Grain Dispensing Unit with Locking Mechanism for Cooling Appliances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cooling appliances lack specialized storage containers for grains and legumes, leading to issues like reduced usage volume, metabolic activity-related water vapor condensation, and accidental grain flow due to lack of a locking mechanism in existing grain dispensing units.
Innovation Solution
A grain dispensing unit with a locking mechanism is integrated into the cooling appliance, featuring a pivotable dispenser with a chute that can be locked to prevent accidental activation, allowing for controlled grain flow and independent operation from the dispenser lever to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a grain dispensing unit is provided in the cooling appliance, then grain storage convenience is improved, but accidental grain flow occurs due to lack of locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to proactively prevent accidental grain flow by blocking the chute before unintended activation can occur. The lockable state serves as a preliminary protective measure that counteracts the potential harmful effect of accidental dispenser activation, allowing users to secure the grain dispensing unit when grain flow is not desired.
2Reliability
If the locking mechanism is connected to the dispenser lever, then grain flow control is improved, but breakage of locking mechanism parts occurs due to force applied by user
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into an independent unit separate from the dispenser lever mechanism. This segmentation allows the locking function to operate independently without being subjected to the forces applied during normal dispenser operation. Users can lock or unlock the grain dispensing unit without applying force to the dispenser lever, eliminating the risk of breakage while maintaining grain flow control capability.
3Reliability
If hermetically sealed containers are used for grain storage, then shelf life is improved, but water vapor condensation occurs inside the container
Solution Approach 1:
The grain dispensing unit employs a non-hermetically sealed container design that allows controlled exchange of air between the stored grain and the external environment. This flexible sealing approach prevents water vapor accumulation and condensation inside the container while still providing sufficient protection against contamination. The controlled permeability maintains grain quality and extends shelf life without creating the condensation problem associated with completely sealed containers.
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 locking mechanism prevents accidental grain flow and breakage, ensuring safe and controlled dispensing of grains, maintaining nutritional value and hygiene by allowing users to manage grain storage effectively within the appliance.
Implementation Method 1
A chute is provided on the dispenser and is configured to allow the grain to flow under the influence of gravity in the open position of the dispenser
Data Source
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AI summary
Cooling appliance comprising; a body and a door having an inner liner (1), a grain dispensing unit (2) mounted onto the inner liner (1) comprising; a container (3) for storing the grain, a dispenser (4) pivotably attached on a lower portion of the container (3), wherein the dispenser (4) is pressed by means of force applied by a user to pivot between an open position allowing the grain to flow under the influence of gravity and a closed position inhibiting flow of the grain, a chute (5) provided under the container (3) configured to pivot outwards to transmit the grain in the open position and to pivot back underneath the container (3) to inhibit the flow of grain in the closed position, wherein a locking mechanism (6) blocks the movement of the chute (5).