Concealed Dispenser Assembly for Stain-Resistant Appliance Fronts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid and solid dispensers in appliances, such as refrigerators, often result in unsightly mineral deposits and stains on the tray and plunger, detracting from the appliance's aesthetic appearance.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser design that conceals the discharge openings behind a plunger, with a flush configuration that minimizes visibility and prevents liquid stains and mineral deposits, featuring a tray and plunger positioned to blend seamlessly with the appliance's exterior surface, and a basin deep enough to hold solids below the top surface, reducing the visibility of spills and stains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a liquid and solid dispenser is provided in the appliance, then the appliance can deliver liquids and solids to users, but the dispenser components become wet and develop unsightly mineral deposits and stains
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge opening is extracted from the visible front surface and relocated to a concealed position behind the plunger. This separates the dispensing function from the visible surface, allowing the front surface to remain clean and stain-free while maintaining full dispensing capability through the concealed discharge opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge opening is positioned in a recessed dimension behind the plunger rather than on the front surface. This dimensional relocation hides the discharge opening and any resulting stains from the visible exterior, effectively moving the problematic element to a different spatial plane.
2Ease of operation
If the discharge opening is exposed on the front surface, then liquid can be dispensed easily, but the dispenser appears unsightly compared to the sleek external surface
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge opening is extracted from the front surface and positioned behind the plunger, removing the visual disruption from the sleek exterior while preserving the liquid delivery function through the concealed opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger and discharge opening are merged into a unified concealed assembly behind the front surface. This integration allows the plunger to serve both as an actuator and as a cover that conceals the discharge opening, maintaining aesthetic appearance while enabling operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser assembly configured to dispense liquids or solids from an appliance. In one embodiment, the dispenser assembly includes a tray, a plunger located above the tray, and a discharge opening. The plunger has a front surface and is moveable between a non-dispensing position and a dispensing position. The discharge opening is concealed behind the plunger and free of the path of the plunger from the non-dispensing position to the dispensing position.