US 2002/0000049 A1 · Fuzzy login control for an electric clothes dryer

Abstract

A method and apparatus for controlling the drying cycle of a dryer by utilizing fuzzy logic control. Control is accomplished by first monitoring the moisture level of a clothes load in the dryer. From the monitored moisture information, variables such as the elapsed time from the start of the drying cycle to a point when no significant moisture is detected for a specified time period and the number of times higher moisture registrations occur during another specified time period are determined. Based on the determined variables, fuzzy logic is used to determine characteristics particular to the clothes load being dried, such as size of the load. Using the determined characteristics in conjunction with user settings more accurate control of the time of drying heat application, reduced drying heat application and cool down time can be accomplished.

Claims32

Dependent claims

A method for controlling a dryer comprising the steps of:

selecting a first prescribed drying cycle setting prior to a start of a drying cycle;
monitoring moisture information within the dryer over a predetermined period of time;
and
setting at least a portion of a time of the drying cycle using predetermined fuzzy logic functions and rules based on the selected first prescribed drying cycle setting and at least the monitored moisture information.

1 more element

A control apparatus utilizing fuzzy logic for a controlling a dryer comprising:

a user interface for receiving a drying cycle selection from a user;
at least one moisture sensor for sensing moisture level of a clothes load in the dryer;
and
a controller receiving inputs from the user interface and the at least one moisture sensor, the controller including a fuzzy logic control portion and configured to determine one or more time dependent parameters based on information input from the at least one moisture sensor and input the one or more parameters to the fuzzy logic control portion, and the fuzzy logic control portion configured to calculate fuzzy logic rules that determine drying cycle modification information based on predetermined fuzzy logic functions within the fuzzy logic portion, which determines clothes load characteristics based on the one or more parameters, and to output the drying cycle modification information to controller, which modifies the drying cycle in accordance with the drying cycle modification information.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

09/886,717Filed 21 Jun 2001

Priority

30 Jun 2000

Published

3 Jan 2002

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification10 codes

D06F 58/38
Control of operational steps, e.g. for optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry: of drying, e.g.…
D06F 58/46
Characterised by the purpose or target of the control: control of the operating time
D06F 2101/20
User input for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers: operation modes, e.g. delicate laundry washing…
D06F 2103/02
Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers: characteristics of laundry…

Fuzzy login control for an electric clothes dryer

Life of this patent

Fuzzy login control for an electric clothes dryer

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims32