U.S. patent application number 16/047049 was filed with the patent office on 2020-01-30 for dryer appliance and methods for communicating with a remote device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.. Invention is credited to Dale Pleasant Pepoon, Ryan James Scheckelhoff.
Application Number | 20200032449 16/047049 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 69179114 |
Filed Date | 2020-01-30 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200032449 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Scheckelhoff; Ryan James ;
et al. |
January 30, 2020 |
DRYER APPLIANCE AND METHODS FOR COMMUNICATING WITH A REMOTE
DEVICE
Abstract
A dryer appliance and a method of operating the same includes
periodically communicating a progress update to a remote device,
such as a cell phone or tablet that may be removably mounted to the
dryer appliance. The progress update may include an indication of
remaining moisture content, a progress status bar, or an estimated
time remaining to a remote device. A user may send a command from
the remote device to adjust at least one operating parameter of the
dryer appliance. The dryer appliance may receive the command,
implement the operating change, and communicate a revised progress
update.
Inventors: |
Scheckelhoff; Ryan James;
(Louisville, KY) ; Pepoon; Dale Pleasant;
(Taylorsville, KY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc. |
Wilmington |
DE |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
69179114 |
Appl. No.: |
16/047049 |
Filed: |
July 27, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 2103/34 20200201;
D06F 2105/62 20200201; D06F 58/02 20130101; D06F 2105/56 20200201;
D06F 2101/20 20200201; D06F 58/34 20200201; D06F 58/30 20200201;
D06F 34/28 20200201; D06F 2101/00 20200201; D06F 34/05 20200201;
D06F 2105/52 20200201; D06F 2105/00 20200201 |
International
Class: |
D06F 58/28 20060101
D06F058/28 |
Claims
1. A method of operating a dryer appliance comprising: initiating a
drying cycle; communicating a progress update of the drying cycle
to a remote device; receiving a command from the remote device to
adjust at least one operating parameter of the dryer appliance; and
adjusting the at least one operating parameter in response to
receiving the command from the remote device.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the progress update comprises: a
progress bar displayed on the remote device and providing an
indication of a moisture content of the clothes within a drying
chamber.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the progress update comprises: a
notification to the remote device that a moisture content of the
clothes has fallen below a predetermined level.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the moisture content of the
clothes within the drying chamber is determined at least in part
using a humidity sensor.
5. The method of claim 3, wherein the progress update further
comprises: providing an estimated time remaining after adjusting
the at least one operating parameter.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the remote device is not
connected to the dryer appliance.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the remote device is removably
mounted to a docking port on the dryer appliance.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the remote device is a connected
to the dryer appliance using a local area network.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the remote device is a connected
to the dryer appliance using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the remote device is a connected
to the dryer appliance through a remote server.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the remote device is a personal
phone, a tablet, or a computer.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein adjusting at least one operating
parameter comprises: stopping the drying cycle of the dryer
appliance.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein adjusting at least one operating
parameter comprises: setting a termination time.
14. A dryer appliance comprising: a cabinet; a drum rotatably
mounted within the cabinet, the drum defining a chamber for receipt
of clothes for drying; a humidity sensor for measuring a chamber
humidity; a controller comprising a communication module in
operative communication with a remote device, the controller being
configured for: initiating a drying cycle; communicating a progress
update of the drying cycle to a remote device; receiving a command
from the remote device to adjust at least one operating parameter
of the dryer appliance; and adjusting the at least one operating
parameter in response to receiving the command from the remote
device.
15. The dryer appliance of claim 14, wherein the progress update
comprises: a progress bar displayed on the remote device and
providing an indication of a moisture content of the clothes within
a drying chamber.
16. The dryer appliance of claim 15, wherein the moisture content
of the clothes within the drying chamber is determined at least in
part using the humidity sensor.
17. The dryer appliance of claim 14, wherein the progress update
further comprises: providing an estimated time remaining after
adjusting the at least one operating parameter.
18. The dryer appliance of claim 14, wherein the remote device is a
connected to the dryer appliance using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
19. The dryer appliance of claim 14, wherein the remote device is a
personal phone, a tablet, or a computer.
20. The dryer appliance of claim 14, wherein adjusting at least one
operating parameter comprises: stopping the drying cycle of the
dryer appliance or setting a termination time.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to dryer
appliances, and more particularly to systems and methods for
sending progress updates and receiving operating commands from a
remote device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Dryer appliances generally include a cabinet with a drum
rotatably mounted therein. During operation, a motor rotates the
drum, e.g., to tumble articles located within a chamber defined by
the drum. Dryer appliances also generally include a heater assembly
that passes heated air through the chamber in order to dry
moisture-laden articles positioned therein. Typically, an air
handler or blower is used to urge the flow of heated air from
chamber, through a trap duct, and to the exhaust duct where it is
exhausted from the dryer appliance.
[0003] Conventional dryer appliances monitor chamber humidity
and/or the remaining moisture content of the clothes to determine
when a drying cycle should end. For example, dryer appliances may
use two stainless steel sensor rods positioned within the chamber
to detect the moisture content of a laundry load, e.g., by
measuring the resistance between the sensor rods or the conduction
of electric current through the clothes contacting the rods.
Alternatively, dryer appliances may include chamber temperature
and/or humidity sensors for monitoring chamber conditions and
algorithms for estimating the remaining moisture content of clothes
within the chamber.
[0004] Certain dryer appliances include displays that provide users
with useful information or enable control of the dryer appliance.
For example, a display may be attached to a front panel of a dryer
appliance and be operatively coupled with the appliance controller
to allow the user to monitor the progress of a drying cycle. In
addition, the front panel may include one or more user input
devices to permit a user to adjust operating parameters, such as
remaining dry time. However, dryer appliances typically have only
three or four dryness level options and cycle feedback is typically
limited to the remaining cycle time.
[0005] Accordingly, a dryer appliance and associated methods of
operation that improve visibility and control of a drying cycle
would be desirable. More specifically, a dryer appliance that can
communicate detailed status information and receive operating
commands from a user not near the dryer appliance would be
particularly beneficial.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in
part in the following description, or may be obvious from the
description, or may be learned through practice of the
invention.
[0007] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method of
operating a dryer appliance is provided. The method includes
initiating a drying cycle, communicating a progress update of the
drying cycle to a remote device, and receiving a command from the
remote device to adjust at least one operating parameter of the
dryer appliance. The method further includes adjusting the at least
one operating parameter in response to receiving the command from
the remote device.
[0008] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a dryer
appliance is provided. The dryer appliance includes a cabinet, a
drum rotatably mounted within the cabinet, the drum defining a
chamber for receipt of clothes for drying, and a humidity sensor
for measuring a chamber humidity. A controller includes a
communication module in operative communication with a remote
device. The controller is configured for initiating a drying cycle,
communicating a progress update of the drying cycle to a remote
device, and receiving a command from the remote device to adjust at
least one operating parameter of the dryer appliance. The
controller is further configured for adjusting the at least one
operating parameter in response to receiving the command from the
remote device.
[0009] 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
[0010] 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.
[0011] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a dryer appliance
according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the exemplary dryer
appliance of FIG. 1 with portions of a cabinet of the exemplary
dryer appliance removed to reveal certain components of the
exemplary dryer appliance.
[0013] FIG. 3 depicts certain components of a controller according
to example embodiments of the present subject matter.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a system for enabling
communication between the exemplary dryer appliance of FIG. 1 and a
remote device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
subject matter.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a method of detecting a moisture content of
clothes in a dryer appliance in accordance with one embodiment of
the present disclosure.
[0016] 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
[0017] 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.
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a dryer appliance 10 according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. FIG. 2 provides
another perspective view of dryer appliance 10 with a portion of a
housing or cabinet 12 of dryer appliance 10 removed in order to
show certain components of dryer appliance 10. While described in
the context of a specific embodiment of a dryer appliance, using
the teachings disclosed herein it will be understood that dryer
appliance 10 is provided by way of example only. Other dryer
appliances having different appearances and different features may
also be utilized with the present subject matter as well.
[0019] Dryer appliance 10 defines a vertical direction V, a lateral
direction L, and a transverse direction T. The vertical direction
V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually
perpendicular and form an orthogonal direction system. Cabinet 12
includes a front panel 14, a rear panel 16, a pair of side panels
18 and 20 spaced apart from each other by front and rear panels 14
and 16, a bottom panel 22, and a top cover 24. Within cabinet 12 is
a container or drum 26 which defines a chamber 28 for receipt of
articles, e.g., clothing, linen, etc., for drying. Drum 26 extends
between a front portion and a back portion, e.g., along the
transverse direction T. In example embodiments, drum 26 is
rotatable, e.g., about an axis that is parallel to the transverse
direction T, within cabinet 12. A door 30 is rotatably mounted to
cabinet 12 for providing selective access to drum 26.
[0020] An air handler 32, such as a blower or fan, may be provided
to motivate an airflow (not shown) through an entrance air passage
34 and an air exhaust passage 36. Specifically, air handler 32 may
include a motor 38 which may be in mechanical communication with a
blower fan 40, such that motor 38 rotates blower fan 40. Air
handler 32 is configured for drawing air through chamber 28 of drum
26, e.g., in order to dry articles located therein, as discussed in
greater detail below. In alternative example embodiments, dryer
appliance 10 may include an additional motor (not shown) for
rotating fan 40 of air handler 32 independently of drum 26.
[0021] Drum 26 may be configured to receive heated air that has
been heated by a heating assembly 50, e.g., in order to dry damp
articles disposed within chamber 28 of drum 26. Heating assembly 50
includes a heater 52 that is in thermal communication with chamber
28. For instance, heater 52 may include one or more electrical
resistance heating elements or gas burners, for heating air being
flowed to chamber 28. As discussed above, during operation of dryer
appliance 10, motor 38 rotates fan 40 of air handler 32 such that
air handler 32 draws air through chamber 28 of drum 26. In
particular, ambient air enters air entrance passage 36 defined by
heating assembly 50 via an entrance 54 due to air handler 32 urging
such ambient air into entrance 54. Such ambient air is heated
within heating assembly 50 and exits heating assembly 50 as heated
air. Air handler 32 draws such heated air through an air entrance
passage 34, including inlet duct 56, to drum 26. The heated air
enters drum 26 through an outlet 58 of duct 56 positioned at a rear
wall of drum 26.
[0022] Within chamber 28, the heated air can remove moisture, e.g.,
from damp articles disposed within chamber 28. This internal air
flows in turn from chamber 28 through an outlet assembly positioned
within cabinet 12. The outlet assembly generally defines an air
exhaust passage 36 and includes a trap duct 60, air handler 32, and
an exhaust conduit 62. Exhaust conduit 62 is in fluid communication
with trap duct 60 via air handler 32. More specifically, exhaust
conduit 62 extends between an exhaust inlet 64 and an exhaust
outlet 66. According to the illustrated embodiment, exhaust inlet
64 is positioned downstream of and fluidly coupled to air handler
32, and exhaust outlet 66 is defined in rear panel 16 of cabinet
12. During a drying cycle, internal air flows from chamber 28
through trap duct 60 to air handler 32, e.g., as an outlet flow
portion of airflow. As shown, air further flows through air handler
32 and to exhaust conduit 62.
[0023] The internal air is exhausted from dryer appliance 10 via
exhaust conduit 62. In some embodiments, an external duct (not
shown) is provided in fluid communication with exhaust conduit 62.
For instance, the external duct may be attached (e.g., directly or
indirectly attached) to cabinet 12 at rear panel 16. Any suitable
connector (e.g., collar, clamp, etc.) may join the external duct to
exhaust conduit 62. In residential environments, the external duct
may be in fluid communication with an outdoor environment (e.g.,
outside of a home or building in which dryer appliance 10 is
installed). During a drying cycle, internal air may thus flow from
exhaust conduit 62 and through the external duct before being
exhausted to the outdoor environment.
[0024] In exemplary embodiments, trap duct 60 may include a filter
portion 68 which includes a screen filter or other suitable device
for removing lint and other particulates as internal air is drawn
out of chamber 28. The internal air is drawn through filter portion
68 by air handler 32 before being passed through exhaust conduit
62. After the clothing articles have been dried (or a drying cycle
is otherwise completed), the clothing articles are removed from
drum 26, e.g., by accessing chamber 28 by opening door 30. The
filter portion 68 may further be removable such that a user may
collect and dispose of collected lint between drying cycles.
[0025] In some embodiments, dryer appliance 10 also includes one or
more sensors that may be used to facilitate improved operation of
dryer appliance 10, such as described below. For example, dryer
appliance 10 may include one or more temperature sensors 70 which
are generally operable to measure internal temperatures in dryer
appliance 10 and/or one or more airflow sensors (not shown) which
are generally operable to detect the velocity of air (e.g., as an
air flow rate in meters per second, or as a volumetric velocity in
cubic meters per second) as it flows through the appliance 10. In
some embodiments, an appliance controller (e.g., controller 84
described below) is configured to vary operation of heating
assembly 50 based on one or more temperatures detected by the
temperature sensors 70 or air flow measurements from the airflow
sensors.
[0026] Referring still to FIG. 2, dryer appliance 10 includes a
humidity sensor 72 which is generally configured for measuring a
chamber humidity. Humidity sensor 72 may be positioned at any
suitable location within dryer appliance 10. As described herein,
"humidity sensor" may refer to any suitable type of humidity
sensor, such as capacitive digital sensors, resistive sensors, and
thermal conductivity humidity sensors. In addition, humidity sensor
72 may be mounted at any suitable location and in any suitable
manner for obtaining a desired humidity measurement, either
directly or indirectly. Although exemplary positioning of certain
sensors is described below, it should be appreciated that dryer
appliance 10 may include any other suitable number, type, and
position of temperature and/or humidity sensors according to
alternative embodiments.
[0027] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, dryer appliance 10 may
include one or more selector inputs 80, such as knobs, buttons,
touchscreen interfaces, etc., may be provided on a cabinet
backsplash 82 and may be in communication with a processing device
or controller 84. Signals generated in controller 84 operate motor
38, heating assembly 50, and other system components in response to
the position of selector inputs 80. Additionally, a display 86,
such as an indicator light or a screen, may be provided on cabinet
backsplash 82. Display 86 may be in communication with controller
84, and may display information in response to signals from
controller 84.
[0028] FIG. 3 depicts certain components of controller 84 according
to example embodiments of the present disclosure. Controller 84 can
include one or more computing device(s) 84A which may be used to
implement methods as described herein. Computing device(s) 84A can
include one or more processor(s) 84B and one or more memory
device(s) 84C. The one or more processor(s) 84B can include any
suitable processing device, such as a microprocessor,
microcontroller, integrated circuit, an application specific
integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a
field-programmable gate array (FPGA), logic device, one or more
central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs)
(e.g., dedicated to efficiently rendering images), processing units
performing other specialized calculations, etc. The memory
device(s) 84C can include one or more non-transitory
computer-readable storage medium(s), such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM,
EPROM, flash memory devices, magnetic disks, etc., and/or
combinations thereof.
[0029] The memory device(s) 84C can include one or more
computer-readable media and can store information accessible by the
one or more processor(s) 84B, including instructions 84D that can
be executed by the one or more processor(s) 84B. For instance, the
memory device(s) 84C can store instructions 84D for running one or
more software applications, displaying a user interface, receiving
user input, processing user input, etc. In some implementations,
the instructions 84D can be executed by the one or more
processor(s) 84B to cause the one or more processor(s) 84B to
perform operations, e.g., such as one or more portions of methods
described herein. The instructions 84D can be software written in
any suitable programming language or can be implemented in
hardware. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the instructions 84D
can be executed in logically and/or virtually separate threads on
processor(s) 84B.
[0030] The one or more memory device(s) 84C can also store data 84E
that can be retrieved, manipulated, created, or stored by the one
or more processor(s) 84B. The data 84E can include, for instance,
data to facilitate performance of methods described herein. The
data 84E can be stored in one or more database(s). The one or more
database(s) can be connected to controller 84 by a high bandwidth
LAN or WAN, or can also be connected to controller through
network(s) (not shown). The one or more database(s) can be split up
so that they are located in multiple locales. In some
implementations, the data 84E can be received from another
device.
[0031] The computing device(s) 84A can also include a communication
module or interface 84F used to communicate with one or more other
component(s) of controller 84 or dryer appliance 10 over the
network(s). The communication interface 84F can include any
suitable components for interfacing with one or more network(s),
including for example, transmitters, receivers, ports, controllers,
antennas, or other suitable components.
[0032] As illustrated and described in FIG. 3, controller 84
includes a memory and microprocessor, such as a general or special
purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions
or micro-control code associated with methods described herein.
However, it should be appreciated that according to alternative
embodiments, controller 84 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. Selector
inputs 80, display 86, sensors, and other components of dryer
appliance 10 may be in communication with controller 84 via one or
more signal lines or shared communication busses.
[0033] FIG. 4 provides a schematic diagram of a system 100 for
enabling operative communication between dryer appliance 10 and a
remote device 102. In general, system 100 may include dryer
appliance 10 and remote device 102 which are communicatively
coupled to each other, either directly through a local area network
(LAN), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. or indirectly through a network 104.
In this regard, system 100 is configured to enable dryer appliance
10 to provide status or progress updates of a drying cycle to a
user via remote device 102. In addition, system 100 allows a user
to adjust the operation of dryer appliance 10 using remote device
102.
[0034] System 100 is described below according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present subject matter. However, it should be
appreciated that the exemplary functions and configurations of
system 100 provided herein are used only as examples to facilitate
description of aspects of the present subject matter. System
configurations may vary, other remote devices may be used to
communicate with other appliances, other communication protocols
and steps may be implemented, etc. These variations and
modifications are contemplated as within the scope of the present
subject matter.
[0035] In general, network 104 can be any type of communication
network. For example, network 104 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, etc. According to
an exemplary embodiment, remote device 102 may communicate with a
remote server 106 over network 104, such as the internet, to
receive appliance status updates and send commands to the
appliance, as described below. Remote server 106 may generally
operate to store, receive, and transmit signals associated with
dryer appliance 10, and may thus be in communication with dryer
appliance 10 through controller 84. To achieve such communication,
for example, remote server 106 may include its own controller
similar to that illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0036] Remote server 106 is remote, and thus external to dryer
appliance 10 which is typically located at a single location, e.g.,
a consumer's residence. Remote server 106 may, for example, be in
another room of a house or building in which the dryer appliance 10
is utilized, or in a neighboring building, etc. Alternatively, and
in exemplary embodiments, the remote server 106 is a cloud-based
server 106, and is thus located at a distant location, such as in a
separate state, country, etc. In general, communication between the
remote server 106 and the client devices may be carried via a
network interface using any type of wireless connection, using 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). Accordingly, operating cycle and
status information may be transmitted from controller 84 to the
remote server 106 and remote device 102 using the network 106.
[0037] Remote device 102 may be any suitable device for
communicating information and receiving input from a user.
According to the illustrated embodiment, remote device 102
includes, for example, a display, one or more input buttons, a
touch screen interface, etc. Specifically, according to an
exemplary embodiment, remote device 102 may be a personal phone, a
tablet, a personal computer, etc. Remote device 102 further
includes a controller (similar to controller 84) for controlling
operation of remote device 102 and for communicating with appliance
controller 84 and/or remote server 106, as described herein.
[0038] According to an exemplary embodiment, dryer appliance 100
may be configured for receiving remote device 102, e.g., to provide
a charging or data communication functions. According to such
exemplary embodiments, dryer appliance 10 may include a mounting
assembly 120. Mounting assembly 120 may include a mounting frame
122 that is attached to backsplash 80. Frame 122 may be seated in
backsplash 80 such that remote device 102 may be placed within
frame 122 and can sit flush with backsplash 80. Frame 122 may
further define one or more securing tabs 124. Securing tabs 124 are
protrusions or clips configured to secure remote device 102 when it
is placed in mounting assembly 120. Although securing tabs 124 are
described as securing remote device 102 in frame 102, one skilled
in the art will appreciate that other means of detachably securing
remote device 102 within frame 102 are possible and within the
scope of the present subject matter. Mounting assembly 120 may
further include features for charging or establishing wired
communication with remote device 102.
[0039] Now that the construction and configuration of dryer
appliance 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
subject matter has been presented, an exemplary method 200 for
operating a dryer appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present subject matter is provided. Method 200 can be used with
dryer appliance 10, or any other suitable dryer appliance. In this
regard, for example, controller 84 may be configured for
implementing method 200. However, it should be appreciated that the
exemplary method 200 is discussed herein only to describe exemplary
aspects of the present subject matter, and is not intended to be
limiting.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 5, method 200 includes, at step 210,
initiating a drying cycle of a dryer appliance. For example, the
drying cycle of dryer appliance 10 may be initiated remotely, e.g.,
using remote device 102, or may be initiated using selector inputs
80 on cabinet backsplash 82. Once initiated, the drying cycle may
include spinning drum 26 while operating air handler 32 and heating
assembly 50 to circulate heated air through chamber 28. During the
drying process, dryer appliance 10 may use a variety of sensors to
detect the humidity within chamber 28 and or the moisture content
of closed position within chamber 28.
[0041] For example, controller 84 may use humidity measurements
from humidity sensor 72 (along with other sensors) and may
implement an algorithm to determine a moisture content within
chamber 28. As used herein, "moisture content" is intended to refer
to an estimated amount of water within clothes in chamber 28 of
dryer appliance 10. In general, moisture content may represent the
humidity within a volume of clothes, and may be referred to as the
"remaining moisture content" (RMC) to refer to the amount of liquid
remaining within clothes during a drying cycle. The term "final
moisture content" (FMC) may be used herein to refer to a desired
amount of moisture content or a moisture content threshold below
which the clothes may be considered dry. For example, according to
exemplary embodiments, the FMC may be less than 3% for dry clothes
and less than 15% for moderately dry or slightly damp clothes. It
should be appreciated that the present subject matter is not
limited by the means of detecting the moisture content of clothes
within dryer appliance 10.
[0042] Step 220 includes communicating a progress update of the
drying cycle to a remote device. In this regard, continuing the
example from above, the remote device may be remote device 102
(e.g., a personal phone, a tablet, a computer, etc.). Notably, the
remote device may not be connected directly to dryer appliance 10.
For example, as described above, remote device 102 may be connected
to dryer appliance 10 using a local area network or through a Wi-Fi
or Bluetooth connection. By contrast, according to alternative
embodiments, remote device 102 may be connected to dryer appliance
10 through a remote server 106 as described above. In addition,
remote device 102 may be removably mounted to dryer appliance 10,
e.g., such as by a docking port or mounting assembly 120, as
described above.
[0043] As used herein, "progress update" is used generally to refer
to characteristics of dryer appliance 10 and/or the clothes located
therein during a drying cycle. For example, the progress update may
include the temperature and humidity within drum 26, moisture
content within a load of clothes positioned within chamber 26, or
any other suitable operating condition related to dryer appliance
10. As an example the progress update may include a progress bar
that is displayed on remote device 102 for providing an indication
of the moisture content of clothes within drum 26. The progress bar
may be continuously updated to illustrate the percent of the drying
cycle completed or the amount of moisture remaining within a load
of clothes.
[0044] In addition or alternatively, progress update may include a
notification to remote device 102 that the moisture content of the
clothes has fallen below a predetermined level. For example, a user
of dryer appliance 10 may set a desired dryness level (e.g., a
final moisture content) at which dryer appliance 10 should cease
operation and provide an indication that the drying cycle is
completed to the user through remote device 102. The predetermined
level may also be determined using any suitable algorithm and may
be time-based or calculated using appliance sensors, e.g. such as
temperature sensor 70 and/or humidity sensor 72.
[0045] Step 230 includes receiving a command from the remote device
to adjust at least one operating parameter of the dryer appliance.
As used herein, an "operating parameter" of dryer appliance 10 is
any cycle setting, operating time, component setting, spin speed,
part configuration, or other operating characteristic that may
affect the performance of dryer appliance 10. Thus, references to
operating parameter adjustments or "adjusting at least one
operating parameter" are intended to refer to control actions
intended to improve system performance in response to user inputs,
chamber temperature measurements, chamber humidity measurements,
estimated moisture content, etc. According to an exemplary
embodiment, adjusting at least one operating parameter may include
stopping the drying cycle of dryer appliance 10, setting a
termination or remaining dry time, adjusting the operation of air
handler 32 and/or heating assembly 50, etc.
[0046] Step 240 includes adjusting the at least one operating
parameter in response to receiving the command from the remote
device. In this regard, for example, dryer appliance 10 may perform
a drying cycle, may communicate the progress of that cycle
continuously to a user through a remote device, may receive a
command from the user through the remote device, and implement that
command all without the user having to touch or be near dryer
appliance 10. After the operating parameter is adjusted, step 250
may include providing an estimated time remaining or other progress
updates after making such an operating parameter adjustment.
[0047] FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary control method having steps
performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and
discussion. Those of ordinary skill in the art, using the
disclosures provided herein, will understand that the steps of any
of the methods discussed herein can be adapted, rearranged,
expanded, omitted, or modified in various ways without deviating
from the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, although
aspects of the methods are explained using dryer appliance 10 as an
example, it should be appreciated that these methods may be applied
to the operation of any suitable dryer type and configuration.
[0048] 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.
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