Modular beverage-dispensing assembly for a refrigerator appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator systems fail to efficiently and safely dispense multiple types of beverages at refrigerated temperatures, often resulting in spilling or incorrect serving sizes, especially when trying to serve diverse beverages like craft beers, coffees, or wines.
Innovation Solution
A modular beverage-dispensing assembly within a refrigerator, featuring a housing with a compressed gas tank, discrete beverage containers, and multipath valves for selective gas and liquid dispensing, allowing for portable and controlled dispensing of multiple beverages without spilling or incorrect serving sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If beverages are stored in large containers at refrigerated temperatures, then beverage storage capability is improved, but transportability and selective dispensing capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides beverage storage into multiple discrete containers (212, 214) that can be individually selected and dispensed, rather than using a single large container. This segmentation enables both adequate storage capacity and selective dispensing of specific beverages.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from fixed refrigerator-mounted dispensing to a portable assembly that can be moved and used in multiple locations. The self-contained design with integrated compression gas tank and dispensing mechanism enables portability while maintaining refrigeration capability.
2Ease of operation
If existing refrigerator systems dispense beverages, then dispensing function is provided, but spill prevention and serving size precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The control system (276) monitors and regulates the dispensing process by controlling the compression gas release and liquid valve operation. This feedback control ensures precise serving sizes and prevents over-dispensing that could lead to spills.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a compression gas tank (238) with pressure regulation to control liquid dispensing. The pneumatic pressure provides consistent, controlled flow that prevents spills while enabling accurate serving size measurement and delivery.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple beverage types are stored separately, then beverage variety is improved, but system complexity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses universal components that can handle multiple beverage types: a single compression gas tank (238) serves all containers, a multipath liquid valve (260) routes from any container to the outlet, and a unified control system (276) manages all dispensing operations. This multi-functionality supports beverage variety without proportionally increasing complexity.
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
Enables safe and precise dispensing of multiple beverages at refrigerated temperatures, enhancing user convenience by allowing selective dispensing of different beverages without the risk of spilling or incorrect serving sizes, while being portable and self-contained.
Implementation Method 1
a compressed gas tank (238) mounted to housing (202)... selectively direct a compressed gas from the compressed gas tank to one beverage container... to selectively dispense the liquid contents
Data Source
AI summary
A modular beverage-dispensing assembly, as provided herein, may include a housing, a compressed gas tank mounted to the housing, and a plurality of discrete beverage containers, and a multipath gas valve or multipath liquid valve for dispensing a liquid from one or more of the beverage containers.