Image-Guided Refrigerator Dispenser Autofill to Prevent Overflow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice and water dispensers in refrigerators lack effective automatic cut-off features and fail to accurately determine container dimensions and volume, leading to inefficient dispensing and potential overflow, especially with varying container shapes and sizes.
Innovation Solution
A digital imaging system is integrated into the dispenser to capture and analyze images of containers, determining their presence, shape, and volume, allowing for precise control of dispensing operations and automatic cut-off to prevent overflow.
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 with simple controls, but the switches wear out over time requiring replacement and lack automatic cut-off capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches and membrane switches with an optical sensing system using a camera and image processing. The system detects container presence and dimensions optically, eliminating mechanical contact points that wear out. The actuation is achieved through optical detection rather than physical switch activation, resolving the reliability issue while maintaining ease of operation.
2Extent of automation
If existing automatic cut-off controls based on container height are used, then some level of automation is achieved, but they are not effective for various container shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses digital image processing to detect multiple parameters of the container including width, height, shape characteristics, and volume estimation. Rather than relying on a single height parameter, the system analyzes the complete geometric profile of the container to determine appropriate cut-off points, making the automatic control adaptable to various container shapes and sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the container's visual appearance through image capture and processing. This digital representation allows the system to analyze container geometry without physical contact and determine dispensing parameters based on the captured image data, enabling versatile adaptation to different container types.
3Device complexity
If sensors are mounted on a bezel, then the dispenser has a integrated control structure, but the bezel cannot be changed without significant modification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the camera sensor within the dispenser well area rather than on the bezel, separating the sensing function from the control panel assembly. This allows the bezel to remain a独立, changeable component while the sensor system is integrated into the dispenser well structure, enabling bezel modifications without affecting the sensing system.
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 customizable filling based on container shape and size, while maintaining bezel modularity.
Implementation Method 1
The sensing system employs a digital image capture device which is focused upon the dispensing area
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing system includes a digital image capture device focused on a dispenser well for capturing images of containers in the dispenser well and a digital image analyzer operatively coupled to the digital image capture device. The digital image analyzer evaluates digital images of containers captured by the digital image capture device to determine physical parameters of each container placed in the dispensing well. An actual dispensing operation is automatically regulated based on characteristics of the container.