Refrigerator Dispenser Scanner Assembly for Angled Code Reading
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerator appliances often have recessed dispensers that prevent the positioning of larger containers and obscure machine-readable codes, making them unreadable by scanners.
Innovation Solution
A scanner assembly is positioned behind the external wall of the dispenser, angled towards the recess, with a controller managing lighting components to enhance code readability by providing light after initial measurement, and a proximity sensor detecting object presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a recessed dispenser is used, then the dispenser can be integrated into the door, but the recess prevents access or positioning of containers larger than the recess and obscures machine-readable codes
Solution Approach 1:
The scanner assembly is positioned at an angle (between 15-90 degrees) relative to the recess, moving the scanning operation from a direct frontal approach into a dimensional configuration that bypasses the obstruction caused by the recess depth, allowing code reading without requiring full container insertion
2Reliability
If the scanner is positioned behind the external wall, then the scanner is protected and integrated, but the code may be obscured and unreadable
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting component activates before the scanning operation to pre-illuminate the code area, ensuring that sufficient light is available on the code surface before the scanner attempts to read it, thereby compensating for the obscured position
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting component operates intermittently based on detection signals, providing illumination only when needed (when an object is detected or during scanning operations), which maintains code readability while managing system resources efficiently
3Measurement precision
If lighting is provided continuously, then code readability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting component operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when triggered by object detection or scanning operations, thereby maintaining code readability when needed while significantly reducing overall energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses detection signals and scanning status as feedback to control lighting activation, creating a closed-loop control where lighting is provided only when the system determines it is necessary for code reading, optimizing the balance between readability and energy use
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
Facilitates scanning of machine-readable codes on larger containers by ensuring adequate lighting and reducing obstruction, improving code readability and usability.
Implementation Method 1
A dispenser assembly is positioned at the door. The dispenser assembly includes a recess extending into the door, the dispenser assembly configured to egress a fluid, ice, or both, toward the recess. A scanner assembly includes a scanner device and a targeting device. The scanner device and the targeting device are positioned at an angle toward the recess and behind the external wall.
Implementation Method 2
The operations include commanding, at the scanner assembly, measuring fidelity of scan data reflected from the object at the recess; and commanding, at a lighting component or the targeting device at the scanner assembly, provision of light toward or from the recess after a pre-determined period of commanding measurement of the amount and pattern of light at the scanner device.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator appliance is provided, including a dispenser assembly positioned at a door and having a recess extending into the door. A scanner assembly includes a scanner device and a targeting device positioned at an angle toward the recess and behind the external wall. A controller is communicatively coupled to the scanner device and the targeting device. The controller is configured to execute instructions that causes the refrigerator appliance to perform operations. The operations include commanding, at the scanner assembly, measuring fidelity of scan data reflected from the object at the recess; and commanding, at a lighting component or the targeting device at the scanner assembly, provision of light toward or from the recess after a pre-determined period of commanding measurement of the amount and pattern of light at the scanner device.