System and method for detecting an elevated drain for a washing machine appliance
US11530505B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 17, 2020 |
| Grant date | Dec 20, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 8, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC D)Textiles; Paper
- CPC primaryD06F2105/08
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A washing machine appliance includes a sump for collecting wash fluid, a supply valve for supplying the wash fluid, a drain assembly for discharging the wash fluid from the sump, and a water level detection system for measuring sump pressures/fill levels. A controller is configured to perform an initial fill cycle and determine a first volume of wash fluid required to reach a target pressure. The drain assembly then drains the sump and the process is repeated to determine a second volume of wash fluid required to reach the target pressure. The difference between the first volume and the second volume is at least partially a result of wash fluid that the drain assembly could not discharge through the drain hose. The controller may determine that the external drain is elevated, and compensate accordingly, if a difference between the first volume and the second volume exceeds a predetermined threshold.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.