Hands free, controlled autofill for a dispenser
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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 potential overflow and inefficiencies in dispensing operations, especially with varying container shapes and sizes.
Innovation Solution
A digital imaging sensor system is integrated into the dispenser to capture and analyze images of the container, determining its dimensions, volume, and positioning, allowing for precise control of dispensing operations and automatic cut-off to prevent overflow, while maintaining bezel modularity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pressure-sensitive mechanical switch or membrane switch is used to control dispensing, then the dispensing operation can be initiated by pushing the container against the switch, but the switch will wear out over time due to physical interaction and require replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches (pressure-sensitive or membrane) with an optical sensor system that uses a light source and photodetector to detect container presence and characteristics. This eliminates physical contact between the container and control elements, removing wear and tear on mechanical components while maintaining the convenient push-to-dispense operation.
2Extent of automation
If existing automatic cut-off controls based solely on container height are used, then some automation is provided, but the system is not effective when containers are not properly located or have various shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional height-based detection to multi-dimensional optical sensing that measures container position, shape, volume, and orientation simultaneously. The optical sensor system captures spatial characteristics in multiple dimensions, enabling accurate detection regardless of container shape or positioning, and provides precise control for automatic cut-off based on actual container geometry rather than assumed height.
3Ease of operation
If sensors or displays are mounted on a bezel, then the dispenser has a complete control interface, but the bezel cannot be changed without significant modification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the optical sensor system from the bezel structure and mounts it independently on the dispenser housing. This separation allows the bezel to remain a standalone cosmetic and control display element that can be easily replaced or customized, while the functional sensor system maintains its detection capabilities independently. The optical components are positioned to achieve the required detection angles without being integrated into the bezel assembly.
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 system ensures accurate and efficient dispensing of ice and water by automatically determining container parameters, preventing overflow and allowing for hands-free operation, adaptable to various container shapes and sizes, enhancing user safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a digital image capture device focused upon the dispensing area
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.