Material dispensing system and method with capacitance sensor assembly

摘要

A dispensing system and method for delivering material to a washing device using a capacitance sensor configuration is disclosed. The capacitance sensor configuration allows a controller to monitor and determine a flow rate of fluid exiting a reservoir. The dispensing system uses the flow rate information, along with downstream conductivity information, to control the dispensing of material. Additionally, one or more error conditions are identified during the material delivery cycle based at least partially on the monitored conductivity and capacitance.

主权项

1. A capacitance sensor assembly for determining flow rate comprising:
a reservoir including
an input passage,at least one retaining wall, wherein the retaining wall includes at least one opening, the opening having an opening size; anda fluid pooling area,wherein the input passage, fluid pooling area, and at least one opening are coupled such that the fluid pooling area can receive fluid from the input passage and fluid can exit the fluid pooling area through the at least one opening; a capacitance sensor positioned within the fluid pooling area and including a capacitance level output operable to output a capacitance level signal indicative of a capacitance within the fluid pooling area; and a controller including
a capacitance level input module coupled to the capacitance level output and operable to receive the capacitance level signal, anda flow rate module operable to indicate a flow rate of fluid exiting through the at least one opening based on the capacitance level signal and the opening size.