Image-Guided Refrigerator Dispenser Control for Overflow Cutoff
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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 with simple control elements, but the switches wear out over time requiring replacement and lack automatic cut-off features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches and membrane switches with an optical sensing system using digital image capture devices. This eliminates physical contact points that wear out, providing reliable operation without requiring switch replacement while maintaining ease of use through automatic detection and control.
2Extent of automation
If existing automatic cut-off controls based solely on container height are used, then the dispenser can stop dispensing, but the system cannot accurately determine container dimensions and positioning leading to improper dispensing amounts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional height-based detection to multi-dimensional imaging analysis. Digital image capture devices capture two-dimensional images that are processed to extract three-dimensional container parameters including width, height, depth, and positioning, enabling accurate determination of container dimensions and volume for precise dispensing control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces digital image processing as an intermediary between the physical container and the dispensing control system. The image analyzing system acts as a mediator that translates visual information into precise dimensional measurements, enabling accurate container characterization without direct physical contact.
3Ease of operation
If sensors or displays are mounted on a bezel, then the dispenser has control and display functionality, but the bezel cannot be changed without significant modification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensing functionality from the bezel structure and relocates it to independent digital image capture devices mounted elsewhere in the dispenser housing. This separation allows the bezel to be changed or removed without affecting the sensing system, while control functionality is maintained through the image-based detection and control interface.
4Device complexity
If the dispenser uses a single actuator for both ice and water, then the control structure is simplified, but additional control elements are required for users to select between ice and water dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a hands-free dispensing system where the optical sensing system automatically detects container presence, positioning, and dimensions, then autonomously controls the dispensing operation. Users simply place their container in the well and the system handles selection and dispensing control automatically, eliminating the need for manual actuator operation or control element interaction.
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 placed in the dispensing well, such as the height and position of the container.