Refrigerator Dispenser Sensing for Water and Ice Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerated appliances lack a sensing system to effectively monitor and sense parameters related to dispensed water and/or ice, such as quality, quantity, and condition, at the dispensing points, which limits diagnostic capabilities and user notification.
Innovation Solution
A sensing system is integrated into the dispensing station of refrigerated appliances, featuring sensors like flow meters, quality meters, and temperature gauges that produce signals for a control system to monitor and process parameters, providing user notifications through visual, audible, or tactile signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensing system is integrated into the dispensing station to monitor water and ice parameters, then diagnostic capabilities and user notification are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is divided into separate functional modules including flow sensors, temperature sensors, quality sensors, and notification modules. Each sensor independently monitors specific parameters (water flow rate, temperature, quality metrics) and the control system processes signals from each module separately, enabling comprehensive monitoring while maintaining manageable system complexity through functional segmentation.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are installed at the dispensing outlet to monitor various parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed as a universal platform that receives and processes signals from multiple different sensor types (flow sensors, temperature sensors, quality sensors). This single multi-functional control system replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate monitoring systems, enabling precise measurement of various parameters while avoiding the complexity of having separate dedicated systems for each sensor type.
3Ease of operation
If a sensing module is made removable and aesthetically complementary to the dispensing station, then ease of installation and maintenance is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is implemented as a separate removable module that can be installed and removed from the dispensing station without permanent modification. This modular design allows the sensing module to be manufactured with precise mounting features for easy integration, while the overall system maintains ease of installation and maintenance through the ability to remove and replace the module independently.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, method and system for sensing parameters related to water and/or ice being dispensed from a dispensing station of a refrigerated appliance is disclosed. The dispensing system includes a sensing system positionable at the dispensing station at the point of dispension for liquid and/or ice to sense a parameter related to dispensed water and/or ice and produce a sensing signal.