Water prefilling assembly for use in a refrigerating appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerating appliances lack an efficient and user-friendly system for prefilling and dispensing water into removable containers, which can be cooled and then removed for use, with existing solutions often resulting in overflow or inefficient fluid management.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerating appliance with a structural cabinet and inner liner that includes a water dispensing system with shelf spigots and fluid level sensors, allowing for precise monitoring and control of fluid levels in removable containers, enabling automatic stoppage of fluid flow when a predetermined level is reached, and incorporating a rail assembly for secure container positioning and easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a water dispensing system with shelf spigots is installed, then water can be dispensed into removable containers, but the system becomes complex and requires precise fluid level monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical fluid level monitoring mechanisms with a magnetic field-based detection system. A magnetic float inside the removable container interacts with a magnetic sensor in the shelf spigot assembly, enabling automatic detection of fluid levels without complex mechanical linkages or electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the fluid level (detected via float) and the sensor. This magnetic intermediary enables non-contact signal transmission through the shelf structure, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining precise monitoring capability.
2Reliability
If fluid level sensors are positioned below the shelf underside, then overflow is prevented, but the sensor positioning becomes difficult and the structure more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the sensor below the shelf and having the float rise to trigger it, the patent inverts the arrangement: the magnetic float is attached to the container lid and rises with the fluid level, while the magnetic sensor remains stationary in the shelf spigot assembly. The sensor detects the float's position as it approaches the shelf, providing reliable overflow prevention without complex positioning requirements.
3Ease of operation
If removable fluid containers are used, then user convenience is improved, but secure positioning and easy removal becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric engagement features between the removable container and the shelf spigot assembly. The container lid has a unique geometric profile that mates with corresponding asymmetric features in the spigot, providing secure positioning while allowing easy removal. This asymmetric design prevents accidental dislodgement while maintaining user convenience.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid delivery system for an appliance includes a fluid line in selective communication with a fluid source. A shelf defines a fill zone positioned below an underside of the shelf. A shelf spigot is coupled with the fluid line and disposed proximate the underside of the shelf and over the fill zone. A fluid level sensor is positioned in communication with the fill zone. The fluid level sensor is also in communication with a controller that regulates a flow of fluid through the shelf spigot.