US20240401311A1

US20240401311A1 - Systems and methods for pipe freeze prevention with appliances

Info

Publication number: US20240401311A1
Application number: US18/326,551
Authority: US
Inventors: Haitian Hu; Hairong Li; Adam Hofmann
Original assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions Inc
Current assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions Inc
Priority date: 2023-05-31
Filing date: 2023-05-31
Publication date: 2024-12-05

Abstract

An appliance is configured for communication with an external computing device. The appliance includes a valve and a controller configured for signal communication with the external computing device. The controller configured to operate the valve in a freeze prevention mode in response to a freeze prevention mode activation signal from the external computing device. The freeze prevention mode activation signal includes one or more of a fluid time for the valve in the freeze prevention mode, a fluid volume through the valve in the freeze prevention mode, and a break time for the valve in the freeze prevention mode. In the freeze prevention mode, the controller opens and closes the valve of the appliance to flow fluid through the appliance according to the freeze prevention mode.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to systems and methods for preventing the freezing of pipes with appliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A property owner is responsible for the water pipeline that runs between the house and the water meter, otherwise known as the water lateral that brings water into the house. The water company is responsible for the pipeline between the meter and the public supply line, otherwise known as the water main. If the water lateral clogs, leaks or breaks, the homeowner is responsible to pay for the cost of repairs.
In extremely cold winter days, the frost level can go down to the depth of the water lateral. If no water is running in the house, water usage through the water lateral stops, and the water lateral can freeze, resulting in leaks or breaks. A traditional way to prevent the water lateral from freezing is to keep water moving through the water lateral by making a small trickle of water run from a faucet, such as to drip one cold water faucet slowly. The disadvantage for this is that the faucet will keep dripping until the faucet is manually closed, even if the risk of freeze only exists for part of the time the water is dripping. As such, a system and/or a method for preventing the freezing of water laterals automatically would be advantageous.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.
In one example embodiment, an appliance is configured for communication with an external computing device. The appliance includes a valve and a controller that is configured for signal communication with the external computing device. The controller configured to operate the valve in a freeze prevention mode in response to a freeze prevention mode activation signal from the external computing device. The freeze prevention mode activation signal includes one or more of a fluid time for the valve in the freeze prevention mode, a fluid volume through the valve in the freeze prevention mode, and a break time for the valve in the freeze prevention mode. In the freeze prevention mode, the controller opens and closes the valve of the appliance to flow fluid through the appliance according to the freeze prevention mode.
In another example embodiment, a method of operating an appliance in a freeze prevention mode. The appliance includes a controller in signal communication with an external computing device. The method includes monitoring, by the external computing device, data corresponding to a weather forecast at the appliance, and identifying, by the external computing device, a freeze risk at the appliance based at least in part on the weather forecast. The method also includes calculating, by the external computing device, a fluid time for a valve of the appliance in a freeze prevention mode, a fluid volume through the valve in the freeze prevention mode, and a break time for the valve in the freeze prevention mode. The method further includes transmitting, by the external computing device, data corresponding to a freeze prevention mode activation and operating, by the controller, the valve of the appliance to flow fluid through the appliance according to the freeze prevention mode.
In an alternative example embodiment, an appliance includes a valve, a user interface, and a controller configured to operate the valve in a freeze prevention mode in response to a freeze prevention mode activation input from the user interface. The freeze prevention mode activation input includes one or more of a predetermined fluid time for the valve in the freeze prevention mode, a predetermined fluid volume through the valve in the freeze prevention mode, and a predetermined break time for the valve in the freeze prevention mode. When in the freeze prevention mode, the controller opens and closes the valve of the appliance to flow fluid through the appliance according to the freeze prevention mode.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an example embodiment of a dishwashing appliance of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 provides a side, cross sectional view of the example dishwashing appliance of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 provides a schematic view of an appliance control system of the dishwasher appliance of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 a method of operating a dishwasher appliance according to one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
As used herein, the terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, is applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin.
As used herein, the term “article” may refer to, but need not be limited to dishes, pots, pans, silverware, and other cooking utensils and items that can be cleaned in a dishwashing appliance. The term “wash cycle” is intended to refer to one or more periods of time during which a dishwashing appliance operates while containing the articles to be washed and uses a detergent and water, preferably with agitation, to e.g., remove soil particles including food and other undesirable elements from the articles. The term “rinse cycle” is intended to refer to one or more periods of time during which the dishwashing appliance operates to remove residual soil, detergents, and other undesirable elements that were retained by the articles after completion of the wash cycle. The term “drain cycle” is intended to refer to one or more periods of time during which the dishwashing appliance operates to discharge soiled water from the dishwashing appliance. The term “cleaning cycle” is intended to refer to one or more periods of time that may include a wash cycle, rinse cycle, and/or a drain cycle. The term “wash fluid” refers to a liquid used for washing and/or rinsing the articles and is typically made up of water that may include other additives such as detergent or other treatments.
FIGS. 1 and 2 depict an example domestic dishwasher or dishwashing appliance 100 that may be configured in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. For the particular embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 , the dishwasher appliance 100 includes a cabinet 102 (FIG. 2 ) having a tub 104 therein that defines a wash chamber 106 for receipt of articles 94 for washing. As shown in FIG. 2 , tub 104 extends between a top 107 and a bottom 108 along a vertical direction V, between a pair of opposing side walls 110 along a lateral direction L, and between a front side 111 and a rear side 112 along a transverse direction T. Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular to one another.
In this regard, as used herein, the terms “cabinet,” “housing,” and the like are generally intended to refer to an outer frame or support structure for appliance 100, e.g., including any suitable number, type, and configuration of support structures formed from any suitable materials, such as a system of elongated support members, a plurality of interconnected panels, or some combination thereof. It should be appreciated that cabinet 102 does not necessarily require an enclosure and may simply include open structure supporting various elements of appliance 100. By contrast, cabinet 102 may enclose some or all portions of an interior of cabinet 102. It should be appreciated that cabinet 102 may have any suitable size, shape, and configuration while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.
The tub 104 includes a front opening 114 and a door 116 hinged at its bottom 117 for movement between a normally closed vertical position (shown in FIG. 1 ), wherein the wash chamber 106 is sealed shut for washing operation, and a horizontal open position for loading and unloading of articles from the dishwasher appliance 100. According to example embodiments, dishwasher appliance 100 further includes a door closure mechanism or assembly 118 that is used to lock and unlock door 116 for accessing and sealing wash chamber 106.
At least one rack assembly is slidably positioned within wash chamber 106 and is configured for the receipt of articles for cleaning. For the example embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , opposing tub sidewalls 110 accommodate a plurality of rack assemblies. More specifically, guide rails 96, 98 and 120 may be mounted to (or formed as part of) sidewalls 110 for supporting a first rack assembly 122 (also referred to as a lower rack assembly 122), a middle rack assembly 124 (also referred to as a second rack assembly 124), and a third rack assembly 126 (also referred to as an upper rack assembly 126). As illustrated, upper rack assembly 126 is positioned at a top portion of wash chamber 106 above middle rack assembly 124, which is positioned above lower rack assembly 122 along the vertical direction V. Additional details regarding the upper rack assembly 126 will be provided herein. For this example embodiment, upper rack assembly 126 is supported on opposing sidewalls 110 by rails 120 but rails 120 could be supported on and attached to middle rack assembly 124 as well.
Each rack assembly 122, 124, 126 is adapted for movement along transverse direction T between an extended loading position (not shown) in which the rack is substantially positioned outside the wash chamber 106, and a retracted position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 ) in which the rack is located inside the wash chamber 106. This may be facilitated, for example, by rollers, or guide wheels 128 mounted onto rack assemblies 122, 124, 126, respectively. Although guide rails 96, 98, 120 and guide wheels 128 are illustrated herein as facilitating movement of the respective rack assemblies 122, 124, 126, it should be appreciated that any suitable sliding mechanism or member may be used according to alternative embodiments. In some embodiments, dishwasher appliance 100 may accommodate a different number of rack assemblies and supporting guide rails. For example, dishwasher appliance 100 may accommodate only first rack assembly 122 and upper rack assembly 126, with accompanying guide rails.
Some or all of the rack assemblies 122, 124, 126 may be fabricated into lattice, or grid pattern, structures including a plurality of wires or elongated members 130 (for clarity of illustration, not all elongated members making up rack assemblies 122, 124, 126 are shown in FIG. 2 ). The plurality of wires or elongated members 130 may be either steel and stainless steel, and the wire may be coated with none, one, or more of nylon and polyvinyl chloride. Rack assemblies 122, 124, 126 are generally configured for supporting articles 94 within wash chamber 106 while allowing a flow of wash fluid to reach and impinge on those articles, e.g., during a cleaning or rinsing cycle. For some embodiments, a silverware basket (not shown) is removably attached to a rack assembly, e.g., lower rack assembly 122, for placement of silverware, utensils, and the like, that are otherwise too small or delicate to be accommodated by rack 122.
At least one spray assembly is located in wash chamber 106 and is configured to direct wash fluids onto at least on rack assembly for washing articles located therein. For the example embodiment of FIG. 2 , dishwasher appliance 100 further includes a plurality of spray assemblies for urging a flow of water or wash fluid onto the articles placed within wash chamber 106. More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 2 , dishwasher appliance 100 includes a lower spray assembly 134 (also referred to as a lower spray arm assembly 134) disposed in a lower region 136 of wash chamber 106 and above a sump 138 so as to rotate in relatively close proximity to lower rack assembly 122. Similarly, a mid-level spray assembly 140 is located in an upper region 137 of wash chamber 106 and may be located below and in close proximity to middle rack assembly 124. In this regard, mid-level spray arm assembly 140 may generally be configured for urging a flow of wash fluid up through middle rack assembly 124 and third rack assembly 126. Additionally, an upper spray assembly 142 may be located above upper or third rack assembly 126 along the vertical direction V. In this manner, upper spray assembly 142 may be configured for urging and/or cascading a flow of wash fluid downward over rack assemblies 122, 124, and 126.
The various spray assemblies and manifolds described herein may be part of a fluid distribution system or fluid circulation assembly 150 for circulating water and wash fluid in the tub 104. More specifically, fluid circulation assembly 150 includes a pump 152 for circulating water and wash fluid (e.g., detergent, water, and/or rinse aid) in the tub 104. Pump 152 may be located within sump 138 or within a machinery compartment located below sump 138 of tub 104, as generally recognized in the art. Fluid circulation assembly 150 may include one or more fluid conduits or circulation piping for directing water and/or wash fluid from pump 152 to the various spray assemblies and manifolds. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2 , a primary supply conduit 154 may extend from pump 152, along rear side 112 of tub 104 along the vertical direction V to supply wash fluid throughout wash chamber 106. In some examples, a secondary supply conduit (not shown) may supply additional wash fluid to one or more various spray assemblies and manifolds.
As illustrated, primary supply conduit 154 is used to supply wash fluid to mid-level spray arm assembly 140 while a secondary supply conduit 92 supplies wash fluid to upper spray assembly 142. Diverter assembly 156 can allow selection between spray assemblies 134 and 140, 142 being supplied with wash fluid. However, it should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, any other suitable plumbing configuration may be used to supply wash fluid throughout the various spray manifolds and assemblies described herein.
Each spray assembly 134, 140, 142 or other spray device may include an arrangement of discharge ports or orifices for directing wash fluid received from pump 152 onto dishes or other articles located in wash chamber 106. The arrangement of the discharge ports, also referred to as jets, apertures, or orifices, may provide a rotational force by virtue of wash fluid flowing through the discharge ports. Alternatively, spray assemblies 134, 140, 142 may be motor-driven, or may operate using any other suitable drive mechanism. Spray manifolds and assemblies may also be stationary. Movement of the spray arm assemblies 134 and 140 and the spray from fixed manifolds like spray assembly 142 provides coverage of dishes, silverware, and other dishwasher contents and articles 94 to be cleaned with a washing spray. Other configurations of spray assemblies may be used as well. For example, dishwasher appliance 100 may have additional spray assemblies for cleaning silverware, for scouring casserole dishes, for spraying pots and pans, for cleaning bottles, etc. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments discussed herein are used for the purpose of explanation only and are not limitations of the present subject matter.
In operation, pump 152 draws wash fluid in from sump 138 and pumps it to a diverter assembly 156, e.g., which is positioned within sump 138 of dishwasher appliance. Diverter assembly 156 may include a diverter disk (not shown) disposed within a diverter chamber (not shown) for selectively distributing the wash fluid to the spray assemblies 134, 140, 142 and/or other spray manifolds or devices. For example, the diverter disk may have a plurality of apertures that are configured to align with one or more outlet ports (not shown) at the top of diverter chamber (not shown). In this manner, the diverter disk may be selectively rotated to provide wash fluid to the desired spray device.
According to an example embodiment, diverter assembly 156 is configured for selectively distributing the flow of wash fluid from pump 152 to various fluid supply conduits, only some of which (e.g., 154) are illustrated in FIG. 2 for clarity. More specifically, diverter assembly 156 may include four outlet ports (not shown) for supplying wash fluid to a first conduit for rotating lower spray arm assembly 134 in the clockwise direction, a second conduit for rotating lower spray arm assembly 134 in the counterclockwise direction, a third conduit for spraying rack assembly 126 (shown in FIG. 2 ) as a silverware rack, and a fourth conduit for supplying only mid-level and/or upper spray assemblies 140, 142. Other configurations of diverter assembly 156 and/or other components (e.g., valves) may be used to allow various choices in the operation of the spray assemblies 134, 140, and 142 during a cleaning cycle.
The dishwasher appliance 100 is further equipped with a controller 160 (FIG. 2 ) to regulate operation of the dishwasher appliance 100. Controller 160 may include one or more memory devices and one or more microprocessors, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a cleaning cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller 160 may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software.
The controller 160 may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout dishwasher appliance 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 160 may be located within a control panel area 162 of door 116. In such an embodiment, input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between the control system and various operational components of dishwasher appliance 100 along wiring harnesses that may be routed through the bottom of door 116. Typically, the controller 160 includes a user interface panel/controls 164 (FIG. 1 ) through which a user may select various operational features and modes and monitor progress of the dishwasher appliance 100. In one embodiment, the user interface 164 may represent a general purpose I/O (“GPIO”) device or functional block. In one embodiment, the user interface 164 may include input components, such as one or more of a variety of electrical, mechanical, or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads. The user interface 164 may include a display component, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user. The user interface 164 may be in communication with the controller 160 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.
It should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to any particular style, model, or configuration of dishwasher appliance 100. The example embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 is for illustrative purposes only. For example, different locations may be provided for user interface 164, different configurations, including providing one or more rack assemblies 122, 124, 126 and one or more spray assemblies 134, 140, 142, to dishwasher appliance 100 may be used, different configurations may be provided for rack assemblies 122, 124, 126, different spray assemblies 134, 140, 142 and spray manifold configurations may be used, and other differences may be applied while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.
Referring still to FIG. 2 , a valve 200 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter will be described. Valve 200 may generally be configured for selectively discharging wash fluid from dishwasher appliance 100 during a drain cycle or other operating modes, such as a freeze prevention mode, where wash fluid is to be drained from dishwasher appliance 100. For example, the freeze prevention mode of dishwasher appliance 100 may include discharging wash fluid from dishwasher appliance 100 in order to prevent the freezing of pipes in homes. As illustrated, valve 200 includes a conduit 202 that extends from valve 200 and directs the discharged wash fluid out of dishwasher appliance 100, e.g., discharging the wash fluid to the pipes of the home.
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an appliance control system 50 for dishwasher appliance 100 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter. It will be understood that appliance control system 50 is not limited to any particular type of appliance but rather may be used to control any suitable type of appliance. Dishwasher appliance 100 may be in operative communication directly or indirectly with a separate or external computing device 302. Moreover, external device 302, such as a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, etc., may be in operative communication with dishwasher appliance 100 through network WC. Specifically, according to an example embodiment, network WC is configured for signal communication between dishwasher appliance 100, a user via external device 302, and/or a remote server 300, e.g., a cloud-based sever. According to example embodiments, dishwasher appliance 100 may communicate with external device 302 either directly (e.g., through a local area network (LAN), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, etc.) or indirectly (e.g., via a mesh network), as well as with remote server 400 to receive notifications, provide confirmations, input operational data, transmit sound signals and sound signatures, etc., on network WC.
In general, external device 302 may be any suitable device for providing and/or receiving communications or commands from a user. In this regard, external device 302 may include, for example, a personal phone, a tablet, a laptop computer, a smart home assistant (e.g., Google® Assistant or Amazon® Alexa) or another mobile device. In addition, or alternatively, communication between dishwasher appliance 100 and the user may be achieved directly through the control panel area 162 on appliance 100. In general, network WC can be any type of communication network. For example, network WC can include one or more of a wireless network, a wired network, a personal area network, a local area network, a wide area network, the internet, a cellular network, etc. In general, communication with network may use any of a variety of communication protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, HTTP, SMTP, FTP), encodings or formats (e.g. HTML, XML), and/or protection schemes (e.g., VPN, secure HTTP, SSL).
In some example embodiments, remote server 300 may be the external device 302. Thus, remote server 300, e.g., a cloud-based server, may be configured to perform various operations. For example, remote server 300 may be configured to monitor a weather forecast, such as a local weather forecast in the area of the dishwasher appliance 100. In some example embodiments, remote server 300 may continuously monitor the weather forecast. Remote server 300 may also be configured to identify a freeze risk depending upon the weather forecast, and, in some embodiments, public information about water utility installations. In other words, remote server 300 may compare information from the weather forecast and public information about water utility installations to identify if there is the risk for pipes to freeze. Further, remote server 300 may activate the freeze prevention mode of dishwasher appliance 100, and calculate a fluid time 304, a fluid volume 306, and a break time 308. The fluid time 304 may be an amount of time the valve 200 of the appliance is open. The fluid volume 306 may be a volume of fluid to flow through the valve 200 of the dishwasher appliance 100. The break time 308 may be an amount of time between closing and reopening the valve 200 of the dishwasher appliance 100. As such, controller 160 of dishwasher appliance 100 may then operate valve 200 to flow fluid through dishwasher appliance 100 in accordance with the calculations from remote server 300.
In other alternative embodiments, dishwasher appliance may be manually switched into the freeze prevention mode, e.g., by a switch or inputs on user interface 164. When manually switched into the freeze prevention mode, controller 160 may be configured to open and close valve 200 of dishwasher appliance 100 to flow fluid with respect to a predetermined fluid time, a predetermined fluid volume, and a predetermined break time. The predetermined fluid time, fluid volume, and break time values are similar to fluid time 304, fluid volume 306, and break time 308, differing in that the values may be default, or set, values saved in the controller 160 for scenarios where dishwasher appliance 100 is not connected to remote server 300 or external device 302.
In general, embodiments of the present disclosure, including dishwasher appliance 100, are described above with reference to FIGS. 1-3 . However, it should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the aspects of the present disclosure may generally be utilized in association with apparatuses and systems having any other suitable configuration, such as washing machine appliances, water heater appliances, and other configurations of dishwasher appliances.
Referring now to FIG. 4 , a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method 400 of operating an appliance, such as dishwasher appliance 100, in a freeze prevention mode is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. In general, the method 400 will be described herein with reference to the embodiments of the dishwasher appliance 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-3 . However, it should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the disclosed method 400 may generally be utilized in association with apparatuses and systems having any other suitable configuration. In addition, although FIG. 4 depicts steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion, the methods discussed herein are not limited to any particular order or arrangement. One skilled in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will appreciate that various steps of the methods disclosed herein can be omitted, rearranged, combined, and/or adapted in various ways without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
As shown in FIG. 4 , at (402), method 400 may generally include monitoring, by the external device, data corresponding to a weather forecast at the appliance. For example, remote server 300 may be configured to monitor a weather forecast, such as local weather forecasts in the geographic area of the dishwasher appliance 100. In some example embodiments, remote server 300 may continuously monitor the weather forecast.
Additionally, at (404), method 400 may generally include identifying, by the external device, a freeze risk at the appliance based at least in part on the weather forecast. As stated above, remote server 300 may be configured to identify if there is the risk for pipes to freeze in the geographic area of the dishwasher appliance 100. Further, at (406), method 400 may generally include calculating, by the external computing device, a fluid time for a valve of the appliance in a freeze prevention mode, a fluid volume through the valve in the freeze prevention mode, and a break time for the valve in the freeze prevention mode. The fluid time 304 may be the amount of time the valve 200 of the appliance is open while in the freeze prevention mode. The fluid volume 306 may be the volume of fluid to flow through the valve 200 of the dishwasher appliance 100 while in the freeze prevention mode. The break time 308 may be the amount of time between closing and reopening the valve 200 of the dishwasher appliance 100 while in the freeze prevention mode. Moreover, at (408), method 400 may generally include transmitting, by the external computing device, data corresponding to a freeze prevention mode activation. For example, the remote server 300 may activate the freeze prevention mode at the dishwasher appliance 100. Additionally, at (410), method 400 may generally include operating, by the controller, a valve of the appliance to flow fluid through the appliance, according to the freeze prevention mode. For example, controller 160 of dishwasher appliance 100 may operate valve 200 to flow fluid through dishwasher appliance 100 in accordance with the calculations from remote server 300. Thus, e.g., controller 160 may operate the valve 200 according to the calculated fluid time, the calculated fluid volume, and/or the calculated break in the freeze prevention mode.
Thus, for example, a remote server may monitor a weather forecast at a location of an appliance where the temperature is set to be below zero degrees Celsius (0° C.) for twenty-four (24) hours. The remote server can then identify that there is a freeze risk at the appliance due to the weather forecast. Then the remote server can calculate a fluid time for a valve of the appliance in a freeze prevention mode, a fluid volume through the valve in the freeze prevention mode, and a break time for the valve in the freeze prevention mode. The fluid time may be calculated to be two in the morning (2 A.M.), the fluid volume may be two (2) gallons of fluid through the valve, and the break time may be thirty (30) minute intervals for the next twenty-four (24) hours. The remote server may then transmit the activation of the freeze prevention mode, at which point the controller may operate the valve according to the calculated fluid time, the calculated fluid volume, and/or the calculated break in the freeze prevention mode.
As may be seen from the above, the dishwasher appliance 100 operating in the freeze prevention mode evaluates the risk of pipe freeze and calculates how much fluid and how often the dishwasher appliance 100 needs to move fluid through the pipes. A remote server can determine if there is a freeze risk at the dishwasher appliance 100 by accessing real time weather forecasts and public information about water utility installations. As soon as a freeze risk is detected, the fluid time for next fluid moving, the fluid volume, and the break time after flowing the fluid are calculated. This process may continuously evaluate the risk and fluid moving calculation based on continuously changing weather forecasts.
This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An appliance configured for communication with an external computing device, the appliance comprising:

a valve; and

a controller configured for signal communication with the external computing device, the controller configured to operate the valve in a freeze prevention mode in response to a freeze prevention mode activation signal from the external computing device, the freeze prevention mode activation signal comprising one or more of a fluid time for the valve in the freeze prevention mode, a fluid volume through the valve in the freeze prevention mode, and a break time for the valve in the freeze prevention mode,

wherein, in the freeze prevention mode, the controller opens and closes the valve of the appliance to flow fluid through the appliance according to the freeze prevention mode.

2. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the external computing device comprises a cloud-based server.

3. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the fluid time comprises an amount of time the valve of the appliance is open in the freeze prevention mode.

4. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the fluid volume comprises a volume of fluid to flow through the valve of the appliance in the freeze prevention mode.

5. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the break time comprises an amount of time between closing and reopening the valve of the appliance in the freeze prevention mode.

6. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the freeze prevention mode is activated by the controller in response to a freeze risk identified by the external device.

7. The appliance of claim 6, wherein the freeze risk is determined using one or more of a weather forecast and public information about water utility installations.

8. A method of operating an appliance in a freeze prevention mode, the appliance comprising a controller configured for signal communication with an external computing device, the method comprising:

monitoring, by the external computing device, data corresponding to a weather forecast at the appliance;

identifying, by the external computing device, a freeze risk at the appliance based at least in part on the weather forecast;

calculating, by the external computing device, a fluid time for a valve of the appliance in a freeze prevention mode, a fluid volume through the valve in the freeze prevention mode, and a break time for the valve in the freeze prevention mode; and

transmitting, by the external computing device, data corresponding to a freeze prevention mode activation;

operating, by the controller, the valve of the appliance to flow fluid through the appliance according to the freeze prevention mode.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the external computing device comprises a cloud-based server.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the fluid time comprises an amount of time the valve of the appliance is open in the freeze prevention mode.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the fluid volume comprises a volume of fluid to flow through the valve of the appliance in the freeze prevention mode.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein the break time comprises an amount of time between closing and reopening the valve of the appliance in the freeze prevention mode.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein the external device continuously monitors the weather forecast.

14. The method of claim 8, wherein the freeze risk is determined using one or more of the weather forecast and public information about water utility installations.

15. An appliance, comprising:

a valve;

a user interface; and

a controller configured to operate the valve in a freeze prevention mode in response to a freeze prevention mode activation input from the user interface, the freeze prevention mode activation input comprising one or more of a predetermined fluid time for the valve in the freeze prevention mode, a predetermined fluid volume through the valve in the freeze prevention mode, and a predetermined break time for the valve in the freeze prevention mode,

wherein, when in the freeze prevention mode, the controller opens and closes the valve of the appliance to flow fluid through the appliance according to the freeze prevention mode.

16. The appliance of claim 15, wherein the predetermined fluid time comprises an amount of time the valve of the appliance is open in the freeze prevention mode.

17. The appliance of claim 15, wherein the predetermined fluid volume comprises a volume of fluid to flow through the valve of the appliance in the freeze prevention mode.

18. The appliance of claim 15, wherein the predetermined break time comprises an amount of time between closing and reopening the valve of the appliance in the freeze prevention mode.