Liquid Dispenser Outlet Sensing for Narrow Container Inlets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing water purifiers face challenges in accurately measuring the height of containers with narrow inlets, leading to splashing of purified water and hygiene issues due to contact between the water discharge module and the container inlet.

Innovation Solution

A liquid dispenser equipped with a vertically moving water discharge module and a distance measuring sensor that transmits and receives signals to accurately determine the container inlet height without a no-response duration, discharging water at a distance to prevent splashing and ensure hygiene, while protecting the sensor from foreign substances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a contact sensor is disposed on the lower surface of a water discharge module to measure container height, then the height measurement is achieved, but proper hygiene cannot be ensured due to contact with the container inlet

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer height measurementVSAvoidhygiene contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical contact sensor system with an optical sensor system. The optical sensor transmits and receives light signals to measure the height of the container inlet without physical contact, thereby eliminating hygiene contamination while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium between the sensor and the container. The optical sensor uses light transmission and reflection to measure container height, allowing indirect measurement without direct contact between the sensor and the container inlet.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a wide-angle ultrasonic sensor is used to measure container height, then the sensor can detect the container, but the height of the rim of a container having a thin inlet cannot be measured accurately

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor detection rangeVSAvoidthin rim height measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from ultrasonic wave intensity (which fails for thin rims) to optical reflection characteristics. The optical sensor detects the reflection of light from the container rim, allowing accurate measurement of thin inlet heights by utilizing optical parameters rather than acoustic parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the ultrasonic sensing system with an optical sensing system. This replacement enables accurate detection of thin container inlets by using light reflection properties instead of ultrasonic wave properties, improving measurement precision for narrow openings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the water discharge module moves to a point near the rim of a container to discharge water, then water can be dispensed, but the purified water can splash from the container due to height differences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater discharge functionVSAvoidwater splashing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where the optical sensor continuously measures the container inlet height, and the water discharge module adjusts its position and discharge parameters based on this feedback. This ensures water is discharged at the optimal location and angle to prevent splashing while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the water discharge module dynamic by enabling it to move vertically and adjust its discharge angle based on real-time container height measurements. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to different container positions and prevent water splashing while maintaining operational convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 enables precise measurement of container inlet heights, prevents water splashing, maintains hygiene by avoiding contact between the container inlet and the water discharge module, and protects the sensor from contamination.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor provided inside one of the main body or the liquid discharge module, and configured to transmit a signal to the container and to receive a reflected signal from the container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11780721B2Liquid dispenser

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

In a water purifier or other liquid dispenser, a sensor configured to transmit and receive a distance measuring signal is installed in a water discharge module moving vertically or disposed at the front of a main body, to sense a height of the inlet of a container accurately without a no-response duration of the sensor. Additionally, in the water purifier, the water discharge module discharges purified water at a point spaced a certain distance apart from the inlet of the container, to prevent the inlet of the container from contacting the lower surface of the water discharge module.