Water temperature evaluation method using a humidity sensor in a laundry appliance

A laundry appliance includes a basket rotatably mounted within a cabinet and defining a chamber configured for receiving a load of clothes, a water supply valve for regulating a flow of water into the chamber, and a humidity sensor positioned within the cabinet for monitoring a chamber humidity. A controller is configured to determine that the water supply valve is open to permit the flow of water into the chamber, identify an anticipated humidity within the chamber based at least in part on the water supply valve being open, obtain the chamber humidity using the humidity sensor, and implementing a responsive action if the chamber humidity does not correspond to the anticipated humidity.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to laundry appliances, or more specifically, to the use of humidity sensors to evaluate water temperature in laundry appliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Laundry appliances such as washing machine appliances generally include a tub for containing water or wash fluid, e.g., water and detergent, bleach, and/or other wash additives. A basket is rotatably mounted within the tub and defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. During normal operation of such washing machine appliances, the wash fluid is directed into the tub and onto articles within the wash chamber of the basket. The basket or an agitation element can rotate at various speeds to agitate articles within the wash chamber, to wring wash fluid from articles within the wash chamber, etc. During a spin or drain cycle of a washing machine appliance, a drain pump assembly may operate to discharge water from within sump.

Washing machine appliances typically include a water supply system and/or valve assembly for providing hot and/or cold water into the wash tub to generate a wash fluid to facilitate a wash cycle. These water supply systems typically include separate hot water and cold water hookup ports. However, users frequently swap the hot water and cold water lines upon installation. As a result, when the washing machine requests hot water, it may receive cold water, and vice versa. Similarly, dryer appliances may include a water supply for providing water to produce steam for steam dry cycles. Various situations may arise that result in water being supplied at the incorrect temperature. For example, issues with hot water supply, such as hot water heaters, may result in water that is too hot or not hot enough. Improper water temperatures may result in the degradation of operating cycle performance and overall user dissatisfaction.

Accordingly, a laundry appliance including features and operating methods for ensuring operating cycles are performed with water at target temperatures would be desirable. More specifically, a method for identifying situations where the temperature of supplied water in a laundry appliance is not within a suitable temperature range would be particularly beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one exemplary embodiment, a laundry appliance is provided including a cabinet, a basket rotatably mounted within the cabinet and defining a chamber configured for receiving a load of clothes, a water supply valve for regulating a flow of water into the chamber, a humidity sensor positioned within the cabinet for monitoring a chamber humidity, and a controller operably coupled to the water supply valve and the humidity sensor. The controller is configured to determine that the water supply valve is open to permit the flow of water into the chamber, identify an anticipated humidity within the chamber based at least in part on the water supply valve being open, obtain the chamber humidity using the humidity sensor, determine that the chamber humidity does not correspond to the anticipated humidity, and implement a responsive action in response to determining that the chamber humidity does not correspond to the anticipated humidity.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method of operating a washing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance includes a wash basket rotatably mounted within a wash tub and defining a wash chamber configured for receiving a load of clothes, a water supply valve for regulating a flow of water into the wash chamber, and a humidity sensor positioned within the wash tub for monitoring a chamber humidity. The method includes determining that the water supply valve is open to permit the flow of water into the wash chamber, identifying an anticipated humidity within the wash chamber based at least in part on the water supply valve being open, obtaining the chamber humidity using the humidity sensor, determining that the chamber humidity does not correspond to the anticipated humidity, and implementing a responsive action in response to determining that the chamber humidity does not correspond to the anticipated humidity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the figures, an exemplary laundry appliance that may be used to implement aspects of the present subject matter will be described. Specifically,FIG.1is a perspective view of an exemplary horizontal axis washing machine appliance100andFIG.2is a side cross-sectional view of washing machine appliance100. As illustrated, washing machine appliance100generally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which is mutually perpendicular, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined. Washing machine appliance100includes a cabinet102that extends between a top104and a bottom106along the vertical direction V, between a left side108and a right side110along the lateral direction, and between a front112and a rear114along the transverse direction T.

Referring toFIG.2, a wash basket120is rotatably mounted within cabinet102such that it is rotatable about an axis of rotation A. A motor122, e.g., such as a pancake motor, is in mechanical communication with wash basket120to selectively rotate wash basket120(e.g., during an agitation or a rinse cycle of washing machine appliance100). Wash basket120is received within a wash tub124and defines a wash chamber126that is configured for receipt of articles for washing. The wash tub124holds wash and rinse fluids for agitation in wash basket120within wash tub124. As used herein, “wash fluid” may refer to water, detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable wash additive or combination thereof. Indeed, for simplicity of discussion, these terms may all be used interchangeably herein without limiting the present subject matter to any particular “wash fluid.”

Wash basket120may define one or more agitator features that extend into wash chamber126to assist in agitation and cleaning articles disposed within wash chamber126during operation of washing machine appliance100. For example, as illustrated inFIG.2, a plurality of ribs128extends from basket120into wash chamber126. In this manner, for example, ribs128may lift articles disposed in wash basket120during rotation of wash basket120.

Referring generally toFIGS.1and2, cabinet102also includes a front panel130which defines an opening132that permits user access to wash basket120of wash tub124. More specifically, washing machine appliance100includes a door134that is positioned over opening132and is rotatably mounted to front panel130. In this manner, door134permits selective access to opening132by being movable between an open position (not shown) facilitating access to a wash tub124and a closed position (FIG.1) prohibiting access to wash tub124.

A window136in door134permits viewing of wash basket120when door134is in the closed position, e.g., during operation of washing machine appliance100. Door134also includes a handle (not shown) that, e.g., a user may pull when opening and closing door134. Further, although door134is illustrated as mounted to front panel130, it should be appreciated that door134may be mounted to another side of cabinet102or any other suitable support according to alternative embodiments.

Referring again toFIG.2, wash basket120also defines a plurality of perforations140in order to facilitate fluid communication between an interior of basket120and wash tub124. A sump142is defined by wash tub124at a bottom of wash tub124along the vertical direction V. Thus, sump142is configured for receipt of and generally collects wash fluid during operation of washing machine appliance100. For example, during operation of washing machine appliance100, wash fluid may be urged by gravity from basket120to sump142through plurality of perforations140.

A drain pump assembly144is located beneath wash tub124and is in fluid communication with sump142for periodically discharging soiled wash fluid from washing machine appliance100. Drain pump assembly144may generally include a drain pump146which is in fluid communication with sump142and with an external drain148through a drain hose150. During a drain cycle, drain pump146urges a flow of wash fluid from sump142, through drain hose150, and to external drain148. More specifically, drain pump146includes a motor (not shown) which is energized during a drain cycle such that drain pump146draws wash fluid from sump142and urges it through drain hose150to external drain148.

A spout152is configured for directing a flow of fluid into wash tub124. For example, spout152may be in fluid communication with a water supply154(FIG.2) in order to direct fluid (e.g., clean water or wash fluid) into wash tub124. Spout152may also be in fluid communication with the sump142. For example, pump assembly144may direct wash fluid disposed in sump142to spout152in order to circulate wash fluid in wash tub124.

As illustrated inFIG.2, a detergent drawer156is slidably mounted within front panel130. Detergent drawer156receives a wash additive (e.g., detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable liquid or powder) and directs the fluid additive to wash tub124during operation of washing machine appliance100. According to the illustrated embodiment, detergent drawer156may also be fluidly coupled to spout152to facilitate the complete and accurate dispensing of wash additive. It should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, these wash additives could be dispensed automatically via a bulk dispensing unit (not shown). Other systems and methods for providing wash additives are possible and within the scope of the present subject matter.

In addition, a water supply valve assembly158may provide a flow of water from a water supply source (such as a municipal water supply154) into detergent dispenser156and into wash tub124. In this manner, water supply valve assembly158may generally be operable to supply water into detergent dispenser156to generate a wash fluid, e.g., for use in a wash cycle, or a flow of fresh water, e.g., for a rinse cycle. It should be appreciated that water supply valve assembly158may be positioned at any other suitable location within cabinet102.

Moreover, it should be appreciated that water supply valve assembly158may include a plurality of water supply valves for independently regulating different flows of water. In this regard, for example, water supply valve assembly158may include two ports for receiving a hot water supply line and a cold water supply line. Water supply valve assembly158may further include a hot water supply valve for selectively regulating the flow of water to the hot water supply line and a cold water supply valves for selectively regulating the flow of water through the cold water supply line.

According to exemplary embodiments, the cold water supply valve and the hot water supply valve may be moved between an open position and a closed position at a certain frequency and/or duration to adjust a temperature of the flow of water. Thus, for example, if warm water is desired but the supplied water is not hot enough, the duration of time that the cold water valve is open may be decreased and the duration of time that the hot water valve is open may be increased. In addition, although water supply valve assembly158is described herein as regulating the flow of “wash fluid,” it should be appreciated that this term includes, water, detergent, other additives, or some mixture thereof.

A control panel160including a plurality of input selectors162is coupled to front panel130. Control panel160and input selectors162collectively form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features. For example, in one embodiment, a display164indicates selected features, a countdown timer, and/or other items of interest to machine users. Operation of washing machine appliance100is controlled by a controller or processing device166(FIG.1) that is operatively coupled to control panel160for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of control panel160, controller166operates the various components of washing machine appliance100to execute selected machine cycles and features.

Controller166may include a memory and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor 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, controller166may 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. Control panel160and other components of washing machine appliance100may be in communication with controller166via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

During operation of washing machine appliance100, laundry items are loaded into wash basket120through opening132, and washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors162. Wash tub124is filled with water, detergent, and/or other fluid additives, e.g., via spout152and/or detergent drawer156. One or more valves (e.g., water supply valve158) can be controlled by washing machine appliance100to provide for filling wash basket120to the appropriate level for the amount of articles being washed and/or rinsed. By way of example for a wash mode, once wash basket120is properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash basket120can be agitated (e.g., with ribs128) for washing of laundry items in wash basket120.

After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, wash tub124can be drained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding fluid to wash tub124, depending on the particulars of the cleaning cycle selected by a user. Ribs128may again provide agitation within wash basket120. One or more spin cycles may also be used. In particular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle and/or after the rinse cycle in order to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. During a final spin cycle, basket120is rotated at relatively high speeds and drain assembly144may discharge wash fluid from sump142. After articles disposed in wash basket120are cleaned, washed, and/or rinsed, the user can remove the articles from wash basket120, e.g., by opening door134and reaching into wash basket120through opening132.

Referring now specifically toFIG.2, washing machine appliance100may further include one or more sensors that are generally positioned within wash tub124to provide useful information regarding the environment within wash tub124, e.g., to facilitate improved process control and appliance performance. In this regard, for example, washing machine appliance includes a humidity sensor170that is generally configured for monitoring a chamber humidity within wash tub124. According to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, humidity sensor170is mounted to an inner window of door134. In this manner, electrical power and data transmission lines may be routed through a door gasket and may be operably coupled to humidity sensor170. However, it should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments humidity sensor170may be positioned at any other location suitable for monitoring chamber humidity.

As used herein, the terms “humidity sensor” or the equivalent may be intended to refer to any suitable type of humidity measuring system or device positioned at any suitable location for measuring the desired humidity. Thus, for example, “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 sensor170may be positioned at any suitable location and may output a signal, such as a voltage, to a controller that is proportional to and/or indicative of the humidity being measured. Although exemplary positioning of humidity sensors is described herein, it should be appreciated that washing machine appliance100may include any other suitable number, type, and position of humidity sensors according to alternative embodiments.

Similarly, washing machine appliance100may include a temperature sensor172that is generally configured for monitoring a temperature of wash fluid within wash tub124. According to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, temperature sensor172is mounted within sump142of washing machine appliance100. In this manner, temperature sensor172may be in direct contact with wash fluid that collects therein. However, it should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments temperature sensor172may be positioned at any other location suitable for monitoring wash fluid temperature, e.g., such as below spout152of water supply154.

As used herein, “temperature sensor” or the equivalent is intended to refer to any suitable type of temperature measuring system or device positioned at any suitable location for measuring the desired temperature. Thus, for example, temperature sensor172may each be any suitable type of temperature sensor, such as a thermistor, a thermocouple, a resistance temperature detector, a semiconductor-based integrated circuit temperature sensors, etc. In addition, temperature sensor172may be positioned at any suitable location and may output a signal, such as a voltage, to a controller that is proportional to and/or indicative of the temperature being measured. Although exemplary positioning of temperature sensors is described herein, it should be appreciated that washing machine appliance100may include any other suitable number, type, and position of temperature sensors according to alternative embodiments.

Notably, controller166of washing machine appliance100(or any other suitable dedicated controller) may be communicatively coupled to humidity sensor170, temperature sensor172, and other components of washing machine appliance100. As explained in more detail below, controller166may be programmed or configured for monitoring chamber temperatures and humidity to identify the occurrence of water supply or regulation issues. In addition, controller166may be programmed or configured to perform methods to evaluate the temperature of water being supplied into the wash tub124and take corrective action.

Referring still toFIG.1, a schematic diagram of an external communication system190will be described according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. In general, external communication system190is configured for permitting interaction, data transfer, and other communications with washing machine appliance100. For example, this communication may be used to provide and receive operating parameters, cycle settings, performance characteristics, user preferences, user notifications, or any other suitable information for improved performance of washing machine appliance100.

External communication system190permits controller166of washing machine appliance100to communicate with external devices either directly or through a network192. For example, a consumer may use a consumer device194to communicate directly with washing machine appliance100. For example, consumer devices194may be in direct or indirect communication with washing machine appliance100, e.g., directly through a local area network (LAN), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc. or indirectly through network192. In general, consumer device194may be any suitable device for providing and/or receiving communications or commands from a user. In this regard, consumer device194may include, for example, a personal phone, a tablet, a laptop computer, or another mobile device.

In addition, a remote server196may be in communication with washing machine appliance100and/or consumer device194through network192. In this regard, for example, remote server196may be a cloud-based server196, and is thus located at a distant location, such as in a separate state, country, etc. In general, communication between the remote server196and 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).

In general, network192can be any type of communication network. For example, network192can 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. According to an exemplary embodiment, consumer device194may communicate with a remote server196over network192, such as the internet, to provide user inputs, transfer operating parameters or performance characteristics, receive user notifications or instructions, etc. In addition, consumer device194and remote server196may communicate with washing machine appliance100to communicate similar information.

External communication system190is described herein according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. However, it should be appreciated that the exemplary functions and configurations of external communication system190provided herein are used only as examples to facilitate description of aspects of the present subject matter. System configurations may vary, other communication devices may be used to communicate directly or indirectly with one or more laundry 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.

While described in the context of a specific embodiment of horizontal axis washing machine appliance100, using the teachings disclosed herein it will be understood that horizontal axis washing machine appliance100is provided by way of example only. Other washing machine appliances having different configurations, different appearances, and/or different features may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well, e.g., vertical axis washing machine appliances. In addition, aspects of the present subject matter may be utilized in a combination washer/dryer appliance. Indeed, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present subject matter may further apply to other laundry appliances, such a dryer appliance. In this regard, the same methods and systems as described herein may be used to evaluate water temperatures in other appliances, such as a steam dryer.

Now that the construction of washing machine appliance100and the configuration of controller166according to exemplary embodiments have been presented, an exemplary method200of operating a washing machine appliance will be described. Although the discussion below refers to the exemplary method200of operating washing machine appliance100, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the exemplary method200is applicable to the operation of a variety of other washing machine appliances, such as vertical axis washing machine appliances. In exemplary embodiments, the various method steps as disclosed herein may be performed by controller166or a separate, dedicated controller.

Referring now toFIG.3, method200includes, at step210, determining that a water supply valve is open to permit a flow of water into a chamber of a laundry appliance. In this regard, continuing example from above, water supply valve assembly158may be used to selectively open or close a hot water supply valve (e.g., which is operably coupled to a hot water supply port) and/or a cold water supply valve (e.g., which is operably coupled to a cold water supply port). In general, controller166of washing machine appliance100may be programmed to selectively open or close these supply valves to obtain the desired amount and temperature of water to facilitate the performance of a particular operating cycle of the machine.

When water supply conduits are connected properly, the hot water heater is supplying water the appropriate temperatures, and no other system failures affect the water temperature, controller166may consistently regulate water supply valve assembly158to obtain the desired water volume and temperature. However, as explained above, various events may result in the supplied water not having the desired temperature. For example, a user may inadvertently swap the hot and cold water supply conduits, such that the hot water supply valve is regulating a flow of water from a cold water supply, and vice versa. In addition, water heaters may fail to provide water at a suitable temperature, other heaters internal to the appliance may fail, valves or flow regulating devices may malfunction, etc. As such, aspects of the present subject matter are generally directed to detecting such situations or conditions.

Specifically, method200may further include, at step220, identifying an anticipated humidity within the chamber based at least in part on the water supply valve being open. In this regard, for example, if controller166commands one or more of the hot and cold water supply valves to be open, controller166may further anticipate the chamber humidity that is anticipated within wash chamber126as result of the wash fluid being supplied therein. Method200may be used to take corrective action in the event the chamber humidity is not as anticipated after opening up the hot or cold water supply valve.

Notably, it should be appreciated that it may take some time for the chamber humidity to rise after opening a water supply valve. Accordingly, method200may further include implementing a time delay between the step of determining that the water supply valve is open and the step of obtaining the chamber humidity. In this manner, the flow of wash fluid may be dispensed and the chamber humidity may stabilize at least partially before measurements are obtained. According to exemplary embodiments, the time delay may be between about 5 seconds and 1 minute, between about 10 seconds and 45 seconds, or about 30 seconds.

As used herein, the terms “anticipated humidity” and the like are generally intended to refer to the relative humidity at a specific location within wash tub124(e.g., that is representative of average chamber humidity) at a specific time after operation of a water supply valve. It should be appreciated that these values may be a specific percent humidity, such as 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% humidity. According to alternative embodiments, the anticipated humidity may refer to a humidity range, such as between 50-60% humidity, between 60-70% humidity, between 70-80% humidity, between 80-90% humidity, etc. According to exemplary embodiment, and as explained in more detail below, the chamber humidity may be compared directly with the anticipated humidity or with a humidity tolerance range that surrounds the anticipated humidity.

In this regard, for example, if controller166opens the hot water supply valve and thus expects hot water to be dispensed, controller166may anticipate that the chamber humidity within wash chamber126will rise quickly. As such, the anticipated humidity may be approximated by controller166. By contrast, if controller166opens the cold water supply valve and thus expects that cold water will be dispensed, controller166may anticipate that there will not be a significant increase in humidity within the chamber. As such the anticipated humidity may be lower in the event only a cold water valve is opened.

Referring again toFIG.3, step230may include obtaining the chamber humidity using a humidity sensor. For example, humidity sensor170may continuously or periodically monitor the chamber humidity within wash chamber126and may communicate this information to controller166to facilitate performance of method200. For example, referring briefly toFIG.5, a plot of the percentage relative humidity over time is provided when hot or cold water is being supplied. Step240may generally include determining that the chamber humidity does not correspond to the anticipated humidity. In this regard, as explained briefly above, controller166may determine that the chamber humidity does not correspond to the anticipated humidity if the chamber humidity is lower or higher than the anticipated humidity by a predetermined threshold. For example, the controller166may be programmed with empirical or theoretical humidity data like that shown inFIG.5and may use this data to determine an anticipated humidity based on valve positions.

Specifically, for example, if controller166opens a hot water supply valve, the anticipated humidity after a predetermined time delay may be 90%. Thus, if the chamber humidity measured at step230is significantly different than 90%, controller166may determine that there is not correspondence between the measured and anticipated humidity and may determine that an issue with the water supply has occurred. Notably, a significant difference may be determined by a variation between the chamber humidity and the anticipated humidity that is greater than some predetermined threshold, such as a percentage measured relative to the anticipated humidity (e.g., plus or minus 5% relative to the anticipated humidity). According to exemplary embodiments, controller166may determine that the chamber humidity does not correspond to the anticipated humidity if the chamber humidity falls outside of the humidity tolerance range that surrounds the anticipated humidity (e.g., between 85% and 95% humidity in accordance with example above where the anticipated humidity is 90%). Thus, for example, if the chamber humidity falls below the lower boundary of that humidity tolerance range (e.g., 85%), controller166may determine that the water supply lines are swapped or that there is a failure with the hot water heater.

By contrast, if controller166has opened a cold water supply valve, the anticipated humidity after a predetermined time delay may be relatively low, such as 50%. Thus, if the chamber humidity measured at step230is significantly different than 50%, controller166may determine that there is not correspondence between the measured and anticipated humidity and may determine that an issue with the water supply has occurred. Notably, a significant difference may be determined by a variation between the chamber humidity and the anticipated humidity that is greater than some predetermined threshold, such as a percentage measured relative to the anticipated humidity (e.g., plus or minus 5% relative to the anticipated humidity). According to exemplary embodiments, controller166may determine that the chamber humidity does not correspond to the anticipated humidity if the chamber humidity falls outside of the humidity tolerance range that surrounds the anticipated humidity (e.g., between 45% and 55% humidity in accordance with example above). Thus, for example, if the chamber humidity exceeds the upper boundary of that humidity tolerance range (e.g., 55%), controller166may determine that the water supply lines are swapped or that hot water is being inadvertently supplied.

Step250may include implementing a responsive action in response to determining that the chamber humidity does not correspond anticipated humidity. For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, implementing the responsive action may include adjusting at least one operating parameter of the washing machine appliance100. As used herein, an “operating parameter” of washing machine appliance100is any cycle setting, operating time, component setting, spin speed, part configuration, water level, water temperature, detergent volume, or other operating characteristic that may affect the performance or operation of washing machine appliance100. Thus, references to operating parameter adjustments or “adjusting at least one operating parameter” are intended to refer to control actions intended to correct issues related to the operation of washing machine appliance in response to determining that the chamber humidity does not correspond to the anticipated humidity.

For example, controller166may be configured for stopping the operating cycle until a user troubleshoots the water supply issue. By contrast, controller166may operate the water supply valve assembly158to compensate for the improper water temperature. In this regard, for example, controller166may adjust the position of the water supply valves to increase or decrease the flows of water. More specifically, if the water is too hot (e.g., as indicated by higher humidity than anticipated), controller166may close the hot water supply valve and/or open the cold water supply valve. By contrast, if the water is too cold (e.g., as indicated by lower humidity than anticipated), controller166may close the cold water supply valve and/or open the hot water supply valve. Other operating parameter adjustments are possible and within the scope of the present subject matter.

In addition, step250of implementing a responsive action may further include providing a user notification that the anticipated and actual humidity do not match. The notification may further include recommended troubleshooting instructions or other actions that may be taken to rectify the issue. It should be appreciated that the user notification is optional and may be provided to the user from any suitable source and in any suitable manner. For example, according to exemplary embodiments, the user notification may be provided through control panel160so that the user may be aware of the operating cycle. In addition, or alternatively, controller166may be configured to provide a user notification to a remote device, such as remote device194via a network192. Whether provided via control panel160, remote device194, or by other means, this user notification may include useful information regarding the appropriate water connections, a quantification of the target versus actual humidity level, etc.

Notably, if the measured chamber humidity is close to the anticipated humidity, method200may include operating washing machine appliance100normally. Thus, method200may further include determining that the chamber humidity is within a humidity tolerance range surrounding the anticipated humidity and proceeding with an operating cycle in response to determining that the chamber humidity is within the humidity tolerance range.

According to exemplary embodiments, controller166of washing machine appliance100may use humidity sensor170and temperature sensor172in unison to provide a failsafe manner of detecting water supply temperatures. In this regard, method200may include using temperature sensor to measure a wash fluid temperature and the anticipated wash fluid temperature and these values may be compared in a manner similar to that described above the chamber humidity.

Referring now briefly toFIG.4, an exemplary flow diagram of a water temperature evaluation method300that may be implemented by washing machine appliance100will be described according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. According to exemplary embodiments, method300may be similar to or interchangeable with all or a portion of method200and may be implemented by controller166of washing machine appliance100. As shown, at step302, method300may include starting an operating cycle of a washing machine appliance, such as washing machine appliance100.

Depending on the operating cycle the wash chamber126is preferably filled with a certain volume of water having a certain desired temperature. As such, step304may include regulating a valve assembly to provide the desired volume and temperature of water. Specifically, as illustrated, step304may include opening the cold water supply valve, opening the hot water supply valve, or some combination therebetween. Regardless of which water supply valve is opened, step306may include waiting until the chamber humidity has had an opportunity to normalize. As noted above, this time delay may be any suitable time, such as 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, etc.

Step308may generally include obtaining an actual chamber humidity and comparing that chamber humidity to an anticipated humidity threshold, e.g., such as the anticipated humidity or corresponding humidity tolerance range as described above. Depending on whether the controller intended to dispense cold water or hot water, step310may include determining that the chamber humidity was as anticipated. In this event, no issue with a water supply valve is detected and the operating cycle may proceed as usual. More specifically, if only the cold water valve were open and step308resulted in a determination that the measured chamber humidity was not above the predetermined humidity threshold, the operating cycle may proceed as usual. Similarly, if a hot water valve was opened and step308resulted in a determination that the measured chamber humidity was above the predetermined humidity threshold, the operating cycle may proceed as usual.

By contrast, if the measured chamber humidity detected at step308is not the same as the anticipated humidity (e.g., high humidity when cold water valve is open or low humidity when hot water valve is open), step312may include implementing a responsive action, such as sending a push notification to a mobile device or otherwise triggering a fault condition within washing machine appliance100. As illustrated at step314, washing machine appliance100may further be configured for manipulating operation to compensate for the improper water temperature. In this regard, washing machine appliance100may stop the cycle if the problem cannot be rectified, may add additional hot water if the water temperature is too cold (e.g., low humidity detected), and/or may add more cold water in the event the water temperature is too hot (e.g., high humidity is detected).

It should be appreciated that methods200and300may both implement debounce procedures to prevent false triggers of a fault condition related to the water supply system. In this regard, if the measured chamber humidity does not match the anticipated humidity during a single comparison, the methods may include repeating the comparison any suitable number of times to ensure that an issue actually exists or waiting for chamber humidity to normalize. In this manner, the claimed methods can avoid or disregard nuisance trips or situations where there is not a water supply issue. In addition, it should be appreciated that the differences in chamber humidity may be one of degree, and these methods may use any suitable thresholds for determining whether a measured chamber humidity is sufficiently distinct from that anticipated to trigger a fault condition resulting in operating parameter adjustments, user notifications, etc.

FIGS.3and4depict 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 method200and method300are explained using washing machine appliance100as an example, it should be appreciated that this method may be applied to the operation of any suitable laundry appliance, such as another washing machine appliance or a dryer appliance.