Dispenser with vessel identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration appliances with dispensing units for water and ice lack efficient and user-friendly mechanisms for managing dispensing parameters, such as volume, temperature, and type of product, often requiring manual input and lacking automatic recall of usage preferences for specific vessels.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration apparatus with a dispensing unit that includes a code reader for identifying receiver vessels with unique tags, a user interface controller to manage dispensing operations, and a main controller to operate solenoid valves and augers, allowing for automatic dispensing based on stored usage parameters and user input, enabling on-demand dispensing of water and ice with customizable settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual input mechanisms are used for dispensing parameters, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation and user convenience deteriorate due to lack of automatic recall of usage preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically identifies the receiver vessel using a code reader and retrieves stored usage parameters without requiring manual user input. The controller automatically dispenses water and ice according to the recalled preferences, making the system serve itself by eliminating the need for users to manually re-enter preferences each time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical input devices (levers, paddles, switches) with an automated identification and control system. A code reader optically or electronically identifies the vessel, and a controller automatically retrieves and executes stored parameters, substituting manual mechanical operations with automated electronic control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If automated vessel identification and parameter recall is implemented, then ease of operation and user convenience are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The code reader and controller system serves multiple functions: identifying the receiver vessel, retrieving stored usage parameters, and automatically controlling the dispensing of water and ice. This multi-functional approach allows the system to adapt to different vessels and user preferences while consolidating functions into integrated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The code reader acts as an intermediary between the receiver vessel and the controller, translating vessel identification into actionable data. The controller then serves as an intermediary between the stored parameters and the dispensing mechanism, coordinating the automated dispensing process based on the recalled preferences.
3Productivity
If conventional dispensing units without vessel identification are used, then device complexity is lower, but productivity and efficiency deteriorate due to repeated manual parameter input
Solution Approach 1:
Usage parameters for different receiver vessels are pre-stored in the controller's memory during initial use or setup. When the same vessel is used again, the system automatically retrieves these pre-stored parameters without requiring users to re-input them, significantly improving dispensing efficiency and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The code reader provides feedback by identifying the receiver vessel and communicating its unique code to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to automatically retrieve the correct stored parameters and execute the appropriate dispensing sequence, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to each vessel's history.
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 efficient and user-friendly dispensing of water and ice with automatic recall of usage preferences, allowing for precise control over volume, temperature, and type of product, enhancing user convenience and appliance functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid-operated valve connected to a source of water. The completion of the electrical circuit opens the solenoid-operated valve permitting the water to flow
Implementation Method 2
A code reader is provided which detects a receiver vessel 42 that is equipped with an identification tag 60
Data Source
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AI summary
A refrigeration apparatus (10) includes a dispenser (30) for dispensing water or ice into a receiver vessel (42). The dispenser (30) includes a dispense command input for receiving a dispense command from a user and a code reader (38) for interpreting an identification code associated with the receiver vessel (42). At least one controller (54) is operatively connected to the dispense command input to receive the dispense command, and to the code reader (38) to receive a vessel (42) identification based on the interpreted identification code. The at least one controller (54) controls the dispensing. A memory (46) is configured to store the vessel (42) identification in association with a usage parameter for the vessel (42). The at least one controller (54) determines whether water/ice has been previously dispensed into the receiver vessel (42). When the at least one controller (54) has determined that water/ice has not been previously dispensed into the receiver vessel (42), the at least one controller (54) causes the usage parameter to be stored in the memory (46), in association with the vessel identification (42), based on the dispense command received from the user.