Image-Guided Refrigerator Dispenser Autofill Without Overflow
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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 images of the container, analyzing 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, but the switches wear out over time requiring replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches and membrane switches with optical sensors (infrared or other types) to detect container presence and initiate dispensing. This eliminates physical contact components that wear out, substituting them with non-contact optical detection systems that have no moving parts or contact points to degrade.
2Extent of automation
If existing automatic cut-off controls based on container height are used, then dispensing can be automated, but they are not effective for various container shapes and positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional height-based detection to two-dimensional imaging detection. By capturing images of the container and analyzing pixel data across multiple dimensions (width, height, position), the system can accurately determine container characteristics regardless of shape or orientation, enabling precise automatic cut-off control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from simple height measurement to comprehensive image analysis. By using optical sensors to capture visual information and processing pixel data to extract container dimensions, volume, and position, the system adapts to various container shapes and sizes, improving measurement precision for automatic cut-off.
3Ease of operation
If sensors or displays are mounted on a bezel, then the dispenser has control functionality, but the bezel cannot be changed without significant modification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensor system from the bezel structure and mounts it independently within the dispenser housing. The optical sensors are positioned to detect containers without requiring integration into the bezel, allowing the bezel to remain a separate, easily replaceable component while maintaining full sensor and control functionality.
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 container parameters, preventing overflow and allowing for hands-free operation, adaptable to various container shapes and sizes, enhancing user safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The sensing system employs at least one digital image capture device focused upon the dispensing area
Implementation Method 2
The digital image capture device(s) is coupled to a digital image analyzing system that processes images of the dispensing area to determine the presence of a container within 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, such as the height and position of the container.