Refrigerator Dispenser Control Circuit Against Unintended Ice Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator ice/water dispensing systems are prone to non-intentional dispensing events, which can cause messes and damage, and existing solutions add complexity with periodic power cessation and ground short activation.
Innovation Solution
A control system with multiple actuation switches, drive units, and a processor that routes signals to control switches, using membrane switches and multiple power supplies to ensure intentional dispensing, with redundancy to prevent unintentional activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a motor control circuit routes current through a dispensing actuation switch, then the risk of non-intentional dispensing is reduced, but a ground short in the motor control circuit can still activate the dispensing motor causing ice to be released regardless of consumer demand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control circuit into multiple independent control paths, each with its own control switch (first control switch for water valve, second control switch for auger motor). This segmentation ensures that a ground short in one control path cannot activate dispensing through another path, as each path independently requires both a control switch closure and a dispensing switch activation to energize the drive units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces control switches as intermediary components between the dispensing switches and the drive units. These control switches act as mediators that must be closed for current to flow to the drive units, adding an additional layer of control that prevents direct activation even if a ground short occurs elsewhere in the circuit.
2Reliability
If periodic cessation of power to the dispenser is implemented to check the position of the dispensing actuation switch, then non-intentional dispensing is minimized, but unnecessary complexity is added to the motor control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical periodic power cessation method with an electronic control system that continuously monitors switch positions through control circuits. The control switches and dispensing switches work together in real-time to control power flow to drive units, eliminating the need for periodic power cycling while maintaining reliable control.
3Reliability
If multiple actuation switches and control switches are used to ensure intentional dispensing, then non-intentional dispensing is minimized, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple switches and control circuits into an integrated control system where dispensing switches and control switches work together in a coordinated manner. The control system combines multiple control paths (water valve control and auger motor control) into a unified architecture that shares common power supply and control logic, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for a refrigerator ice/water dispenser includes an actuation switch, at least one drive unit for releasing either ice or water, a motor activation relay that controls operation of the drive unit, and a power system having multiple power supplies for operating the control system, motor activation relay and drive unit(s). Preferably, the dispenser includes multiple actuation switches, e.g. a water activation switch and a water/ice activation switch, each having an associated activation relay for independently controlling the release of water and/or ice respectively. Current for initiating the drive unit activation relays must pass through a corresponding actuation switch in order to prevent unintended release of water and/or ice. Multiple processor circuits are preferably employed, with one processor circuit relaying to another processor circuit to enable drive unit activation. Preferably, the actuation switches constitute membrane switches so as to maintain minimum voltage levels at the dispenser.