WASHING MACHINE WITH FILTER CLEANING INDICATOR AND RELATED METHODS

Abstract

ABSTRACT The present disclosure is related to filter monitoring system for a washing machine is designed to enhance performance and extend the machine's lifespan by signalling, measuring, and notifying users of filter obstructions. It features an audible beep and illumination to alert users to clean the filter, thus preventing costly repairs. The system includes a strain gauge to measure motor strain, with options for a bonded strain gauge using either a round wire or thin metallic film. The particles causing obstructions include dirt, lint, and hair, and the system responds instantaneously to ensure timely maintenance.

Specification

Description:WASHING MACHINE WITH FILTER CLEANING INDICATOR AND RELATED METHODS
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present innovation relates to a washing machines with enhanced maintenance features.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Washing machines have become an essential appliance in modern households, providing a convenient solution for cleaning clothes efficiently. Over the years, advancements in washing machine technology have focused on improving performance, energy efficiency, and user convenience. One of the critical components of a washing machine is the filter, which plays a vital role in trapping lint, dirt, and other particles during the wash cycle. However, a common challenge faced by users is the maintenance of these filters. Clogged filters can lead to reduced washing machine performance, increased energy consumption, and even potential damage to the appliance if not addressed promptly.

[0003] Traditionally, users are required to manually check and clean the filters at regular intervals to ensure optimal performance of the washing machine. However, this task is often overlooked or forgotten, leading to the accumulation of debris and subsequent operational issues. As a result, there is a growing need for innovative solutions that can assist users in maintaining their washing machines more effectively. Such solutions aim to enhance the user experience by providing timely reminders or alerts for necessary maintenance tasks, thereby extending the lifespan of the appliance and preventing costly repairs.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In accordance with embodiments, a filter monitoring system for a washing machine is provided. The filter monitoring system is configured to signal, measure, produce an audible beep, and illuminate to ensure optimal performance, maintain quality, prolong lifespan, save time and money, avoid costly repairs, measure strain in a motor, and notify a user to clean an obstructed filter caused by accumulation of particles.

[0005] In accordance with other embodiments, the filter monitoring system further comprises a strain gauge configured to measure the strain in the motor. This strain gauge can be a bonded strain gauge comprising a conductor made of a round wire, about 1/1000 inch in diameter, or it can be a bonded strain gauge comprising a conductor made of thin strips of metallic film deposited on a non-conducting substrate material.

[0006] In yet other embodiments, the particles causing the obstructed filter comprise at least one of dirt, lint, hair, and other similar materials. The filter monitoring system is configured to produce the audible beep and illuminate instantaneously to notify the user to clean the obstructed filter.

[0007] In accordance with further embodiments, a method for monitoring a filter in a washing machine is provided. The method comprises signaling, measuring, producing an audible beep, and illuminating, by a filter monitoring system, to ensure optimal performance, maintain quality, prolong lifespan, save time and money, avoid costly repairs, measure strain in a motor, and notify a user to clean an obstructed filter caused by accumulation of particles.

[0008] In accordance with additional embodiments, measuring the strain in the motor comprises using a strain gauge, which can be a bonded strain gauge comprising a conductor made of a round wire, about 1/1000 inch in diameter, or a bonded strain gauge comprising a conductor made of thin strips of metallic film deposited on a non-conducting substrate material.

[0009] In yet further embodiments, the particles causing the obstructed filter comprise at least one of dirt, lint, hair, and other similar materials. Producing the audible beep and illuminating are performed instantaneously to notify the user to clean the obstructed filter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[00010] In accordance with the different aspects of the present invention, quick aid app is presented. The invention relates to a filter monitoring system for a washing machine, designed to optimize performance, prolong the lifespan of the machine, maintain quality, and prevent costly repairs. The system is equipped with various features such as signaling, measuring strain in the motor, producing an audible beep, and illuminating to notify the user of filter obstruction due to the accumulation of particles such as dirt, lint, and hair.

[00011] The system includes a strain gauge that measures strain in the motor, which may be a bonded strain gauge consisting of either a round wire (about 1/1000 inch in diameter) or thin strips of metallic film deposited on a non-conductive substrate. The system immediately alerts the user when the filter becomes obstructed, producing an audible beep and lighting up to prompt the user to clean the filter. This feature helps prevent damage to the machine, saves time, and reduces the need for expensive repairs.

[00012] Additionally, the invention provides a method for monitoring the filter, which involves the same operations of signalling, strain measurement, producing an audible beep, and illuminating the system when the filter needs cleaning, ensuring the washing machine operates efficiently.

[00013] Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments constructed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.

[00014] It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[00015] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.

[00016] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:

[00017] FIG. 1 illustrates the structure of a filter monitoring system.

[00018] FIG. 2 and 3 illustrates a system for optimal performance and user notification for filter maintenance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00019] The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognise that other embodiments for carrying out or practising the present disclosure are also possible.

[00020] The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of certain embodiments of quick aid app and is not intended to represent the only forms that may be developed or utilised. The description sets forth the various structures and/or functions in connection with the illustrated embodiments; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

[00021] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[00022] The terms "comprises", "comprising", "include(s)", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, or system that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or system. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

[00023] In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and which are shown by way of illustration-specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[00024] The present disclosure will be described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the description with unnecessary detail.

[00025] In the description of the present invention, it is also to be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified or limited, the terms "fixed" "attached" "disposed," "mounted," and "connected" are to be construed broadly, and may for example be fixedly connected, detachably connected, or integrally connected, either mechanically or electrically. They may be connected directly or indirectly through intervening media, or they may be interconnected between two elements. The specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention can be understood in specific cases to those skilled in the art.

[00026] The present invention relates to a washing machine equipped with a filter clog indicator system designed to optimize performance, prolong the lifespan of the machine, and prevent costly repairs by signaling when the filter needs cleaning. The system uses various components to monitor the condition of the washing machine's filter and alerts the user when it becomes obstructed by debris, such as lint, hair, or dirt.

[00027] One of the primary components is a strain gauge (102), which measures the strain in the motor caused by a clogged filter. This strain gauge can be constructed using either a round wire (approximately 1/1000 inch in diameter) or thin strips of metallic film deposited on a non-conductive substrate. The strain gauge is essential for detecting any abnormal strain resulting from an obstructed filter, and once such strain is detected, the system triggers a notification to the user through an audible beep (104) and illumination indicator (106). This real-time notification ensures that the user is promptly alerted to clean the filter, preventing further strain on the motor and potential damage to the washing machine.

[00028] The system continuously monitors the strain in the motor during operation, and if the strain exceeds a predefined threshold-indicating that the filter is clogged-it activates the audible alert (104) and illumination indicator (106) to notify the user. This ensures timely action to clean the filter, thereby improving overall efficiency and reducing the risk of damage to the machine. After receiving the alert, the user can clean the filter (108), which typically consists of trapped particles such as lint, hair, and dirt. Once the filter is cleaned, the strain on the motor decreases, and the washing machine returns to optimal operation. This system provides numerous benefits, including prolonging the lifespan of the washing machine by preventing motor strain, improving energy efficiency by allowing the machine to function without obstruction, and offering enhanced user convenience by eliminating the need for manual filter checks. Additionally, it helps users save money by avoiding costly repairs that may arise from neglected maintenance.

[00029] The present invention also provides a method for monitoring a filter in a washing machine, ensuring that the machine operates efficiently by signaling when the filter needs cleaning. This method involves a filter monitoring system that performs multiple actions, including signaling (110), measuring (112), producing an audible beep (104), and illuminating (106), to notify the user when the filter becomes obstructed. The purpose of this method is to maintain optimal performance, prolong the lifespan of the machine, and save time and money by preventing costly repairs. The method specifically targets particles such as dirt, lint, hair, and other similar materials, which cause the filter obstruction. The system instantly produces the audible beep and illuminates to alert the user to clean the obstructed filter.
[00030] In one embodiment, the method includes measuring the strain in the motor (112) using a strain gauge. The strain gauge, as described, may be a bonded strain gauge (102) consisting of a conductor made from a round wire approximately 1/1000 inch in diameter. Alternatively, the strain gauge may be a bonded strain gauge (102) comprising thin strips of metallic film deposited on a non-conductive substrate material. The system effectively measures the strain caused by the obstructed filter and notifies the user instantaneously through both sound and illumination, ensuring timely maintenance of the washing machine.

[00031] This method of monitoring the filter improves the efficiency of washing machine operation by preventing motor strain and reducing energy consumption. It eliminates the need for manual filter checks, enhances user convenience, and helps extend the lifespan of the appliance. By combining strain measurement with real-time notifications, the system ensures that users take immediate action to clean the filter, thus avoiding damage to the machine and costly repairs.

[00032] In alternative embodiments, the strain gauge (102) could be implemented using different materials, such as composite films or other conductive elements, to suit varying washing machine designs and operational conditions. The system could also be integrated with a mobile application to provide remote notifications, further enhancing convenience. This innovative filter clog indicator system not only improves the user experience by providing real-time notifications but also ensures the longevity and efficiency of the washing machine, minimizing maintenance efforts and associated costs.

[00033] Modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as "including", "comprising", "incorporating", "have", "is" used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non- exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural where appropriate.

[00034] Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the present disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A filter monitoring system for a washing machine, the filter monitoring system configured to: signal (110), produce an audible beep (104), and illuminate (106) to ensure optimal performance, maintain quality, prolong lifespan, save time and money, avoid costly repairs, measure strain in a motor, and notify a user to clean an obstructed filter caused by accumulation of particles.

2. The filter monitoring system of claim 1, further comprising a strain gauge (102) configured to measure the strain in the motor.

3. The filter monitoring system of claim 2, wherein the strain gauge (102) is a bonded strain gauge comprising a conductor made of a round wire, about 1/1000 inch in diameter.

4. The filter monitoring system of claim 2, wherein the strain gauge (102) is a bonded strain gauge comprising a conductor made of thin strips of metallic film deposited on a non-conducting substrate material.

5. The filter monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the particles causing the obstructed filter comprise at least one of dirt, lint, hair, and other similar materials.

6. The filter monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the filter monitoring system is configured to produce the audible beep (104) and illuminate (106) instantaneously to notify the user to clean the obstructed filter.

7. A method for monitoring a filter in a washing machine, the method comprising: signalling (110), measuring (112), producing an audible beep (114), and illuminating (116), by a filter monitoring system, to ensure optimal performance, maintain quality, prolong lifespan, save time and money, avoid costly repairs, measure strain in a motor, and notify a user to clean an obstructed filter caused by accumulation of particles; wherein the particles causing the obstructed filter comprise at least one of dirt, lint, hair, and other similar materials and wherein producing the audible beep (114) and illuminating (116) are performed instantaneously to notify the user to clean the obstructed filter.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein measuring the strain in the motor (112) comprises using a strain gauge (102).

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the strain gauge (102) is a bonded strain gauge comprising a conductor made of a round wire, about 1/1000 inch in diameter.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the strain gauge (102) is a bonded strain gauge comprising a conductor made of thin strips of metallic film deposited on a non-conducting substrate material.

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