Autofill Pitcher Non-Contact Sensor for Accurate Fill Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autofill dispensing systems in refrigerators often suffer from inaccurate level detection due to deposits or mechanical issues with float mechanisms, leading to overfill or underfill conditions and consumer dissatisfaction.
Innovation Solution
An autofill pitcher system with a sensor positioned above the cavity to detect the fill level within the pitcher, using non-contact sensors like time-of-flight or ultrasonic sensors to accurately measure the liquid level without obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a float mechanism is used to detect fill level, then the pitcher can detect when liquid has reached a designated fill level, but the float mechanism may provide inaccurate level detection due to deposits or mechanical issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical float mechanism with an optical sensor system. The sensor emits light through the pitcher wall and detects the refractive index change at the liquid-air interface, eliminating mechanical moving parts that are susceptible to deposits and jams. This substitution maintains measurement precision while significantly improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (light) to detect the liquid level. Instead of direct mechanical contact with the liquid, the sensor uses light transmission and refraction principles to indirectly measure the fill level. This intermediary approach allows accurate detection without mechanical components that can fail.
2Measurement precision
If a float mechanism is used to detect fill level, then the pitcher can detect when liquid has reached a designated fill level, but deposits from water or water additives build up and interfere with the proper operation of the float mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical float mechanism with an optical sensor system that detects liquid level through the pitcher wall. This eliminates the float mechanism that accumulates deposits, as the optical sensor has no moving parts or surfaces exposed to the liquid that could accumulate buildup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy or representation of the liquid level detection. Instead of physically interacting with the liquid through a float, the sensor captures optical information (light refraction patterns) that represents the liquid level, allowing detection without physical contact and thus avoiding deposit accumulation.
3Ease of operation
If the float mechanism is stuck or jammed, then the mechanism cannot move properly, but this results in inaccurate level detection and overfill or underfill conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical float mechanism with an optical sensor system that has no moving parts. The sensor continuously monitors the liquid level through light refraction, eliminating the possibility of the mechanism getting stuck or jammed. This ensures consistent measurement precision without operational failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor system is self-regulating and requires no manual intervention. It continuously and automatically detects the liquid level through optical principles, without needing mechanical movement or adjustment. The system serves itself by maintaining accurate detection without being susceptible to mechanical failures that require user intervention.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides precise fill level detection, ensuring accurate filling without overfill or underfill conditions, enhancing user satisfaction.
Implementation Method 1
using non-contact sensors like time-of-flight or ultrasonic sensors to accurately measure the liquid level
Data Source
AI summary
An autofill pitcher system includes a pitcher and a dispenser. The pitcher includes at least one pitcher wall and an internal volume defined within the at least one pitcher wall. The dispenser defines a cavity. The cavity is configured to receive the pitcher. The dispenser also includes a fill tube and a sensor. The fill tube is positioned and configured to direct a flow of water from a water supply into the internal volume of the pitcher when the pitcher is received within the cavity. The sensor is positioned above the cavity and is operable to detect a fill level within the internal volume of the pitcher.