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US 10,646,096 B2Granted
Flood detection sensor for a dishwasher appliance
AssigneeHaier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
InventorsCharles Anthony DeCataldo, Kyle Edward Durham, Craig Curtis
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A flood detection sensor for a dishwasher appliance is provided. The flood detection sensor includes features that allow for detection of flood events or tub overfills without sacrificing performance or efficiency of the dishwasher during normal operating conditions and for secure mounting to a tub lip of the dishwasher.
Claims15
A dishwasher appliance, comprising:
- a cabinet;
- a tub positioned within the cabinet and defining a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing, the tub comprising a tub lip;
- one or more spray assemblies;
- a flood detection sensor positioned on or mounted to the tub lip, the flood detection sensor comprising:
- a housing;
- a first electrical lead positioned on or mounted to the housing, the first electrical lead having a first charge;
- and
- a second electrical lead positioned on or mounted to the housing and spaced apart from the first electrical lead, the second electrical lead having a second charge, wherein the first charge is different than the second charge;
- wherein the first electrical lead and the second electrical lead are spaced apart by a separation member, and wherein the separation member has a raised geometry that protrudes further outward from the housing than the first electrical lead and the second electrical lead;
- wherein when the first and second electrical leads are bridged by water, an electrical current travels between the first and second leads.
7 more elements
A dishwasher appliance, comprising:
- a cabinet;
- a tub positioned within the cabinet and defining a tub lip and a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing;
- one or more spray assemblies;
- and
- a flood detection sensor positioned on or mounted to the tub lip, the flood detection sensor comprising
- a housing supported by the tub;
- a first electrical lead positioned on or mounted to the housing;
- a second electrical lead positioned on or mounted to the housing, spaced apart from the first electrical lead, wherein the second lead has a voltage differential with the first electrical lead whereby a current is conducted between the leads when such are bridged by water;
- and
- a separation member positioned on the housing between the leads and protruding from the housing.
7 more elements
A dishwasher appliance, comprising:
- a cabinet;
- a tub positioned within the cabinet and defining a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing, the tub comprising a tub lip;
- one or more spray assemblies;
- a flood detection sensor positioned on or mounted to the tub lip, the flood detection sensor comprising:
- a housing;
- a first electrical lead positioned on or mounted to the housing, the first electrical lead having a first charge;
- a second electrical lead positioned on or mounted to the housing and spaced apart from the first electrical lead, the second electrical lead having a second charge, wherein the first charge is different than the second charge;
- wherein when the first and second electrical leads are bridged by water, an electrical current travels between the first and second leads;
- and
- wherein the housing comprises an inner member and an opposing outer member defining a volume therebetween, and wherein the inner member defines a first recess and a second recess and comprises an inner surface, and wherein the first and second electrical leads are recessed within the first and second recesses, respectively, such that the first electrical lead and the second electrical lead are positioned flush with the inner surface of the inner member.
7 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.