Patent Application
20240384456
The present subject matter relates generally to washing machine appliances, or more specifically, to systems and methods for dispensing wash additives using a smart dispense feature of a washing machine appliance.
Washing machine appliances generally include a cabinet which receives a wash tub for containing water or wash fluid (e.g., water and detergent, bleach, or other wash additives). The wash tub may be suspended within the cabinet by a suspension system to allow some movement relative to the cabinet during operation. A wash basket is rotatably mounted within the wash tub and defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. A drive assembly is coupled to the wash tub and is configured to selectively rotate the wash basket within the wash tub.
Certain conventional washing machine appliances are equipped with a bulk dispensing detergent system that includes a bulk reservoir for storing a large amount of detergent. A detergent dispenser can determine the target volume of detergent based on the load size, water level, and load type to facilitate a wash operation. The detergent dispenser commonly dispenses the detergent using a venturi effect and detects a low level of detergent in the bulk reservoir using a water level sensor, e.g., such as a conductivity sensor or float sensor.
In this regard, the detergent dispenser may implement a smart dispense procedure that is time-based, e.g., such that water is passed through the venturi for a predetermined amount of time based on the target volume of detergent. However, various wash additives may have different viscosities, resulting in varying flow rate of detergent drawn through a venturi. Accordingly, for a fixed smart dispense duration, use of a highly viscous detergent may result in a detergent volume that is below the target volume, while use of a low viscosity detergent may result in a detergent volume that is above the target volume.
Accordingly, an improved bulk detergent dispenser for a washing machine appliance is desirable. More specifically, a smart dispense system that compensates for particular detergent characteristics to ensure accurate detergent dispensing volumes would be particularly beneficial.
Advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.
In one exemplary embodiment, a washing machine appliance is provided including a wash tub positioned within a cabinet, a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub and defining a wash chamber configured for receiving a load of clothes, a water supply configured to selectively dispense wash fluid into the wash tub, a bulk dispenser for selectively adding a wash additive to the wash fluid, a conductivity sensor for measuring an electrical conductivity of the wash fluid collected in the wash tub, and a controller operably coupled to the water supply, the bulk dispenser, and the conductivity sensor. The controller is configured to: obtain a first additive conductivity metric of the wash additive stored within the bulk dispenser using the conductivity sensor, determine that the bulk dispenser has been refilled, obtain a second additive conductivity metric of the wash additive stored within the bulk dispenser using the conductivity sensor, determine that the second additive conductivity metric is different than the first additive conductivity metric, and implement a responsive action in response to determining that the second additive conductivity metric is different than the first additive conductivity metric.
In another exemplary embodiment, a method of operating a washing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance includes a water supply configured to selectively dispense wash fluid into a wash tub, a bulk dispenser for selectively adding a wash additive to the wash fluid, and a conductivity sensor for measuring an electrical conductivity of the wash fluid collected in the wash tub. The method comprising: obtaining a first additive conductivity metric of the wash additive stored within the bulk dispenser using the conductivity sensor; determining that the bulk dispenser has been refilled; obtaining a second additive conductivity metric of the wash additive stored within the bulk dispenser using the conductivity sensor; determining that the second additive conductivity metric is different than the first additive conductivity metric; and implementing a responsive action in response to determining that the second additive conductivity metric is different than the first additive conductivity metric.
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.
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.
Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.
Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. 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.
Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “generally,” “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components and/or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin, i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. In this regard, for example, 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, e.g., “generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V.
The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” In addition, references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “an embodiment” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, 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 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.
While described in the context of a specific embodiment of vertical axis washing machine appliance 100, it should be appreciated that vertical axis washing machine appliance 100 is provided by way of example only. It will be understood that aspects of the present subject matter may be used in any other suitable washing machine appliance, such as a horizontal axis washing machine appliance. Indeed, modifications and variations may be made to washing machine appliance 100, including different configurations, different appearances, and/or different features while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.
Washing machine appliance 100 has a cabinet 102 that extends between a top portion 104 and a bottom portion 106 along the vertical direction V, between a first side (left) and a second side (right) along the lateral direction L, and between a front and a rear along the transverse direction T. As best shown in
In addition, washing machine appliance 100 includes a wash basket 114 that is positioned within wash tub 108 and generally defines an opening 116 for receipt of articles for washing. More specifically, wash basket 114 is rotatably mounted within wash tub 108 such that it is rotatable about an axis of rotation A. According to the illustrated embodiment, the axis of rotation A is substantially parallel to the vertical direction V. In this regard, washing machine appliance 100 is generally referred to as a “vertical axis” or “top load” washing machine appliance 100. However, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present subject matter may be used within the context of a horizontal axis or front load washing machine appliance as well.
As illustrated, cabinet 102 of washing machine appliance 100 has a top panel 118. Top panel 118 defines an opening (
As best shown in
An impeller or agitation element 132 (
As best illustrated in
More specifically, motor assembly 138 may generally include one or more of a drive motor 140 and a transmission assembly 142, e.g., such as a clutch assembly, for engaging and disengaging wash basket 114 and/or agitation element 132. According to the illustrated embodiment, drive motor 140 is a brushless DC electric motor, e.g., a pancake motor. However, according to alternative embodiments, drive motor 140 may be any other suitable type or configuration of motor. For example, drive motor 140 may be an AC motor, an induction motor, a permanent magnet synchronous motor, or any other suitable type of motor. In addition, motor assembly 138 may include any other suitable number, types, and configurations of support bearings or drive mechanisms.
Referring still to
Operation of washing machine appliance 100 is controlled by a controller or processing device 156 that is operatively coupled to control panel 150 for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of control panel 150, controller 156 operates the various components of washing machine appliance 100 to execute selected machine cycles and features. According to an exemplary embodiment, controller 156 may include a memory and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with methods described herein. Alternatively, controller 156 may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/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 150 and other components of washing machine appliance 100 may be in communication with controller 156 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.
During operation of washing machine appliance 100, laundry items are loaded into wash basket 114 through opening 116, and washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors 152. Wash basket 114 is filled with water and detergent and/or other fluid additives via primary dispenser 112. One or more valves can be controlled by washing machine appliance 100 to provide for filling wash tub 108 and wash basket 114 to the appropriate level for the amount of articles being washed and/or rinsed. By way of example for a wash mode, once wash basket 114 is properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash basket 114 can be agitated (e.g., with agitation element 132 as discussed previously) for washing of laundry items in wash basket 114.
Referring again to
As best shown schematically in
Referring still to
As will be described in detail below, dispensing assembly 112 may include features for drawing wash additive from bulk reservoir 158 and mixing it with water prior to directing the mixture into wash tub 108 to facilitate a cleaning operation. By contrast, dispensing assembly 112 is also capable of dispensing water only. Thus, dispensing assembly 112 may automatically dispense the desired amount of water with or without a desired amount of wash additive such that a user can avoid filling dispenser box 160 with detergent before each operation of washing machine appliance 100.
For example, as best shown in
As illustrated, aspirator assembly 162 includes a Venturi pump 164 that is fluidly coupled to both a water supply conduit 166 and a suction line 168. As illustrated, water supply conduit 166 may provide fluid communication between a water supply source 170 (such as a municipal water supply) and a water inlet of Venturi pump 164. In addition, washing machine appliance 100 includes a water fill valve or water control valve 172 which is operably coupled to water supply conduit 166 and is communicatively coupled to controller 156. In this manner, controller 156 may regulate the operation of water control valve 172 to regulate the amount of water that passes through aspirator assembly 162 and into wash tub 108.
In addition, suction line 168 may provide fluid communication between bulk reservoir 158 and Venturi pump 164 (e.g., via a suction port defined on Venturi pump 164). Notably, as a flow of water is supplied through Venturi pump 164 to wash tub 108, the flowing water creates a negative pressure within suction line 168. This negative pressure may draw in wash additive from bulk reservoir 158. When certain conditions exist, the amount of wash additive dispensed is roughly proportional to the amount of time water is flowing through Venturi pump 164.
Referring still to
Washing machine appliance 100, or more particularly, dispensing assembly 112, generally includes a discharge nozzle 176 for directing a flow of wash fluid (e.g., identified herein generally by reference numeral 178) into wash chamber 108. In this regard, discharge nozzle 176 may be positioned above wash tub proximate a rear of opening 116 defined through top panel 118. Dispensing assembly 112 may be regulated by controller 156 to discharge wash fluid 178 through discharge nozzle 176 at the desired flow rates, volumes, and/or detergent concentrations to facilitate various operating cycles, e.g., such as wash or rinse cycles.
Although water supply conduit 166, water supply source 170, discharge nozzle 176, and water control valve 172 are all described and illustrated herein in the singular form, it should be appreciated that these terms may be used herein generally to describe a supply plumbing for providing hot and/or cold water into wash chamber 110. In this regard, water supply conduit 166 may include separate conduits for receiving hot and cold water, respectively. Similarly, water supply source 170 may include both hot-and cold-water supplies regulated by dedicated valves. In addition, washing machine appliance 100 may include one or more pressure sensors (not shown) for detecting the amount of water and or clothes within wash tub 108. For example, the pressure sensor may be operably coupled to a side of tub 108 for detecting the weight of wash tub 108, which controller 156 may use to determine a volume of water in wash chamber 110 and a subwasher load weight.
After wash tub 108 is filled and the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, wash basket 114 can be drained, e.g., by drain pump assembly 130. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding fluid to wash basket 114 depending on the specifics of the cleaning cycle selected by a user. The impeller or agitation element 132 may again provide agitation within wash basket 114. One or more spin cycles may also be used as part of the cleaning process. In particular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle and/or after the rinse cycle in order to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. During a spin cycle, wash basket 114 is rotated at relatively high speeds to help wring fluid from the laundry articles through perforations 126. During or prior to the spin cycle, drain pump assembly 138 may operate to discharge wash fluid from wash tub 108, e.g., to an external drain. After articles disposed in wash basket 114 are cleaned and/or washed, the user can remove the articles from wash basket 114, e.g., by reaching into wash basket 114 through opening 116.
Referring now specifically to
It should be appreciated that camera assembly 180 may include any suitable number, type, size, and configuration of camera(s) 182 for obtaining images of wash chamber 110. In general, cameras 182 may include a lens 184 that is constructed from a clear hydrophobic material or which may otherwise be positioned behind a hydrophobic clear lens. So positioned, camera assembly 180 may obtain one or more images or videos within wash chamber 110, as described in more detail below. It should be appreciated that other locations for mounting camera assembly 180 are possible, such as below or adjacent a discharge nozzle 176 of washing machine appliance 100.
Referring still to
Notably, controller 156 of washing machine appliance 100 (or any other suitable dedicated controller) may be communicatively coupled to camera assembly 180, tub light 186, and other components of washing machine appliance 100. As explained in more detail below, controller 156 may be programmed or configured for analyzing the images obtained by camera assembly 180, e.g., in order to determine the level of water or wash fluid within wash chamber 110, the additive content of the flow of wash fluid 178, or other cycle information, and may use this information to make informed decisions regarding the operation of washing machine appliance 100.
Referring still to
For example, external communication system 190 permits controller 156 of washing machine appliance 100 to communicate with a separate device external to washing machine appliance 100, referred to generally herein as an external device 192. As described in more detail below, these communications may be facilitated using a wired or wireless connection, such as via a network 194. In general, external device 192 may be any suitable device separate from washing machine appliance 100 that is configured to provide and/or receive communications, information, data, or commands from a user. In this regard, external device 192 may be, for example, a personal phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop or personal computer, a wearable device, a smart home system, or another mobile or remote device.
In addition, a remote server 196 may be in communication with washing machine appliance 100 and/or external device 192 through network 194. In this regard, for example, remote server 196 may be a cloud-based server 196, and is thus located at a distant location, such as in a separate state, country, etc. According to an exemplary embodiment, external device 192 may communicate with a remote server 196 over network 194, such as the Internet, to transmit/receive data or information, provide user inputs, receive user notifications or instructions, interact with or control washing machine appliance 100, etc. In addition, external device 192 and remote server 196 may communicate with washing machine appliance 100 to communicate similar information.
In general, communication between washing machine appliance 100. external device 192, remote server 196, and/or other user devices or appliances may be carried using any type of wired or wireless connection and using any suitable type of communication network, non-limiting examples of which are provided below. For example, external device 192 may be in direct or indirect communication with washing machine appliance 100 through any suitable wired or wireless communication connections or interfaces, such as network 194. For example, network 194 may include one or more of a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a personal area network (PAN), the Internet, a cellular network, any other suitable short-or long-range wireless networks, etc. In addition, communications may be transmitted using any suitable communications devices or protocols, such as via Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, Zigbee®, wireless radio, laser, infrared, Ethernet type devices and interfaces, etc. In addition, such communication may use a variety of communication protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, HTTP, SMTP, FTP), encodings or formats (e.g., HTML, XML), and/or protection schemes (e.g., VPN, secure HTTP, SSL).
External communication system 190 is described herein according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. However, it should be appreciated that the exemplary functions and configurations of external communication system 190 provided herein are used only as examples to facilitate description of aspects of the present subject matter. System configurations may vary, other communication devices may be used to communicate directly or indirectly with one or more associated appliances, other communication protocols and steps may be implemented, etc. These variations and modifications are contemplated as within the scope of the present subject matter.
According to example embodiments, washing machine appliance 100 may further include one or more water property sensors, e.g., identified herein as conductivity sensors 198. As best shown in
While described in the context of a specific embodiment of vertical axis washing machine appliance 100, using the teachings disclosed herein it will be understood that vertical axis washing machine appliance 100 is provided by way of example only. Other washing machine appliances having different configurations, different appearances, and/or different features may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well, e.g., horizontal axis washing machine appliances. In addition, aspects of the present subject matter may be utilized in a combination washer/dryer appliance.
Now that the construction of washing machine appliance 100 and the configuration of controller 156 according to exemplary embodiments have been presented, an exemplary method 200 of operating a washing machine appliance will be described. Although the discussion below refers to the exemplary method 200 of operating washing machine appliance 100, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the exemplary method 200 is applicable to the operation of a variety of other washing machine appliances, such as horizontal axis washing machine appliances. In exemplary embodiments, the various method steps as disclosed herein may be performed by controller 156 or a separate, dedicated controller.
Referring now to
According to exemplary embodiments, first additive conductivity metric may be pulled from memory as a comparison to a subsequent conductivity metric (e.g., see step 230) in order to determine whether the type of wash additive being dispensed from bulk reservoir 158 has been changed. Accordingly, immediately following every refilling process of the bulk dispenser 158, controller 156 may perform a calibration cycle to obtain a conductivity metric that is directly associated with the particular wash additive that was used to refill bulk reservoir 158. As explained in more detail below, the first additive conductivity metric may be stored in memory for comparison to identify changes in subsequent conductivity metric (e.g., and thus a change in additive).
Step 220 may generally include determining that the bulk dispenser has been refilled. In this regard, controller 156 may use any suitable method for determining that the bulk dispenser 158 has been refilled or that wash additive was added to bulk dispenser 158. For example, according to an example embodiment, controller 156 may determine that a refill process has been performed when a user provides notification of such a refill, e.g., via control panel 150. According to still other embodiments, determining the bulk dispenser has been refilled may include monitoring levels of wash additive within bulk reservoir 158. In this regard, controller 156 may determine that a tank low sensor or tank empty sensor (e.g., such as tank level sensors 161) has been triggered. The process of determining that the bulk dispenser has been refilled may include subsequently determining that the tank low sensor with the tank empty sensor is no longer triggered. Alternatively, tank level sensors 161 may include a tank full sensor that may be used for the same purpose. In this regard, step 220 may generally include any procedure for determining that the tank level has gone from low to high or that any wash additive has been added at all.
Step 230 may generally include obtaining a second additive conductivity metric of the wash additive stored within the bulk dispenser using the conductivity sensor. In this regard, similar to step 210, immediately following a refilling process of the bulk dispenser, method 200 may include performing a procedure to obtain such a second additive conductivity metric. According to an example embodiment, obtaining the second additive conductivity metric may simply include dispensing wash fluid (e.g., including a mixture of water and a desired amount of wash additive) from the smart dispense system. This wash fluid may be added with or without a load of clothes present and may include one or more agitation steps to thoroughly mix the water and the wash additive. According to such an example embodiment, a single conductivity reading may constitute the second additive conductivity metric.
Notably, the presence of particular types of clothes or the soil levels associated with those clothes may affect conductivity readings. Accordingly, in other example embodiments, method 200 may include performing steps to compensate for those soil levels. In this regard, obtaining the second additive conductivity metric may include operating the water supply to dispense wash fluid (e.g., water only) into the wash tub. After this water is dispensed, a brief agitation pe may be performed. At this point, a first conductivity reading of the wash fluid in wash tub may be obtained and used as a baseline for comparison with the subsequent reading. Subsequently, the bulk dispenser may be operated to dispense wash additive into the wash tub and another agitation cycle may be performed. At this point, a second conductivity reading of the wash fluid in the wash tub may be obtained and the second additive conductivity metric may be determined based on the difference between the first conductivity reading and the second conductivity reading.
Step 240 may generally include determining that the second additive conductivity metric is different than the first additive conductivity metric. For example, as explained above, each conductivity metric may be a difference in electrical conductivity of wash fluid measured when only clothes and water are added and when detergent is added (e.g., including agitation cycles to properly mix contents). If there is a change between the first additive conductivity metric and the second additive conductivity metric, this may be indicative of a change in wash additive within bulk reservoir 158 (e.g., a change from one type/brand of detergent to another). According to example embodiment, determining that the conductivity metrics are different may include determining a difference between the conductivity metrics and determining that the difference exceeds a predetermined conductivity change threshold.
Step 250 may generally include implementing a responsive action in response to determining that the second additive conductivity metric is different than the first additive conductivity metric (e.g., as determined at step 240). In general, the responsive action may be any action implemented by controller 156 that is intended to compensate for a change in the type, brand, or category of wash additive or detergent within bulk dispenser. For example, according to exemplary embodiments, implementing the responsive action may include adjusting the operation of the bulk dispenser to adjust the dispensing amount of wash additive as needed based on the conductivity difference. For example, the controller may be programmed to determine a target dispensing amount based on a relative conductivity between the current wash additive in the previous wash additive within bulk reservoir 158.
According to still other embodiments, implementing the responsive action may include prompting a user to supply a product identification for the wash additive. For example, controller 156 may manipulate control panel 150 to prompt the user to input the brand of detergent, the volume of detergent, or other quantitative or qualitative characteristics of the detergent. According to still other embodiments, a user may enter a bar code or take a picture of the bottle of wash additive. For example, a user may obtain a photo of the wash additive using external device 192 or camera 182 may directly take such image. Method 200 may further include using this product identification to determine wash parameter adjustments needed for proper operation of a smart dispense system, e.g., using a lookup table. According to still other embodiments, implementing the responsive action may include adjusting water temperatures, adjusting water levels, extending cycle times, adjusting agitation profiles, or making any other suitable operating adjustments.
Referring now briefly to
By contrast, if step 302 results in a determination that the tank was just filled, step 310 may include adding a small volume of water to the wash tub. Step 312 may include agitating the water in the load of clothes, e.g., to form a wash fluid solution that includes soils removed from the load of clothes. Step 314 may include obtaining a first conductivity measurement, e.g., to establish a baseline conductivity measurement resulting from water and soils within the load of clothes (i.e., not from the subsequently added wash additive). As explained above, steps 310 through 314 may be used to isolate the conductivity difference is resulting from the wash additive as opposed to soils within a load of clothes.
Step 316 may include adding wash additive, e.g., using a smart dispense system. Step 318 may include performing agitation cycle in order to mix the clothes, the water, and the wash additive. Step 320 may include obtaining a second conductivity measurement and step 322 may include determining a conductivity metric (e.g., a difference between the first and second conductivity measurements). Step 324 may include determining whether the wash additive dispensed from the smart dispense system has changed. As explained above, this determination may be based on the conductivity measurements performed following subsequent fill procedures of the bulk reservoir 158. If the detergent has not been changed, method 300 may proceed to step 306. By contrast, if the wash additive was changed, step 326 may include implementing a responsive action. As explained above, this responsive action may include changes to operating parameters of the washing machine appliance 100 or may include providing a user notification prompting the user to provide product identification associated with the wash additive recently added to the bulk reservoir 158.
As explained herein, aspects of the present subject matter are generally directed to a smart dispense system for washing machine appliances. The smart dispense system may detect changes in detergent products and adjust the detergent dosage accordingly. In specific, the method to detect changed detergent products may utilize a conductivity sensor and may include the execution of a detergent calibration cycle when the bulk detergent tank status is changed from low or empty to high. For example, this may indicate that a user filled in the detergent tank when the tank is “Low” or “Empty.” Both “Tank Low” and “Tank Empty” LEDs become OFF when the detergent level in the tank is above the threshold (low) limit.
According to example embodiments, the calibration cycle may include an approach where the first fill is only water. For example, such a procedure may facilitate measuring how much conductivity was contributed from pure detergent (exclude water hardness, dirt type/amount). For the calibration cycle, the smart dispense system may inject water only and measure the conductivity reading. Then the smart dispense system may inject the desired amount of detergent into the tank and measure another reading. The two data points may be subtracted to determine the conductivity increase that is purely due to the detergent product. If this detergent conductivity metric is different from the previous reading (e.g., stored in memory from last calibration cycle), the user may be notified and asked if they have changed their detergent product or not. If a detergent product change is detected, the consumer may be notified or prompted to identify the new detergent (e.g., by scanning the new bar code for adjusting the detergent dosage).
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.
