Filter assembly for improved filter cartridge placement and detection in a refrigerator appliance
AssigneeHaier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
InventorsPraveena Alangar Subrahmanya, Sharath Chandra Prasad, Gregory Sergeevich Chernov
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A filter assembly with features for improved filter cartridge placement and detection are provided. The filter assembly includes a filter cartridge and a filter housing for receiving the filter cartridge. A contact member extends from the filter housing for engaging the filter cartridge when the filter cartridge in the installed position. A first contact is mounted to the contact member and a second contact is mounted to the filter cartridge such that the first contact and the second contact establish an electrical connection when the filter cartridge in the installed position.
Claims17
A filter assembly comprising:
- a filter cartridge configured for filtering a flow of fluid and being movable between an installed position and an uninstalled position;
- a filter housing configured for receiving the filter cartridge in the installed position;
- a contact member extending from the filter housing for engaging the filter cartridge when the filter cartridge in the installed position;
- a first contact mounted to the contact member;
- a second contact mounted to the filter cartridge such that the first contact and the second contact establish an electrical connection when the filter cartridge in the installed position;
- a power supply for providing electrical power to the filter cartridge through the electrical connection;
- an optical emitter mounted to the filter cartridge for transmitting a filter identification signal;
- and
- an optical receiver mounted to the filter housing for receiving the filter identification signal from the optical emitter when power is supplied through the electrical connection.
A refrigerator appliance comprising:
- a cabinet that defines a chilled chamber for receipt of food articles for storage;
- a dispensing assembly for providing a flow of water;
- and
- a filter assembly mounted to the cabinet and operably coupled to the dispensing assembly, the filter assembly comprising:
- a filter cartridge for filtering the flow of water;
- a filter housing configured for receiving a filter cartridge;
- a contact member extending from the filter housing for engaging the filter cartridge when the filter cartridge in an installed position;
- a first contact mounted to the contact member;
- a second contact mounted to the filter cartridge such that the first contact and the second contact establish an electrical connection when the filter cartridge in the installed position;
- and
- a controller operably coupled to the first contact and being configured for determining that the filter cartridge is properly installed if the electrical connection is established;
- a power supply for providing electrical power to the filter cartridge through the electrical connection;
- an optical emitter mounted to the filter cartridge for transmitting a filter identification signal;
- and
- an optical receiver mounted to the filter housing for receiving the filter identification signal from the optical emitter when power is supplied through the electrical connection.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.