Automatic water filler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerator water storage systems require manual intervention for refilling, lacking an automated solution for dispensing and storing chilled water efficiently.
Innovation Solution
An automatically refilling water storage system integrated into a refrigerator, featuring a water dispenser and docking base that senses the pitcher's position, orientation, and fill level to dispense water when the door is closed and the pitcher is aligned, and allows user activation when open, ensuring efficient and convenient water storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual refilling is used, then user control is maintained, but user effort and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the pitcher to automatically engage with the dispenser and trigger water dispensing through its own weight and position, eliminating the need for manual button pressing or intervention. The pitcher essentially fills itself when placed in the docking station.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning the pitcher in the docking station and pre-aligning the dispenser nozzle. When the pitcher is placed, the system is already prepared to dispense water immediately, eliminating the need for users to manually initiate the refilling process.
2Ease of operation
If automatic sensing is implemented, then refilling convenience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex electronic sensing mechanisms with a simple mechanical weight-sensitive switch. The pitcher's weight directly actuates the switch through mechanical contact, eliminating the need for sensors, circuits, or electronic control systems while achieving the same automatic detection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The pitcher itself serves as the sensing mechanism through its weight. By placing the pitcher in the docking station, its weight automatically triggers the fill operation, making the pitcher an active participant in the sensing and control process rather than a passive container.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the dispenser is always accessible, then user flexibility is improved, but risk of accidental activation or overfilling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the dispenser's operational state based on the pitcher's presence and fill level. The dispenser is enabled only when the pitcher is correctly positioned and disabled when full, creating a dynamic control system that adapts to real-time conditions rather than remaining statically accessible or inaccessible.
Solution Approach 2:
The weight-sensitive switch provides continuous feedback about the pitcher's fill status. When the pitcher becomes full, its weight increases and automatically triggers the switch to disable the dispenser, creating a closed-loop feedback system that prevents overfilling without requiring user intervention or complex sensors.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes an automatic filing water storage system. The refrigerator includes a cabinet having a fresh-food compartment and a door pivotally mounted to the cabinet. The system includes a dispenser positioned in the fresh-food compartment and a docking base positioned in one of the fresh-food compartment and the door. A container is configured to be supported by the docking base. In a docked position and when the door is in a closed position, the dispenser is configured to selectively dispense liquid into the container based upon a sensed fill level condition. When the door is in an open position, the dispenser is configured to dispense liquid based upon engagement of an actuator by a user.