Method and apparatus for providing redundancy in monitoring the lid switch and basket of a washing machine

• Main Authors: FINCH MICHAEL F, KOLLIPARA MEHER, DICKERSON, JR. DONALD RICHARD, HOLLENBECK ROBERT
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 01.11.2011
• Subjects: FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; LAUNDERING; LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILEARTICLES; TEXTILES; TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE

A method and control system for automatically halting operation of a washing machine by stopping operation of the washing machine motor is provided. The washing machine that implements the method includes a motor controller having a primary microprocessor and a secondary microprocessor which serves as a backup redundancy processor in the event there is a malfunction with the primary microprocessor or the primary microprocessor fails to halt washing machine operation within a prescribed window of time. The primary microprocessor controls operation of all of the washing machine electrically controlled components. The secondary microprocessor is electrically connected to a lid switch and the washing machine motor and is configured to halt operation of the motor in response to the primary microprocessor failing to halt motor operation after the lid is open.