Push Pedal Water Dispenser Hinge Pin for Jam-Free Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water dispensers with push pedal actuators often jam due to uneven pressure application, leading to unpredictable water dispensing, as users can press the pedal at various vertical locations on the large outer contact surface.
Innovation Solution
A water dispenser assembly featuring a hinge pin with offset upper and lower ends that pivotally couple to the actuator receiving area, allowing smooth and even linear movement between at-rest and actuated positions, ensuring consistent water dispensing regardless of the vertical point of contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a large outer contact surface is used for the pedal actuator, then it allows users to press the pedal at various vertical locations, but this causes uneven pressure application leading to the actuator becoming jammed
Solution Approach 1:
A hinge pin is introduced as an intermediary component between the pedal actuator and the actuator receiving area. The hinge pin pivotally couples to both, allowing the actuator to rotate smoothly between extended and retracted positions. This mediator absorbs and redistributes the uneven pressure from the large contact surface, preventing direct transmission of uneven forces that would cause jamming, while still allowing users to press anywhere on the large outer contact surface.
2Device complexity
If the actuator is directly coupled to the actuator receiving area, then the structure is simple, but pressing at various vertical locations causes uneven pressure and unpredictable water dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge pin serves as a simple intermediary component that pivotally connects the actuator to the actuator receiving area. This adds minimal structural complexity while significantly improving reliability by enabling smooth rotational movement that accommodates uneven pressure application from various vertical contact points, ensuring consistent water dispensing operation.
3Reliability
If the hinge pin is added to enable smooth movement, then reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge pin is a simple intermediary component that pivotally couples the actuator to the actuator receiving area, enabling smooth rotational movement between extended and retracted positions. This single component resolves the jamming issue caused by uneven pressure application, significantly improving reliability with minimal increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A water dispenser assembly for a refrigerator includes a housing having a front fascia with an actuator receiving area. An actuator is received in the actuator receiving area and includes inner and outer surfaces. The actuator is operable between at-rest and pressed positions. A hinge pin includes upper and lower ends with a body portion disposed therebetween. The upper and lower ends are pivotally coupled to upper and lower portions of the actuator receiving area to rotate the body portion of the hinge pin between extended and retracted positions. The body portion is further coupled to the inner surface of the actuator for movement therewith.