FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
As amended by the Patents (Amendment) Act, 2005
5 &
The Patents Rules, 2003
As amended by the Patents (Amendment) Rules, 2016
10 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
15 “APPARATUS FOR HOUSING A TURBIDITY SENSOR IN A WASHING
MACHINE”
20 APPLICANT(S)
Applicant : IFB Industries Limited
Nationality : Indian
Address :Verna Industrial Estate, Verna – 403722, Goa
25
30 The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is
to be performed.
2
APPARATUS FOR HOUSING A TURBIDITY SENSOR IN A WASHING MACHINE
FIELD OF INVENTION
[001] The present disclosure generally relates 5 to a turbidity sensor provided in a
laundry/washing machine. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for
housing the turbidity sensor in the laundry/washing machine.
BACKGROUND
10
[002] It is known that turbidity sensors are used in water-using household appliances
such laundry or washing machines. Typically, the turbidity sensors are used to optimize
wash-program sequence. The turbidity sensor senses the turbidity in the water and sends
signals to a microcontroller to convey information about turbidity in water.
15
[003] Typically, the turbidity sensor is placed in a tub of the washing machine. In
operation, turbulence is caused due to the movements of the drum and splashing of water
inside the tub. The turbulence may result in increased signal noise which in turn leads to the
turbidity sensor to give faulty readings. Further, it should be understood that the turbidity
20 sensor is placed at the bottom of the tub. As a result, lot of debris is accumulated in and
around the turbidity sensor. In addition, stains may be formed on the turbidity sensor as the
turbidity sensor remains in water for long time.
[004] There are several problems associated with placement of the turbidity sensor at the
25 bottom of the tub. One of the challenges of placing the turbidity sensor at the bottom location
of the tub is scaling that is promoted on the sensor surface. The scaling may happen due to
the turbidity sensor proximity to a heater. The heater may melt the minerals dissolved in the
water and may form a layer on the turbidity sensor surface leading to scaling on the sensor
surface. Further, due to highly moist conditions and high contamination environment inside
30 the tub of the washing machine, the bottom area of the turbidity sensor gets effected by mold,
algae, fungi and/or bacteria formation which again leads to faulty readings from the turbidity
sensor.
3
[005] Another challenge of placing the turbidity sensor at the bottom location of the tub
is seen evident in situations when detergent is in powder form and remains un-dissolved. In
certain situations, more time is consumed to dissolve detergent particles and as a result, the
un-dissolved detergent sticks on the turbidity sensor surface and leads to faulty reading of the
sensor. Furthermore, lint detached from the clothes starts to 5 deposit on the bottom portion of
the washing machine causing deposits on to the sensing surface of the turbidity sensor
leading to faulty reading.
[006] Moreover, the usage of turbidity sensor in the tub overtime and the presence of
10 high iron content, mineral content, bad water quality results in dirty sensing surface as well as
the accumulation of unwanted content inside the walls of the tub surface.
[007] Therefore, an apparatus for housing the turbidity sensor to reduce turbulence
effect, noise and sensor surface contamination is required. Further, the apparatus shall
15 facilitate automated cleaning and intimation of manual cleaning of the sensing surface.
SUMMARY
[008] The following summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way
20 limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, example embodiments, and features described
above, further aspects, example embodiments, and features will become apparent by
reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
[009] In one aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for housing a turbidity sensor
25 in a laundry machine is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a first tube structure and a second
tube structure coupled in perpendicular to each other. The first tube structure comprises a first
end and a second end. Further, the first tube structure comprises at least two cut portions to
receive the turbidity sensor therein. The turbidity sensor is received through the first end of
the first tube structure. The apparatus further comprises a tube locker coupled to the second
30 tube structure to lock the first tube structure and the second tube structure to the laundry
machine. The rube locker (27) comprises a rod (28) extended up to the turbidity sensor (10).
The tube locker (27) is pushed to clean surface of the turbidity sensor (10).
4
[0010] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the diameter of the first end is greater
than the diameter of the second end.
[0011] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the second tube structure is drawn
through a hole provided in a rubber sleeve 5 provided in the laundry machine.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0012] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the example embodiments
10 will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference
to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the
drawings.
[0013] FIG. 1A and 1B illustrate a turbidity sensor deployed in a laundry/washing
15 machine, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 2A and 2B illustrate an apparatus for housing the turbidity sensor, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;
20 [0015] FIG. 3A and 3B illustrate the apparatus coupled to a rubber sleeve, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 4A, 4B and 4C illustrate the apparatus coupled to the laundry machine, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; and
25
[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the turbidity sensor deployed in the washing
machine, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0018] Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated
30 for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of
the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been
represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those
specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention
5
so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
5
[0019] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention,
reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the figures and specific
language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no
limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further
modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications 10 of the principles of the
invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in
the art to which the invention relates.
[0020] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general
15 description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the
invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
[0021] The present disclosure discloses an apparatus for housing a turbidity sensor in a
laundry machine. The apparatus comprises a first tube structure and a second tube structure
20 coupled in perpendicular to each other. The first tube structure comprises a first end and a
second end. Further, the first tube structure comprises at least two cut portions to receive the
turbidity sensor therein. The turbidity sensor is received through the first end of the first tube
structure. The apparatus further comprises a tube locker coupled to the second tube structure
to lock the first tube structure and the second tube structure to the laundry machine.
25
[0022] The apparatus for housing the turbidity sensor is provided on top of a rubber sleeve
provided on top of a drum of the laundry machine. Various embodiments of the apparatus for
housing the turbidity sensor are explained using the FIGs 1-5.
30 [0023] Now referring to FIG. 1A, a perspective view of a turbidity sensor 10 used for
measuring turbidity during wash cycles and optimizing the wash-program sequence is shown,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As known, the turbidity sensor
10 comprises a plurality of hollow projections 11 to house a light emitting element 12 and a
light detecting element 14. The hollow projections 11 may act as a sensing surface for the
6
turbidity sensor 10. Referring to FIG. 1B, a cross-sectional view of the turbidity sensor 10
comprising the light emitting element 12 and the light detecting element 14 is shown. In one
example, the light emitting element 12 may include an Infrared light-emitting diode (IR
LED). In one example, the light detecting element 14 may include an infrared photo-resistor.
The turbidity sensor 10 detects a turbidity of the wash liquid 5 flowing between the light
emitting element 12 and light detecting element 14. In order to detect the turbidity, the light
emitting element 12 emits light which passes through the medium like water and/or air. The
light is received at the light detecting element 14.The amount by which the light gets
scattered or reflected by soil particles in the water provides information on the amount of
10 turbidity in the water. Based on the turbidity, the wash cycles in the laundry machine are
optimized. Specifically, the turbidity sensor senses and sends signals to a microcontroller (not
shown) in a laundry machine. The signals are representative of the degree of discoloration or
of the transparency of the wash water as well as signals representative of the number of dirt
particles detected in the wash water during the measuring interval. Based on the degree of
15 discoloration and the number of dirt particles, the microcontroller then calculates the degree
of turbidity which, in turn, influences the program sequence of the laundry machine.
[0024] For example, the results of detection by the turbidity sensor 10 are used to
determine a degree of soil of laundry. Further, the turbidity sensor 10 is used to control a time
20 period of the wash step based on the soil degree determined. As such, the washing operation
is controlled on the basis of the results of detection by the turbidity sensor 10.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 2A and 2B, an apparatus 20 for housing the turbidity sensor 10
is shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG.
25 2A shows a perspective view of the apparatus 20 for housing the turbidity sensor 10. The
apparatus 20 comprises a first tube structure 21 and a second tube structure 22. The first tube
structure 21 and the second tube structure 22 are coupled in perpendicular. The first tube
structure 21 may be provided in a cylindrical structure. The first tube structure 21 comprises
a first end 23 and a second end 24. The first end 23 may comprise a circular opening. Further,
30 the second end 24 may be tapered. The second end 24 may comprise a circular opening. It
should be understood that the diameter of the first end 23 is greater than the diameter of the
second end 24. In one embodiment, the apparatus 20 may comprise a plurality of protrusions
25 at the first end 23. The plurality of protrusions 25 may be used to couple the turbidity
sensor 10.
7
[0026] Referring to FIG. 2B, a cut-section view of the apparatus 20 for housing the
turbidity sensor 10 is shown. As can be seen, the first tube structure 21 comprises at least two
cut portions 26 provided therein to receive the hollow projections 11 of the turbidity sensor
5 10.
[0027] Further, the apparatus 20 comprises a tube locker 27 provided at one end of the
second tube structure 22 as shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B. In one embodiment, the tube
locker 27 may be coupled to the second tube structure 22 using a snap mechanism.
10 Alternatively, the first tube structure 21, the second tube structure 22 and the tube locker 27
may be provided as a single component. In one embodiment, the tube locker 27 may
comprise a rod 28 extended till the length of the cut portions 26 present in the first tube
structure 21. In operation, a user of the laundry machine may operate the tube locker 27 e.g.,
by pushing the tube locker 27 to move the surface of the cut portions 26 through the rod 28
15 such that the surface of the hollow projections 11 of the turbidity sensor 10 is shaken. When
the outer surface of the turbidity sensor 10 is moved, the dirt on the turbidity sensor 10 may
fall off thereby cleaning the turbidity sensor 10. In other words, the user may push the tube
locker 27 moving up the rod 28 which in turns pushes the hollow projections 11 of the
turbidity sensor 10.
20
[0028] In order to improve the functioning of the turbidity sensor 10, at first, the turbidity
sensor 10 is placed within the apparatus 20 by coupling the plurality of hollow projections 11
in the at least two cut portions 26. Subsequently, the apparatus 20 is coupled to a circular
rubber frame 30. Referring to FIG. 3A and 3B, the apparatus 20 coupled to a circular rubber
25 frame 30 of a washer (not shown) is shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present disclosure. In one example, the circular rubber frame 30 may have a hole (not shown)
to receive the second tube structure 22. After drawing the second tube structure 22, the tube
locker 27 may be used to lock the apparatus 20 to the circular rubber frame 30.
30 [0029] Referring to FIG. 4A and 4B, the apparatus 20 coupled to a laundry machine 40 is
shown. As specified above, the apparatus 20 comprises the second end 24 at the first tube
structure 21. The second end 24 may be coupled to a recirculation pump 45. In one example,
the second end 24 may act as an inlet to receive water from the recirculation pump 45. Now
referring to FIG. 4C, an inner view showing the apparatus 20 coupled to the laundry machine
8
40 is shown. As can be seen, the tube locker 27 protrudes out towards the inner portion of the
laundry machine 40 i.e., drum. The tube locker 27 may comprise a mesh like structure of
hollow structure and act as an outlet to allow the water received into the apparatus 20 and
flow out.
5
[0030] In one embodiment, the recirculation pump 45 present in the laundry machine 40
sprays water directly into the wash to help improve the efficiency of the wash cycle. The
second end 24 allows water spray through the opening. The water sprayed from the second
end 24 is pushed to clean the sensing surface i.e., the hollow projections 11 of the turbidity
10 sensor 10.
[0031] It should be understood that the apparatus 20 is preferably placed on top of the
rubber sleeve 30 provided on top of the drum in the laundry machine 40 as shown in FIG.
4A, 4B and 4C.However, the apparatus 20 may be placed anywhere on the outer surface of
15 the tub such that the user may have an access to push the tube locker 27 to clean the turbidity
sensor 10. Now referring to FIG. 5A and 5B, the turbidity sensor 10 placed on side is shown.
In operation, the turbidity sensor 10 placed in the apparatus 20 may be stained because of
iron content, silt, sediments, excessive hardness ions, mud present in water. Moreover, the
ageing of the turbidity sensor 10 over the time is a challenge in knowing exact turbidity
20 levels. A faulty value leads to wrong decision. In particular, FIG. 5A illustrates the turbidity
sensor 10 stained. Further, FIG. 5B illustrates the turbidity sensor 10 after descaling. To
prevent staining of the turbidity sensor 10, the optimum location of the turbidity sensor 10 is
as shown in FIG. 4A, 4B and 4C.
25 [0032] The apparatus 20 facilitates in enclosing the turbidity sensor 10 and spraying water
onto the clothes in the drum. Further, the apparatus 20 promotes a laminar flow of water, and
reduces turbulence in readings of the turbidity sensor 10 thereby increasing accuracy to take
better decision.
30 [0033] The turbidity sensor 10 may sense signals representative of the degree of
discoloration or of the transparency of the wash water as well as signals representative of the
number of dirt particles detected in the wash water during the measuring interval. Based on
the signals sensed by the turbidity sensor 10, the user may be intimated to clean the tub
situated in the laundry machine.
9
[0034] As known, dirt may accumulate in the turbidity sensor 10 and the apparatus 20 due
to usage overtime and high iron content, mineral content, and/or bad water quality. The
turbidity sensor 10 enclosed in the apparatus 20 facilitates the provision of intimation to the
user that the inner surface wall of the tub is dirty or not clean enough 5 to take better decision.
In particular, the data sensed by the turbidity sensor 10 is processed by the microcontroller
(not shown) and decision is taken. In order to clean the surface of the turbidity sensor 10, a
user of the washing machine 40 may push the tube locker 27 moving up the rod 28 which in
turns pushes the turbidity sensor 10.
10 [0035]
[0036] In another example embodiment, once the sensor reading reaches a threshold or a
peculiar pattern is recognized, the user is intimated to perform an activity of pushing the tube
15 locker 27 up and down to spray water. It should be understood that pushing the tube locker 27
pushes the rod 28 up against the hollow projections 11 of the turbidity sensor 10 and the
surface of the turbidity sensor 10 is cleaned.
[0037] The present disclosure disclosed herein further reduces time and detergent for
wash, thereby reducing water and power consumption apart from increasing clothes life.
20
[0038] Embodiments of the present disclosure disclosed herein provides a laundry
machine or a washing machine that facilitates the enhanced customer experience and also
save resources such as water, detergent and time apart from increasing clothes life.
Moreover, the present disclosure provides an intelligent washing machine that requires
25 minimal input from the user and is a first step towards a true automatic washing machine.
The washing machine with the deployment of the turbidity sensor disclosed herein saves
energy, water and time wherever and whenever possible, apart from increasing clothes life.
In addition, the washing machine with the deployment of the turbidity sensor disclosed herein
may also work as a dirt sensor and handle any quality of water for washing laundry.
30
[0039] The apparatus provides housing for the turbidity sensor and recirculation spray
mechanism. This leads to work where in the recirculation spray opening can be changed in
future without modification in the rubber sleeve to give different type of shower effect on to
the clothes. Further, an electronic noise can be reduced in sensing as the turbidity sensor in
35 place in a laminar flow condition. Further, the apparatus promotes detergent type detection,
10
additive type detection apart from dirt level detection to give an optimized wash. By virtue of
sensor location much advance and accurate algorithms are possible unlike the case when
sensor has to face lot many turbulence which affects the sensor output.
5
[0040] The dilemma of the user of the washing machine is solved by deploying the
turbidity sensor 10 in the washing machine. For example, the turbidity sensor 10 helps in
taking required quantity of detergent or the selection of the cycle time, or the selection of
number of rinses or the setting of the water temperature based on the amount of spoilage
10 and/or dirt in laundry.
[0041] Plurality of embodiments described herein provides manual or automated cleaning
of the surface of the turbidity sensor 10. This leads to better utilization of the turbidity sensor
10 and user satisfaction to get desired wash.
15
[0042] Although the above description is provided to have the apparatus in washing
machine, it should be understood that the apparatus may be provided in other appliances
where turbidity is measured such as in dishwashers, water purifiers, large plants for process,
where the turbidity sensor tends to get dirty or stained and requires cleaning and servicing
20 frequently.
[0043] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations
arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in
the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the
25 inventive concept as taught herein.
[0044] The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those
skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be
combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into
30 multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another
embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not
limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not
be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed.
Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the
35 other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.
11
Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences
in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible.
Reference Numerals:
5
Turbidity Sensor 10
Hollow Projections 11
Light Emitting Element 12
Light Detecting Element 14
10 Apparatus 20
First Tube Structure 21
Second Tube Structure 22
First End 23
Second End 24
15 Protrusions 25
Cut Portions 26
Tube Locker 27
Rod 28
Circular Rubber Frame 30
20 Laundry Machine 40
Recirculation Pump 45
12
WE CLAIM:
1. An apparatus (20) for housing a turbidity sensor (10) on top of a circular rubber frame
30 provided on a drum (40) in a laundry machine (40), the apparatus comprising:
a first tube structure (21) having a first end (23) and a 5 second end (24), wherein the
first tube structure (21) comprises at least two cut portions (26) to receive the turbidity sensor
(10) therein;
a second tube structure (22) coupled to the first tube structure (11) in perpendicular;
and
10 a tube locker (27) coupled to the second tube structure (22) to lock the first tube
structure (21) and the second tube structure (22) to the laundry machine (40), wherein the
rube locker (27) comprises a rod (28) extended upto the turbidity sensor (10), and wherein the
tube locker (27) is pushed to clean surface of the turbidity sensor (10).
15 2. The apparatus (20) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first end (23) of the first tube
structure (21) comprises a circular opening.
3. The apparatus (20) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second end (24) of the first tube
structure (21) is tapered.
20
4. The apparatus (20) as claimed in claim 1, wherein diameter of the first end (23) is
greater than the diameter of the second end (24).
5. The apparatus (20) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tube locker (27) is coupled to
25 the second tube structure (22) via a snap mechanism.
6. The apparatus (20) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the turbidity sensor (10) is received
through the first end (23) of the first tube structure (21).
30 7. The apparatus (20) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second end (24) of the first tube
structure (21) is coupled to a recirculation pump (45).
35
13
8. The apparatus (20) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus (20) is coupled to the
laundry machine (40) via the second tube structure (22) drawn through the circular rubber
5 frame (30).
9. The apparatus (20) as claimed in claim 1, wherein water is sprayed through the
apparatus (20) the tube locker (27).