Refrigerator Dispenser with Vibration-Driven Wave Pattern Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerator dispensing systems lack interactive and engaging features, providing little visual or acoustic interest.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing assembly with a flexible hose and vibration generator, activated by an actuating mechanism, creates a wave pattern flow of water, accompanied by synchronized LED arrays and a loudspeaker for enhanced visual and auditory experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a conventional dispensing system is used, then the refrigerator provides basic water dispensing functionality, but the system lacks visual interest and user engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by making the hose movable rather than fixed. The hose is configured to move in a wave pattern when water flows through it, creating dynamic visual interest. This is achieved by allowing the hose to flex and oscillate freely within the dispenser assembly, transforming a static dispensing system into one with continuous motion and visual engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements Mechanical vibration by inducing vibrations in the hose during water dispensing. The hose vibrates as water flows through it, creating a mesmerizing wave pattern that enhances visual appeal. This vibration effect transforms the ordinary water stream into an engaging visual display without requiring additional active components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional dispensing system is used, then the structure remains simple, but the system provides no acoustic interest or interactive features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Universality principle by enabling the hose to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The hose not only delivers water but also acts as a visual display element through its wave pattern motion and serves as an acoustic element that can produce sounds during vibration. This multi-functionality adds interactive features and adaptability without requiring separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements Parameter changes by altering the physical state and behavior of the hose during operation. The hose transitions from a static, inactive state to a dynamic, vibrating state when water flows through it. This parameter change in the hose's motion and physical behavior creates acoustic interest and interactive features while maintaining the simplicity of the overall system architecture.
3Illumination intensity
If the hose is made flexible to create wave patterns, then visual interest is enhanced, but control over water flow direction becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Self-service principle by allowing the hose to self-regulate its positioning and water flow direction through its own flexibility and the natural dynamics of water flow. The hose automatically adjusts its configuration to deliver water to the intended destination while maintaining its wave pattern motion, without requiring external control mechanisms. This self-service capability maintains ease of operation despite the hose's flexibility.
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
Enhances user interaction and visual appeal by providing a mesmerizing wave pattern flow of water, improving the overall user experience with the dispenser.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration generator coupled to the flexible hose and in operative communication with the actuating mechanism such that the vibration generator is activated when the actuating mechanism is activated. The vibration generator moves the flexible hose relative to the dispenser recess along the lateral direction when the vibration generator is activated, thereby providing a wave pattern flow of water from the flexible hose.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator appliance includes a dispensing assembly. The dispensing assembly includes a dispenser recess with a flexible hose that is in fluid communication with a water supply to deliver water to the dispenser recess. The dispensing assembly also includes an actuating mechanism in operative communication with the water supply to cause the water supply to deliver a flow of water to the flexible hose when the actuating mechanism is activated. The dispensing assembly further includes a vibration generator coupled to the flexible hose and in operative communication with the actuating mechanism such that the vibration generator is activated when the actuating mechanism is activated. The vibration generator moves the flexible hose relative to the dispenser recess when the vibration generator is activated, thereby providing a wave pattern flow of water from the flexible hose.