Autofill Pitcher Liquid Level Sensing Using Vibration Propagation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autofill dispensing systems in refrigerators are limited by the space occupied by float mechanisms, which restrict liquid storage capacity and are unable to accurately determine liquid levels beyond the fill level, and existing sensing devices are often expensive.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator appliance with a dispensing system that includes a vibration generator and measurement device to propagate and measure vibrations through a container, allowing the controller to determine the liquid level within the container based on these vibrations, enabling accurate liquid level sensing and flexible fill level settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a float mechanism is used to detect liquid fill level, then the system can trigger cessation of dispensing, but the housing and float mechanism occupy considerable space, limiting liquid storage capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical float mechanism with an acoustic sensing system that uses sound wave propagation characteristics to detect liquid fill levels. The acoustic transducer emits sound waves through the container wall, and the reflected or transmitted wave characteristics indicate the liquid level without requiring mechanical components inside the container, thereby freeing up storage space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the container wall as an intermediary medium through which acoustic waves travel to reach the liquid. This allows the sensing system to detect liquid levels externally through the container wall, eliminating the need for internal float mechanisms and preserving container volume for liquid storage.
2Measurement precision
If a float mechanism is used to detect liquid fill level, then the system can determine when fill level is reached, but it cannot determine liquid level at other levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic acoustic wave emission and analysis, where the acoustic transducer continuously or periodically emits sound waves and analyzes the returning signals. This periodic measurement approach enables continuous monitoring of liquid levels across the entire range, not just at the fill level threshold, providing versatile level detection at multiple heights.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in acoustic wave parameters (such as travel time, amplitude, or frequency) as the liquid level changes. By measuring these parameter variations, the system can determine liquid levels at any height within the container, providing continuous level information rather than just a binary full/empty state.
3Measurement precision
If traditional sensing devices are used for detecting liquid fill level, then accurate detection is achieved, but the sensing devices are expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs acoustic transducers that are relatively inexpensive compared to traditional precision sensing devices. These transducers can be mass-produced and integrated into the dispenser system at low cost, providing accurate liquid level detection without the high expense of mechanical float assemblies or electronic level sensors.
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
This solution enhances liquid storage capacity and flexibility in setting desired fill levels while reducing the need for expensive sensing devices, providing accurate liquid level determination and efficient autofill functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration generator operable to propagate one or more vibrations through a container operable to contain liquid
Implementation Method 2
a measurement device operable to measure a characteristic of the one or more vibrations propagating through the container
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator appliance having a dispensing system and a method for dispensing liquid into a container are provided. The dispensing system can be an autofill dispensing system. In one example aspect, the dispensing system includes a vibration generator and a measurement device. When a container is present in a preselected position, liquid is delivered to the container. As liquid fills into the container, the vibration generator propagates vibrations through the container. The measurement device detects one or more characteristics of the vibration and routes one more signals indicative of the characteristics to a controller of the system. The controller determines a liquid fill level of liquid within the container based at least in part on the signals received from the measurement device.