimates a mass of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 at step 840. Thus, controller 366 can establish the mass of articles within wash chamber 73 of basket 320 based upon the inertia of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 at step 840. As an example, the magnitude of the first and/or second derivative of the angular velocity of basket 320 can be inversely proportional to the mass of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320. Thus, controller 366 can correlate the magnitude of the first and/or second derivative of the angular velocity of basket 320 to the mass of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 at step 840. At step 840, controller 366 can also establish a tolerance range for the mass of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320. The tolerance range for the mass of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 can correspond to the error or uncertainty of the estimate of the mass of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 at step 840.

At step 850, controller 366 directs a volume of liquid into wash tub 324. In particular, controller 366 directs liquid into wash tub 324 at step 850 until a level of liquid within wash tub 326 reaches a predetermined height, e.g., about six inches. The predetermined height may be detected or confirmed based on a pressure sensor in some embodiments. As an example, controller 366 can open a fill valve (not shown) in order to direct a flow of liquid into wash tub 324. After or when the level of liquid within wash tub 324 reaches the predetermined height, controller 366 can close the fill valve in order to terminate the flow of liquid into wash tub 324. Controller 366 can calculate the volume of liquid within wash tub 324, e.g., based on a flow rate of liquid through the fill valve and a time period between controller 366 opening and closing the fill valve or with the use of a liquid flow meter (not shown).

At step 860, controller 366 establishes the load type of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320, e.g., based at least in part on the estimated mass of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 and the calculated volume of liquid. Controller 366 may establish the load type of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 based at least in part on the mass of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 from step 840 and the volume of liquid from step 850. Step 860 is discussed in greater detail below.

Additionally, the absorptivity of the articles may be determined based on the volume of liquid, for example by using one or more predetermined volume-liquid level absorption correlations for various load types of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 and the estimated mass of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320. As used herein, the term “volume-liquid level absorption correlation” corresponds to a relationship between the volume of liquid within wash tub 324 required to fill wash tub 324 to the predetermined height and the mass of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320. As an example, if articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 have a relatively high absorptivity, a relatively large volume of liquid can be required to fill wash tub 324 to the predetermined height. Conversely, for a load with an identical mass as the above example, a relatively small volume of liquid can be required to fill wash tub 324 to the predetermined height if articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 have a relatively low absorptivity. If a blended load of articles is disposed within wash chamber 326 of basket 320, a volume of liquid between the relatively large volume of liquid and the relatively small volume of liquid can be required to fill wash tub 324 to the predetermined height.

In some embodiments, controller 366 can provide the plurality of liquid volume-liquid level absorption correlations. For example, the plurality of liquid volume-liquid level absorption correlations can be established experimentally and may be stored in the memory of controller 366 during production of washing machine appliance 300. Each absorption correlation of the plurality of liquid volume-liquid level absorption correlations corresponds to a respective load type of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320. In some exemplary embodiments, the plurality of liquid volume-liquid level absorption correlations may include a cotton liquid volume-liquid level absorption correlation and a blended liquid volume-liquid level absorption correlation.

At step 860, controller 366 can provide the plurality of liquid volume-liquid level absorption correlations or the controller 366 may obtain, e.g., download, the plurality of liquid volume-liquid level absorption correlations from a remote database. For example, the plurality of liquid volume-liquid level absorption correlations can be established experimentally and may be stored in the memory of controller 366 during production of washing machine appliance 300. Alternatively, the plurality of liquid volume-liquid level absorption correlations may be stored remotely, such as in remote database 1100 or in a distributed computing environment such as the cloud or the edge. Each absorption correlation of the plurality of liquid volume-liquid level absorption correlations corresponds to a respective load type of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320. In some exemplary embodiments, the plurality of liquid volume-liquid level absorption correlations may include at least a cotton liquid volume-liquid level absorption correlation and a blended liquid volume-liquid level absorption correlation.

At step 860, controller 366 can also ascertain predicted masses of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 based at least in part on the plurality of liquid volume-liquid level absorption correlations. Each predicted mass of the predicted masses of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 corresponds to a respective one of the plurality of liquid volume-liquid level absorption correlations.

At step 860, controller 366 can also compare the mass of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 of step 840 and the predicted masses of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320. In particular, controller 366 can determine differences between the mass of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 of step 840 and the predicted masses of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320. Controller 366 can establish the load type of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 based at least in part on the differences between the mass of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 of step 840 and the predicted masses of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320.

In some embodiments, controller 366 can also ascertain predicted masses of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 based at least in part on the plurality of liquid volume-liquid level absorption correlations. Each predicted mass of the predicted masses of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 may correspond to a respective one of the plurality of liquid volume-liquid level absorption correlations.

In some embodiments, controller 366 can also compare the estimated mass of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 and the predicted masses of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 (the estimated mass may be estimated, for example, based on the first and/or second derivative of the angular velocity of basket 320, as described above). In particular, controller 366 can determine differences between the estimated mass of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 and the predicted masses of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320. Controller 366 can establish the load type of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 based at least in part on the differences between the estimated mass of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 and the predicted masses of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320.

In some embodiments, controller 366 can select a cotton load type, a blended load type, or a synthetic load type based at least in part on differences between the estimated mass of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 and the predicted masses of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320. The differences between the estimated mass and the predicted masses may fall within a tolerance range of the mass of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 for one of the possible load types, e.g., the differences between the estimated mass and the predicted masses may fall within the tolerance range of the predicted mass of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 for one of the natural load type, the synthetic load type, or the blended load type.

At step 860, if any portion of the tolerance range of the mass of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 is within the tolerance range of the predicted mass of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 for the blended load type, controller 366 can establish the load type of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 as the blended load type. Conversely, if the tolerance range of the mass of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 is only within the tolerance range of the predicted mass of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 for the natural load type, controller 366 can establish the load type of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 as the natural load type. Similarly, if the entire tolerance range of the mass of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 is greater than the tolerance range of the predicted mass of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 for the blended load type, controller 366 can establish the load type of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 as the synthetic load type.

FIG. 9 illustrates a method 900 of operating a washing machine appliance according to another exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Method 900 can be used to operate any suitable washing machine appliance, such as washing machine appliance 300 (FIGS. 1 and 3). Method 900 may be programmed into and implemented by controller 366 (FIG. 1) of washing machine appliance 300. Utilizing method 900, controller 366 can determine a load type of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320.

At step 910, controller 366 estimates a mass of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 based at least in part on an inertia of basket 320 and articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320. At step 920, gauges the mass of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 based at least in part on a volume of water within wash tub 324. The volume of water fills wash tub 324 to a predetermined level at step 920. At step 930, controller 366 establishes a load type of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 based at least in part on the mass of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 of step 910 and the mass of articles within wash chamber 326 of basket 320 of step 920.

FIG. 10 illustrates a method 100 for operating a pair of laundry appliances according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Method 100 can be used to operate any suitable laundry appliances, such as a paired washing machine appliance and dryer appliance, e.g., washing machine appliance 300 of FIGS. 1 and 2 and dryer appliance 410 of FIGS. 3 and 4. In particular, controller 366 of washing machine appliance 300 and/or controller 490 of dryer appliance 410 may be programmed or configured to implement some or all of the steps of method 100.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the method 100 may include a step 102 of characterizing a load of articles in the washing machine appliance. Step 102 may be performed by the washing machine appliance. For example, such characterization may include determining a load size and/or load type of the load of articles, e.g., as described above in reference to any of FIGS. 6, 7, 8, and/or 9.

In some embodiments, characterizing the load of articles may include measuring an inertia of the load of articles and determining a load size of the load of articles based on the measured inertia of the load of articles. In additional embodiments, characterizing the load of articles may include receiving, by the washing machine appliance, a user input comprising a cycle selection for washing the load of articles. For example, the user input may include a selection, such as a cycle selection or option selection, that corresponds to or otherwise indicate a load type or load size of the load of articles, such as the selected cycle may be a cotton cycle or another similar cycle that is specific to a type of articles.

Method 100 may also include washing and drying the load of articles in the washing machine appliance and the dryer appliance. For example, method 100 may include a step 104 of washing the load of articles in the washing machine appliance. Washing the load of articles in the washing machine appliance may include a wash cycle, e.g., in which wash tub 324 is filled with water, detergent, or other fluid additives (e.g., via spout 350), agitating the contents of wash basket 320, and draining the tub, followed by a rinse cycle and a spin cycle, as described above.

In some embodiments, washing the load of articles in the washing machine appliance may include performing a spin cycle. In such embodiments, characterizing the load of articles may be based on the spin cycle, such as based on spin performance, e.g., moisture extraction achieved during the spin cycle, and/or based on one or more measurements taken during the spin cycle.

Drying the load of articles may be informed by the characterization of the load of articles from step 102. For example, method 100 may include a step 106 of determining a recommended time and a recommended temperature for a drying operation of the dryer appliance for the load of articles based on the characterization of the load of articles. As mentioned above, the washing machine appliance and the dryer appliance may be paired, including communicatively coupled, such as in wireless communication or in communication via a wireless network or in direct wireless communication between the washing machine appliance and the dryer appliance. Thus, in various embodiments, the method 100 may include communicating the recommended time and the recommended temperature from the washing machine appliance to the dryer appliance. For example, in some embodiments, washing machine appliance may be configured for transmitting the recommended time and the recommended temperature to the remote database 1100 (FIG. 5), e.g., in the cloud, and then the remote database 1100 may transmit the recommended time and the recommended temperature to the dryer appliance, e.g., such that each of the washing machine appliance and the dryer appliance may be one of the exemplary laundry appliances 1002 generally illustrated in FIG. 5.

Exemplary methods according to the present disclosure may also include reserving the dryer appliance, e.g., by the washing machine appliance, and preselecting the recommended time and the recommended temperature on the dryer appliance. For example, the dryer appliance may be reserved in the cloud, e.g., via the remote database 1100 (FIG. 5), in response to a communication from the washing machine appliance, and the communication from the washing machine appliance to the remote database may include the recommended time and the recommended temperature on the dryer appliance which are then preselected via the cloud and transmitted to the reserved dryer appliance. Thus, some embodiments may include uploading, by the washing machine appliance, the recommended time and the recommended temperature to the remote database.

In some embodiments, the recommended time and the recommended temperature for the drying operation may also be determined based on a profile of the dryer appliance. For example, the profile of the dryer appliance may include or account for specific and unique characteristics of the dryer appliance, such as installation conditions, heater efficiency, and other similar characteristics. Such installation conditions may include, for example, vent conditions pertaining to the length or tortuousness of a vent duct by which process air from the dryer appliance is exhausted. For example, where a dryer appliance has a longer than average or more tortuous than average vent duct, the drying performance of the dryer appliance may be affected by the vent installation condition, such that the recommended drying time and the recommended temperature for the drying operation may be determined in part by a profile of the dryer appliance which accounts for such condition. The term “average” as used herein may be defined with respect to manufacturer's recommendation conditions across a model or type of dryer appliance, or with respect to a group of laundry appliances, such as a commonly-owned group of laundry appliances, e.g., in the same laundromat or other similar setting or grouping.

In some embodiments, the drying operation may also be adjusted in response to user preferences. For example, a user may prefer a load of articles to be thoroughly dried, e.g., some users prefer to wear clothing at an elevated temperature directly from the dryer appliance, whereas another user may prefer the load of articles to be relatively more damp after the drying operation, such as to avoid or reduce shrinking the articles or to enhance ironing of the articles after the drying operation. Thus, some embodiments of the exemplary methods disclosed herein may include drying the load of articles in the dryer appliance with the recommended time and the recommended temperature and receiving user feedback after drying the load of articles. Such embodiments may further include determining an adjustment factor for at least one of the recommended time and the recommended temperature based on the user feedback, and associating the adjustment factor with a user profile. For example, the user profile may be stored in the cloud and the adjustment factor may be applied to future drying operations, such as future drying operations which are set up (e.g., the dryer appliance is reserved or settings are selected, etc.) and/or initiated using an app or other interface via the cloud.

Another exemplary method 110 of operating a pair of laundry appliances is illustrated in FIG. 11. The pair of laundry appliances may include a washing machine appliance and a dryer appliance. As noted above with respect to method 100, method 110 may be implemented in whole or in part by the exemplary laundry appliances described hereinabove, or may be implemented at least in part by a remote computing device, e.g., in the cloud. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the method 110 may include a characterizing step 112 of characterizing a load of articles in the washing machine appliance, e.g., which may be similar to step 102 of method 100 described above. Method 100 may further include a step 114 of washing the load of articles in the washing machine appliance, e.g., which may be similar to step 104 of method 100 described above.

Also as may be seen in FIG. 11, method 110 may further include a step 116 of determining a parameter for a drying operation of the dryer appliance for the load of articles based on the characterization of the load of articles. The determined parameter may be, for example a drying time or a drying temperature for the drying operation. In some embodiments, determining the parameter for the drying operation may include determining a plurality of recommended dry times. For example, each recommended dry time of the plurality of dry times may correspond to one selectable temperature of a plurality of selectable temperatures. In such embodiments, the selectable temperatures may be presented to a user on a user interface and, in response to a selection of one of the plurality of selectable temperatures, the corresponding recommended dry time may be provided via a user notification or prompt, or may be automatically selected in the dryer appliance.

In some embodiments, method 110 may further include reserving the dryer appliance. For example, the dryer appliance may be reserved by the washing machine appliance, e.g., via a remote database or other distributed computing system (e.g., the cloud, the fog, or the edge), wherein the washing machine appliance may send the reservation to the remote database. Such embodiments may also include preselecting the determined parameter for the drying operation when reserving the dryer appliance. For example, the washing machine appliance may characterize the load of articles, determine one or more recommended drying parameters based on such characterization, and transmit the one or more recommended drying parameters to the dryer appliance, e.g., directly or via the remote database (cloud). In some embodiments, the characterization of the load may be distributed, e.g., the washing machine appliance may transmit data (such as weight measurements, power draws, etc.) to the remote computing device and the remote computing device may perform analysis of and/or calculations with the data to determine a load type, load size, or otherwise characterize the load of articles. In some embodiments, the washing machine appliance may transmit such data directly to the dryer appliance, and the dryer appliance (e.g., controller thereof) may perform some or all of the analysis and/or calculations to characterize the load of articles. Additionally, the determination of the recommended parameter for the drying operation of the dryer appliance may be performed by the washing machine appliance, e.g., the controller thereof, or may be performed remotely, e.g., in the cloud, or may be performed by the dryer appliance. For example, the dryer appliance may receive the data such as weight measurements or power draws and characterize the load of articles based on the received data, or the dryer appliance may receive the characterization of the load of articles from the washing machine appliance or cloud, and the dryer appliance may determine the recommended parameter based on the characterization of the load of articles as received or determined by the dryer appliance.

In some embodiments, characterizing the load of articles may include measuring one or more characteristics of the load of articles or otherwise determining one or more characteristics by or based on physical measurements. For example, such embodiments may include measuring a load size or a load type of the load of articles. Such characteristics of the load of articles may be measured by measuring absorptivity, mass, inertia, power drawn by the motor, etc., as described above.

In some embodiments, the characteristics of the load of articles may be indirectly determined or inferred. For example, in some embodiments, characterizing the load of articles may include receiving a user selection, such as the user selection may be received by the washing machine appliance, e.g., from a local user interface or a remote user interface. In such embodiments, characterizing the load of articles may include inferring a load size and a load type of the load of articles based on the user selection. The user selection may be or include a cycle selection or option selection, such as a load size selection or a cotton cycle selection, etc.

Exemplary methods according to the present disclosure may also be customized for a specific user's preferences, such as based on the user's history, e.g., including previously-selected options for past washing or drying operations. For example, the user history may be a part of or otherwise associated with a user profile, and the user profile may be stored remotely, e.g., in the cloud. Thus, some embodiments may include accessing a user profile in a remote database, and the determined parameter for the drying operation may be based on the user profile, such as the determined parameter may be adjusted based on the user profile, such as extending a drying time for a user who frequently uses longer than average drying times or reducing a drying time for a user who frequently stops the drying operation early, e.g., before a set time has elapsed. In such embodiments, the user profile may include a user history such as frequently selected options for drying operation parameters.

Referring now generally to FIGS. 10 and 11, the methods 100 and/or 110 may be interrelated and/or may have one or more steps from one of the methods 100 and 110 combined with the other method 100 or 110. Thus, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the various steps of the exemplary methods described herein may be combined in various ways to arrive at additional embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

OPTIMIZED DRYING CYCLE BASED ON WASHING CYCLE

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