Whirlpool Corporation

Pratyaksh Rohatgi

Neomar Giacomini

Maciej Ozarek

Controlling a door latch of a cooking appliance is provided. A controller monitors motor current of a motor driving a door latch during a locking operation of a door of the cooking appliance. The controller deactivates the motor responsive to the motor current reaching a closed door threshold amount of current. The controller indicates the door being in a closed state responsive to the current draw over time matching a predefined current draw curve.

Door latch detection with motor current analysis

A refrigerator includes a water system and a valve. The water system is configured to direct water to a dispenser or an ice maker. The valve includes a valve body, an inlet port, and a clutch. The valve is configured to connect the water system to a water source. The inlet port is configured to receive a tube to establish fluid communication with the water source and to engage a nut to secure the tube to the inlet port. The clutch is disposed between the inlet port and the valve body and is configured to slip in response to an applied torque to the inlet port exceeding a threshold.

Valve system for a refrigerator appliance

A refrigerator appliance includes a water system. The water system has a fluid circuit and valve assembly. The valve assembly is configured to control flow through the fluid circuit. The valve assembly has a valve, at least one actuator disposed on the valve, and a framework configured to secure the at least one actuator to the valve. The framework has first and second upright members, a crossmember, and an electrical connector. The first and second upright members secured to the valve on opposing sides of the at least one actuator. The crossmember is secured to opposing ends of the first and second upright members relative to the valve such that the valve, first upright member, second upright member, and crossmember form a closed loop around the at least one actuator. The electrical connector is electrically connected to the at least one actuator and is secured to the crossmember.

Growing community of inventors

Saint Joseph, MI, United States of America

Pratyaksh Rohatgi