Refrigerator and drink supply apparatus thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional beverage supply devices in refrigerators suffer from high noise and energy consumption due to the use of driving pumps for dispensing beverages, which is not in line with the requirements of high-quality refrigerators for low noise and low energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A beverage supply device that uses a rotatable blocking member to invert the beverage container, allowing beverages to flow out under gravity, eliminating the need for a driving pump and incorporating a liquid outlet mechanism with a liquid injection nozzle and air inlet tube for controlled dispensing, ensuring reliable and spill-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a driving pump is used to drive the beverage to flow out of the container, then the beverage can be supplied reliably, but noise and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the driving pump from the beverage supply system entirely. Instead of using mechanical pumping, the system relies on gravity to drive the beverage from the container through the blocking member to the outlet, thereby eliminating the source of noise and excessive energy consumption while maintaining reliable beverage supply
Solution Approach 2:
The beverage container and blocking member system is designed to be self-regulating. The blocking member automatically controls the beverage flow based on its position, and gravity naturally drives the beverage without external power input. The system uses the weight of the beverage itself to create the driving force, making it self-service and eliminating the need for energy-consuming pumps
2Use of energy by stationary object
If the blocking member is rotated to invert the beverage container, then beverage flow is enabled under gravity, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the beverage container by rotating the blocking member 180 degrees. This inversion allows the beverage to flow naturally under gravity from the container through the blocking member's passage to the outlet. The blocking member serves both as a support for the container and as a flow control element, simplifying the overall structure despite the rotation mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking member performs multiple functions: it supports the beverage container, controls the beverage flow through its passage, and enables container inversion through rotation. The adapter connects the blocking member to the support leg and provides electrical connections. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, offsetting the complexity introduced by the rotation mechanism
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the blocking member engages with the mouth of the beverage container, then spill is prevented, but the assembly and disassembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member is inserted into the mouth of the beverage container in a nested fashion. The adapter of the blocking member engages with the support leg, creating a nested structure where components fit within each other. This nested design provides secure engagement to prevent spill while allowing relatively easy assembly and disassembly by simply inserting or removing the blocking member
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking member is designed to be rotatable about the support leg, providing dynamic adjustment capability. This rotation allows the blocking member to transition between different positions, enabling easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining secure engagement when in the correct position. The dynamic rotation feature makes the system adaptable and user-friendly
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 solution significantly reduces noise and energy consumption while providing a reliable and efficient beverage dispensing system, enhancing user experience by eliminating pump-related noise and energy usage, and ensuring tight fitting and sealing to prevent leakage.
Implementation Method 1
the beverage container is inverted so that the beverage is accessed by the user. As such, the beverage may flow out of the beverage container under the action of gravity
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a refrigerator and a beverage supply device thereof. The beverage supply device comprises: a supporting seat, an adapting seat, a liquid outlet mechanism, and a blocking member for fitting with a mouth of a beverage container, the blocking member having a channel fitted with the liquid outlet mechanism, the blocking member being disposed on the adapting seat and rotating synchronously with the adapting seat; when the blocking member is located at an initially-assembled position, the beverage container is fitted to the blocking member in a state where the mouth of the beverage container is higher than a liquid level of the beverage; when the blocking member is located at a fully-assembled position, the beverage container is vertically inverted on the blocking member.