Refrigerator Dispenser Imaging for Hands-Free Overflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice and water dispensers in refrigerators lack effective automatic cut-off features and fail to accurately determine container dimensions, volume, and positioning, leading to inefficient dispensing and potential overflow, especially with varying container shapes and sizes.
Innovation Solution
A digital imaging sensor system is integrated into the dispenser to capture and analyze images of the container, determining its dimensions, volume, and positioning, allowing for precise control of dispensing operations and automatic cut-off to prevent overflow, while not interfering with the bezel module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical or membrane switches are used for actuation, then the dispenser can be operated with simple controls, but the switches wear out over time requiring replacement and lack automatic cut-off features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches and membrane switches with an optical sensing system using a digital image capture device. This eliminates physical contact points that wear out, providing reliable operation without mechanical degradation while maintaining ease of use through optical detection of container presence and positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automatic cut-off functionality by using the digital image capture device to continuously monitor container filling level and automatically terminate dispensing when the container is full or properly positioned, eliminating the need for manual intervention or additional control elements.
2Extent of automation
If existing automatic cut-off controls based on container height are used, then some level of automation is achieved, but they are not effective when containers are not properly located or have various shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional height-based detection to two-dimensional digital image analysis. The digital image capture device captures the entire container profile and positioning, enabling accurate determination of container dimensions, shape, and location. This multi-dimensional approach allows the system to accurately control dispensing for various container shapes and positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces simple height sensors with a digital imaging system that provides comprehensive visual information about the container. This optical measurement system accurately determines container characteristics regardless of shape or positioning, enabling precise automatic cut-off control.
3Device complexity
If sensors or displays are mounted on a bezel, then the dispenser has integrated controls, but the bezel cannot be changed without significant modification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the digital image capture device from the bezel structure and mounts it in the dispenser area where it can detect containers without being part of the bezel assembly. This separation allows the bezel to be changed or removed without affecting the sensor system, while maintaining integrated control functionality through the captured images.
4Ease of operation
If manual operation with actuators is used, then the system is simple to operate, but it requires continuous user attention and can overflow if the user is distracted
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides hands-free operation by using the digital image capture device to automatically detect when a container is properly positioned and to control the dispensing process. The system monitors the container throughout dispensing and automatically cuts off when full, eliminating the need for continuous user attention while maintaining simple operation through automatic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The digital image capture device provides continuous feedback on container position and filling level. This visual feedback loop enables the control system to automatically adjust dispensing and terminate when appropriate, providing both automatic control and operational simplicity without requiring 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
The system ensures accurate and efficient dispensing of ice and water by automatically determining the container's characteristics and maintaining proper positioning, preventing overflow and allowing for hands-free operation, applicable to various container shapes and sizes.
Implementation Method 1
The sensing system employs at least one digital image capture device focused upon the dispensing area
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing system includes one or more digital image capture devices for capturing images in a dispenser well and a digital image analyzer operatively coupled to the digital image capture device(s) for analyzing the images for use in regulating a dispensing operation. The digital image analyzer evaluates digital images captured by the digital image capture device(s) to determine various characteristics of a container placed in the dispensing well, such as the height and position of the container.