Fuzzy logic control method for reducing water consumption in a machine for washing articles
US5284523A · kind A · utility
32Cited by
10References
4Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 1, 1992 |
| Grant date | Feb 8, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 1, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA47L2501/01
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A fuzzy logic based control method reduces the amount of water used by a washing machine or dishwasher during a cycle. A sensor detects when the washer has adequate water by monitoring the behavior of the washer pump motor as fresh water is coming in. There is a characteristic oscillation of the magnitude of the motor current as the pump cavitates during this operation, which diminishes when the washer is properly filled. By using fuzzy logic to sense this point of diminished or ceased cavitation and shutting off the incoming water, substantial savings of water can be achieved.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.