Movement-Sensitive Actuating Mechanism for Multi-Product Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern refrigeration appliances with ice and water dispensing units often require separate levers for different products, which can complicate user interaction and increase the need for selection icons and tactile switches, occupying valuable user-interface space.
Innovation Solution
An actuating mechanism on the exterior of the appliance that can be moved to multiple positions to trigger the release of different types of products, such as water or ice, from a single dispensing unit, using a switch to send signals to valves controlling product lines, reducing the need for multiple levers and selection icons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate levers are provided for ice dispensing and water dispensing, then each product can be dispensed independently, but the device complexity and user interface space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single actuating mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions by detecting different push positions. The mechanism can identify a first push position for ice dispensing and a second push position for water dispensing, eliminating the need for separate levers while maintaining product versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the ice dispensing lever and water dispensing lever into one integrated actuating mechanism. This single mechanism includes a push button that can be pushed to different positions to trigger different dispensing functions, reducing the total number of components and simplifying the user interface
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple selection icons and tactile switches are added for different products, then product selection capability is improved, but the available user interface space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating mechanism serves as a universal control for multiple products. By detecting the specific push position (first position for ice, second position for water), it provides product selection capability without requiring separate buttons or icons for each product type
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a dimensional aspect to the actuating mechanism by utilizing different push positions in the same physical space. Instead of requiring separate spatial locations for ice and water controls, the system uses positional variation (first position vs. second position) of a single button to differentiate between products
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
Simplifies user interaction by allowing multiple products to be dispensed from a single unit, reducing the complexity of user interfaces and increasing available space for other functions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one switch configured to detect a position of the actuating mechanism
Implementation Method 2
a solenoid-operated valve connected to a source of water. The completion of the electrical circuit opens the solenoid-operated valve permitting the water to flow
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
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AI summary
An appliance for dispensing product is provided including a storage compartment located within the appliance, a dispensing unit located on the exterior of the appliance including a dispensing outlet, and an actuating mechanism located on the exterior of the storage compartment. The actuating mechanism is configured to be moved from a neutral position to at least a first position and a second position. The first position is configured to trigger a release of a first type of product, and the second position is configured to release a second type of product, respectively, from the dispensing outlet. In one example, a switch can be provided to detect the position of the actuating mechanism, and each position triggers the release of a different type of product from within the appliance.