Feedback for water consuming appliance

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-11921794-B2
Application number	US-202117385629-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Jul 26, 2021
Priority date	Sep 15, 2017
Publication date	Mar 5, 2024
Grant date	Mar 5, 2024

Abstract

A communication system provides feedback data for at least one water consuming device. The communication system includes a data collection interface, a controller, and an output interface. The data collection interface is configured to receive user data from at least one collection device. The controller is configured to perform an analysis of the user data from the at least one collection device. The output interface is configured to provide feedback data based on the analysis of the user data to a water consuming device.

First claim

We claim:

1. A water analysis apparatus for performing a water analysis on a water stream in at least one water consuming appliance, the apparatus comprising:
a sensor located at a drain of the at least one water consuming appliance and configured to receive data relative to a water quality of the water stream of the at least one water consuming appliance; and
a controller comprising a processor and memory, wherein the controller is communicably coupled to the sensor, and wherein the controller is configured to:
receive, via the sensor, the data relative to the water quality;
analyze the data to determine a water quality condition;
select at least one filtering mode to target a predetermined contaminant present in the water stream; and
provide, via a communication interface, a water analysis status message including a device identifier for the at least one water consuming appliance.

2. The water analysis apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor is selected from a water quality sensor, a pH sensor, an oxygen sensor, a chemical sensor, and a biological sensor.

3. The water analysis apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the chemical sensor is configured to detect a substance, chemical, or element present in the water stream.

4. The water analysis apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the biological sensor is configured to detect a bacteria or virus present in the water stream.

5. The water analysis apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein when the water quality condition is unsafe, the water analysis status message includes an alert.

6. The water analysis apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein filter setting is selected from a size of filter, a thickness of a filter, and a variable path of the filter.

7. The water analysis apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one water consuming appliance is selected from a faucet, a refrigerator, and a water heater.

8. The water analysis apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the water analysis apparatus is configured to selectively insert an additive to the water stream.

9. The water analysis apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the additive is selected from a nutritional supplement, a flavor, an antibacterial agent, a vaccine, a vitamin, a mineral, and a medicine.

10. The water analysis apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to:
perform a water circulation algorithm; and
send instructions to a valve controller, the valve controller configured to open and close valves between the at least one water consuming appliances to control a water type of the water stream.

11. The water analysis apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the water types include potable water, cleaning water, recycled water, distilled water, and reclaimed filtered water.

12. The water analysis apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor measures a turbidity of the water stream.

13. The water analysis apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein when the turbidity is above a predetermined threshold, the controller is further configured to:
open a valve to drain the water stream away from the at least one water consuming appliance.

14. A method of performing a water analysis on a water stream of at least one water consuming appliance, the method comprising:
receiving, from a sensor located at a drain of the at least one water consuming appliance, data relative to a water quality of the water stream of the at least one water consuming appliance;
selecting a filter mode to target a predetermined contaminant present in the water stream;
analyzing, using a controller, the data to determine a water quality condition; and
sending, via a communication interface, a water analysis status message including a device identifier for the at least one water consuming appliance.

15. The method according to claim 14 , wherein the sensor is capable of detecting a substance, a chemical, an element, a bacteria, or a virus present in the water stream.

16. The method according to claim 14 , wherein when the water quality condition is unsafe, the water analysis status message includes an alert.

17. The method according to claim 15 , wherein the method further comprises:
providing, via an additive cartridge, an additive into the water stream.

18. The method according to claim 14 , wherein the method further comprises:
measuring, via the sensor, a turbidity of the water stream; and
when the turbidity is above a predetermined threshold, opening a valve to drain the water stream away from the at least one water consuming appliance.

19. A water consuming appliance comprising:
a drain;
a sensor located at the drain of the at least one water consuming appliance and configured to receive data relative to a water quality of the water stream of the at least one water consuming appliance; and
a controller comprising a processor and memory, wherein the controller is communicably coupled to the sensor, and wherein the controller is configured to:
receive, via the sensor, the data relative to the water quality;
select a filter mode to target a predetermined contaminant present in the water stream;
analyze the data to determine a water quality condition; and
provide, via a communication interface, a water analysis status message to a home hub communication device.

Assignees

• Kohler Co

Inventors

• Rexach Rafael
• Beining Nona
• Wilterdink Alyssa
• Booth Shawn
• Lilly Thomas E
• Diemel Jr Doug
• Petch Leslie

Classifications

• G06F16/904 Primary

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• A61B5/0077

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• A61B5/01

  Measuring temperature of body parts {; Diagnostic temperature sensing, e.g. for malignant or inflamed tissue} (clinical contact thermometers G01K13/20) · CPC title

• A61B5/024

  Measuring pulse rate or heart rate · CPC title

• A61B5/1032

  Determining colour of tissue for diagnostic purposes · CPC title