Refrigerator dispenser control including integrated dispense level input sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator dispensers lack the ability for users to easily control the amount of dispense product, such as water or ice, dispensed into a container during automatic operations.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator dispenser control system with an integrated dispense level input sensor that allows users to select a desired dispense level along a vertical direction, enabling controlled dispensing of products based on user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sensor is used to sense container height and dispense product level to automatically deactivate dispensing, then automatic dispense control is improved, but the system cannot enable users to control the specific amount dispensed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sensor array that detects container height with a user interface that allows users to select desired dispense levels. The sensor data is merged with user preferences to control the dispenser valve, enabling both automatic operation and user customization of dispense amounts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to continuously monitor container height and provides feedback to the control logic. This feedback loop allows the system to adjust dispensing in real-time based on both the physical container state and user-selected parameters, enabling precise control over dispense amounts.
2Device complexity
If manual paddle activation is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but precise control over dispense amount is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic measurements of container height and dispense level without requiring manual intervention. The sensors automatically detect parameters and the control logic autonomously manages the dispensing process, eliminating the need for manual paddle operation while providing precise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical paddle activation system with an electronic sensor-based control system. Optical or capacitive sensors detect container characteristics and replace the mechanical feedback loop, enabling precise digital control over dispense amounts while maintaining ease of use.
3Extent of automation
If predetermined fixed dispense amounts are used, then automation is achieved, but user flexibility to control specific amounts is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static predetermined dispense amounts to dynamic user-selectable levels. The sensor array continuously adapts to the specific container being used, and users can dynamically adjust the desired dispense level based on their needs, making the automation flexible rather than rigid.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables users to change the dispense parameter (amount) based on container characteristics and user preferences. The system measures container height and allows users to select from multiple dispense levels, transforming the fixed parameter approach into a variable parameter system that adapts to different situations.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator dispenser may include a dispenser control that includes an integrated dispense level input sensor through which a user can indicate a desired dispense level for an automatic dispense operation performed with the refrigerator dispenser. With such a dispenser control, a user may, for example, direct user input to the dispense level input sensor to select a selected position along a substantially vertical direction, such that an automatic dispense operation may dispense a controlled level of dispense product corresponding to the selected position into a container.