Refrigerator Door Water Pitcher Auto-Fill With Capacitive Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators lack an efficient mechanism for automatically filling a water pitcher or carafe with liquid, requiring user intervention and lacking advanced sensing and control systems for precise filling and freshness monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator system featuring a liquid dispenser on the door with a sensor and control unit that automatically fills a water pitcher based on its presence, liquid level, and type, using capacitive or magnetic sensing to regulate the filling process and provide user-selectable fill levels, along with a feedback system for freshness monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a conventional water dispenser is used in a refrigerator, then liquid can be dispensed, but the system lacks automatic sensing and control capabilities for precise filling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with automated sensing and control systems. Magnetic sensors detect the presence and liquid level in the container, while electronic controls automatically regulate the liquid dispenser, eliminating the need for user intervention and achieving precise automatic filling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the refrigerator automatically detects when a container is placed, monitors liquid levels through magnetic sensors, and refills the container without user intervention. The control system manages the entire dispensing process autonomously based on sensor feedback.
2Measurement precision
If manual filling is used, then the system is simple, but user intervention is required and filling precision is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs magnetic sensors instead of manual visual inspection to detect liquid levels. The magnetic sensing element provides precise, contactless measurement of the liquid level in the container, enabling accurate automatic control of the dispensing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback control mechanism where magnetic sensors continuously monitor the liquid level in the container and relay information to the control system. The controller adjusts the dispensing rate and stops filling when the desired level is reached, ensuring precise liquid level control through closed-loop feedback.
3Ease of operation
If no sensing system is present, then the device is simple, but automatic regulation of liquid dispensing cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerator system performs self-service by automatically detecting container presence through magnetic sensors, monitoring liquid levels, and refilling containers without user intervention. This eliminates the need for users to manually check or refill water containers, significantly improving convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system receives continuous feedback from magnetic sensors regarding container presence and liquid level, automatically adjusting the dispensing operation accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the system to respond autonomously to user needs without requiring manual operation.
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 a water pitcher, ensuring the desired liquid level and freshness, enhancing user convenience and reducing the risk of stale water.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor utilizes a magnetic sensing element located adjacent to the container
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining a fresh food compartment and a door pivotally mounted to the cabinet and including an interior surface in communication with the fresh food compartment when the door is closed. A shelf unit is disposed adjacent the interior surface of the door, and a container is supported by the shelf unit. A fill mechanism is positioned vertically above the container and the container is configured to receive liquid from the fill mechanism. A sensor is configured to sense a property of the container or liquid received in the container. A control is in communication with the sensor and regulates a dispensing of liquid into the container based upon the sensed property. The sensor utilizes a capacitive sensor located adjacent to the container.