Refrigerator dispenser control with multi function control paddle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refrigerator dispensers require additional mode selection, complicating the dispensing process as consumers need to manually choose between water and ice dispensing functions, which can be inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

A multi-function control paddle is positioned below the dispenser openings and is pivotable in multiple directions, allowing different actuation regions to initiate various dispenser functions, such as water, ice, and beverage dispensing, without the need for separate mode selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate paddles or mode selection controls are used to dispense water and ice, then the dispenser can provide multiple dispense products, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring additional mode selection steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispenser function varietyVSAvoiddispensing process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A single control paddle is designed to perform multiple functions by detecting the direction in which it is pushed. The paddle can detect pushes from the left, right, front, and back, with each direction corresponding to a different dispense function (water, ice, etc.). This eliminates the need for separate paddles or mode selection controls, thereby maintaining ease of operation while providing versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control paddle is designed to be movable and responsive to dynamic user input. By detecting the direction of the push in real-time, the system dynamically adjusts the dispense function based on user intent. This dynamic response allows a single static component (the paddle) to control multiple functions without requiring the user to manually switch modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate controls are used for different dispense functions, then the dispenser can offer more functions, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispense product optionsVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple control functions that would traditionally require separate paddles or controls are merged into a single control paddle. The paddle's ability to detect push directions (left, right, front, back) allows it to serve as a multi-functional control mechanism, reducing the overall number of components and simplifying the control system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single control paddle is designed to universally handle multiple dispense functions through directional detection. This universal design eliminates the need for function-specific controls, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability across different dispense product options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If mode selection controls (knob, slider, buttons, touchscreen) are added before the paddle, then the dispenser can select between different functions, but the ease of operation worsens due to additional steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunction selection capabilityVSAvoidtime to complete dispensing action

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mode selection step is extracted and eliminated from the dispensing process. Instead of requiring users to first select a mode and then activate the paddle, the paddle itself becomes capable of selecting the function through the direction of the push. This removes the unnecessary intermediate step, reducing the time to complete the dispensing action while maintaining function selection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The control paddle performs the dual function of both mode selection and activation in a single user action. By detecting the direction of the push, the paddle automatically determines which function the user intends to activate, eliminating the need for separate mode selection controls and reducing the overall time required to complete the dispensing action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10906796B2Refrigerator dispenser control with multi function control paddle

Publication Date: 2021.02.02 MIDEA GROUP CO LTD

AI summary

A refrigerator utilizes a dispenser control with a multi-function control paddle to perform multiple dispenser functions in response to different types of actuation of the control paddle. The control paddle may be positioned below one or more dispenser openings and pivotable in multiple directions about one or more axes such that placement of a container below the one or more dispenser openings and against different actuation regions of the control paddle will initiate different dispenser functions.