Pitcher assembly for refrigerator appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Door-mounted pitchers in refrigerators experience water splashing and audible noise due to wave formation and rapid float movement, leading to consumer dissatisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A pitcher assembly with a spout design featuring incline walls and energy-absorbing material to mitigate wave-induced splashing and float impact noise, incorporating a lid with a float body constrained for vertical displacement and an energy-absorbing material between the float body and lid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pitcher is mounted on the refrigerator door to provide easy access, then the pitcher is easily accessible to users, but the pitcher rotates with the door causing water waves and splashing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of door rotation-induced water waves into a beneficial feature by designing a spout with an incline wall that actively utilizes the wave motion to enhance pouring flow. The incline wall is positioned to intercept waves generated during door rotation and direct them toward the spout opening, transforming what was previously a harmful splashing effect into an improved pouring mechanism that maintains accessibility while eliminating unwanted splashing.
2Extent of automation
If the float mechanism is used to maintain water level automatically, then the pitcher maintains prescribed water level without user intervention, but the float moves rapidly with waves and contacts the lid creating audible noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - the incline wall - positioned between the float mechanism and the lid. This incline wall serves as a mediator that absorbs and redirects wave energy before it reaches the float, preventing the float from making rapid movements and contacting the lid. The incline wall thus eliminates the audible noise while preserving the automated water level maintenance function.
3Ease of operation
If the spout is designed for easy pouring, then beverage dispensing is facilitated, but water splashes out of the spout unintentionally during door movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a non-uniform spout geometry with a specific incline wall structure. The incline wall is positioned at a precise angle and location within the spout to locally intercept and redirect water flow. This localized structural feature modifies the pouring characteristics specifically at the spout region, facilitating easy pouring while preventing splashing during door movement, without affecting other parts of the pitcher.
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
Prevents water splashing and reduces audible noise, enhancing user satisfaction by stabilizing fluid movement and absorbing energy during door opening and closing.
Implementation Method 1
an energy-absorbing material positioned vertically between the first end of the float body and the inner surface of the lid
Implementation Method 2
a flow path is defined by the first wall, the second wall, and the spout
Data Source
AI summary
A pitcher assembly includes a pitcher including a wall connected to a bottom defining a picture volume. The wall defines an opening at the top edge of the pitcher and a spout is formed at the top edge of the pitcher. A lid is removably fitted to the opening, the lid having a vertical wall extending from the skirt at the spout, and a second wall extending into the spout. The first and second walls cooperate with the spout and the skirt to at least partially block liquid from unintentionally splashing out of the pitcher volume. The lid may also include an energy-absorbing material disposed between a vertically displaceable float body and the lid.