Refrigerator Water Dispenser Load Cell for Automatic Fill Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerator water dispensing systems often require user interaction for filling containers, which can be inconvenient and may not accurately detect the water level, leading to inefficiencies and potential overfilling.
Innovation Solution
A water dispensing system that includes a shelf with a load cell and actuator support, where the load cell sends a signal to a controller to activate the water dispensing sequence, allowing for automatic filling and precise detection of the water level in a container, using a tension or compression load cell assembly to manage the actuator support and water dispenser tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a user-activated water dispenser is used, then the system is simple and reliable, but it requires user interaction and may not accurately detect water level
Solution Approach 1:
The load cell detects the weight of the container and automatically triggers the water dispensing sequence without user intervention. The system serves itself by monitoring the container weight and activating the pump when water is needed, eliminating the need for manual activation while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual user activation with an automated sensing system. The load cell (mechanical sensor) converts weight changes into electrical signals that trigger the controller and pump, substituting the mechanical user-action with an automated electromechanical system.
2Measurement precision
If manual water level detection is used, then the system is simple, but it leads to inefficiencies and potential overfilling
Solution Approach 1:
The load cell provides continuous weight feedback to the controller, which monitors the container weight and stops water dispensing when the predefined weight (indicating full container) is reached. This closed-loop feedback system ensures precise water level detection and prevents overfilling while optimizing dispensing efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If user interaction is required for filling, then the system is simple to manufacture, but it reduces convenience and increases time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the container's presence and weight status before the user completes the filling action. The load cell continuously monitors the container, and the controller is ready to activate the water pump immediately when the container is placed, eliminating waiting time and enhancing user convenience.
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
Enables automatic and precise filling of containers without user intervention, minimizing interaction and ensuring the water level is accurately maintained, as the system stops dispensing when the predefined level is reached, enhancing convenience and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A load cell is disposed on the actuator support, wherein the load cell sends a signal in response to movement by the actuator support
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator water dispenser includes a shelf having a lower surface. A water dispenser tube is disposed adjacent to the shelf for dispensing water into a container. An actuator support is operably coupled to the lower surface of the shelf. A load cell is disposed on the actuator support, wherein the load cell sends a signal in response to movement by the actuator support. A controller is operably coupled to the load cell, wherein the controller activates a water dispensing sequence to dispense water via the water dispenser tube in response to the signal from the load cell.