Refrigerator Automatic Water Supply Using Sensor-Based Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator systems require users to manually refill water vessels and wait for water to chill, leading to inconvenience and potential forgetfulness.
Innovation Solution
An automatic water supply device that detects the presence and liquid level of a water vessel using a sensor and inductive element, automatically filling the vessel when the level is low and the vessel is placed on a bracket.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual refilling of water vessel is required, then device complexity is reduced, but user convenience and productivity deteriorate due to frequent manual intervention and waiting time
Solution Approach 1:
The water supply system automatically detects water vessel presence through sensor 321 and liquid level through inductive element 322, then autonomously controls water valve 421 to refill water vessel 100 when needed, eliminating manual intervention and enabling the system to serve itself
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors water vessel presence via sensor 321 and liquid level via inductive element 322, feeding this information back to controller 20, which automatically adjusts water valve 421 accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to actual conditions
2Extent of automation
If water vessel presence detection is added, then automatic water supply capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and detection mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
Sensor 321 serves dual purposes: detecting both water vessel presence on bracket 200 and liquid level in water vessel 100, while inductive element 322 provides non-contact detection capability, allowing a single detection system to perform multiple functions and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based level detection with an inductive element 322 that detects liquid level through non-contact electromagnetic induction, eliminating the need for mechanical floats or contacts and simplifying the detection mechanism
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 users to conveniently access cold water at any time by automatically refilling the water vessel, eliminating the need for manual refilling and waiting for water to chill.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor (321) and an inductive element (322) are provided
Implementation Method 2
the sensor (321) detects a position of the inductive element (322) in an ON state to output a detection signal indicating the liquid level in the water vessel (100)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses an automatic water supply device and a refrigerator having the same. The automatic water supply device comprises a water vessel(100), a bracket(200) for placing the water vessel(100), a detection device(300), and a water supply mechanism(400) for supplying water to the water vessel(100), the water vessel(100) comprising a water filling port(110); the detection device(300) comprises a sensing unit(320) and a switch movably connected to the bracket, and the sensing unit(320) comprises a sensor(321) fitted with the switch and an inductive element(322) capable of rising or falling along with a liquid level;the water supply mechanism(400) comprises a water supply pipe(410) and a water valve provided on the water supply pipe(410), and an outlet of the water supply pipe corresponds to the water filling port(110) of the water vessel(100); the automatic water supply device further comprises a controller, the sensor(321) switches between an ON state and an OFF state based on the movement of the switch, and the water vessel(100) is placed on the bracket(200) to touch the switch, thereby driving the sensor(321) to be in the ON state; the sensor(321) detects a position of the inductive element(322) in the ON state to judge the liquid level in the water vessel(100); the controller controls the water valve to open or close according to the detection signal received from the sensor(321).