APPLIANCE WATER FILTER SYSTEM HAVING MEMORY AND AUTHENTICATION FUNCTIONALITY

摘要

A water filter system for an appliance includes a filter head assembly, a first appliance control unit positioned proximate the filter head assembly and a water filter having a memory storage unit. The water filter is selectively placed in communication with the first appliance control unit to define a filter use state. The filter use state is further defined by a first potential fluid-flow rate through the water filter and a predetermined lifetime fluid filtration amount. A data transfer mechanism defines a second data-transfer protocol between the memory storage unit and the first appliance control unit when an actual fluid filtration amount of the water filter reaches the predetermined lifetime fluid filtration amount. The second data transfer protocol defines a notification state defined by a second potential fluid flow rate, the second potential fluid flow rate being less than the first potential fluid flow rate.

主权项

1. A water filter system for an appliance, the water filter system comprising:
a filter head assembly; a first appliance control unit positioned proximate the filter head assembly; a water filter having a memory storage unit wherein the water filter is selectively placed in communication with the first appliance control unit to define a filter use state, wherein the filter use state is further defined by a first potential fluid-flow rate through the water filter and a predetermined lifetime fluid filtration amount; and a data transfer mechanism in communication with the memory storage unit and the first appliance control unit, wherein the data transfer mechanism provides for a first data-transfer protocol between the memory storage unit and the first appliance control unit that further defines the filter use state, and wherein the data transfer mechanism defines a second data-transfer protocol between the memory storage unit and the first appliance control unit when an actual fluid filtration amount of the water filter reaches the predetermined lifetime fluid filtration amount, wherein the second data transfer protocol defines an notification state defined by a second potential fluid flow rate, the second potential fluid flow rate being less than the first potential fluid flow rate.