Refrigerator water dispenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerator water dispensers restrict water flow rates due to small diameter tubes, limiting the ability to provide a high flow rate of chilled water.
Innovation Solution
A liquid dispensing system with a pitcher and docking station that includes a spring-loaded check valve and a conical nozzle with a circular bezel, allowing for automatic filling and high flow rate dispensing of water into a separate container by engaging the valve when the container is lifted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If small diameter tubes are used to drive water flow through line pressure, then the system structure is simple, but the water flow rate is restricted and cannot provide high flow rate dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional components: a pitcher for water storage, a docking station for support, and a dispenser mechanism for flow control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, enabling high flow rate dispensing through the pitcher opening while maintaining simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A valve mechanism acts as an intermediary between the stored water and the dispensing system. The valve controls the flow rate by regulating water passage through the pitcher opening, enabling high flow rate dispensing without requiring complex pressurization systems throughout the entire water delivery infrastructure.
2Ease of operation
If the pitcher is removed from the refrigerator for dispensing, then high flow rate dispensing is possible, but the convenience and automation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pitcher, docking station, and dispenser mechanism are merged into an integrated system. The pitcher docks automatically with the station, and the dispenser mechanism is built into the docking station, allowing high flow rate dispensing to occur while the pitcher remains in the refrigerator, thus maintaining both convenience and automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service through automatic filling capability. When the pitcher is placed in the docking station, it is automatically filled with water from the refrigerator's water supply without requiring user intervention, maintaining high automation while enabling convenient dispensing.
3Productivity
If a valve mechanism is added to control the opening at the bottom of the pitcher, then flow rate control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism changes the flow rate parameter by adjusting the opening degree of the pitcher bottom opening. This simple parameter change approach provides effective flow rate control without requiring complex multi-component valve systems, as the valve only needs to modulate a single flow path.
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 high flow rate dispensing of chilled water into a separate container without removing the pitcher from the refrigerator, with the flow rate controlled by the user's upward force on the container.
Implementation Method 1
The valve may be a spring loaded check valve which may open by being pushed upward to unseat around the opening
Implementation Method 2
The narrow tip may be provided in a through hole of the docking station and be configured to raise into the valve for opening the fluid channel in the pitcher
Implementation Method 3
The bezel may have an outer edge and a plurality of spoke extending between the round outer edge. In examples, the bezel or the plurality of spokes may be made of an antimicrobial material
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a water dispenser and a liquid storage receptacle configured to be automatically filled via the water dispenser. The liquid storage receptacle includes a dispenser for opening a fluid channel between the liquid storage receptacle and a fluid container while the liquid storage receptacle is provided in the refrigerator. The liquid storage receptacle is provided in a docking base for supporting the receptacle in the refrigerator. The dispenser is integrated into the docking base and engages an opening in the receptacle which may be selectively opened by the dispenser.