Refrigerator Water Vessel Float Detection to Prevent Overflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic water supply systems in refrigerators face issues with water overflow due to the failure of detection mechanisms when the float is removed, leading to continuous water filling without user intervention.
Innovation Solution
A controller-controlled water valve system that opens only when a first sensor detects the inductive element at a lower first height, ensuring the element is present in the water vessel, and uses two Hall switches or alternative sensors to detect the liquid level, preventing overflow by closing the valve if the element is absent or at a full level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a Hall switch and magnet detection system is used to automatically fill water when the water vessel is placed on the bracket and liquid level is low, then the user can take sufficient cold water at any time, but if the float is removed and not placed back, the Hall switch cannot detect the magnet causing water to always automatically fill until overflow
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent detection points: a first detection point to detect whether the float is present, and a second detection point to detect the liquid level. This segmentation ensures that even if one detection point fails or the float is misplaced, the system can still prevent overflow through the second detection point.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of the float's presence at the first detection point before enabling automatic water filling. This preliminary action ensures that the float is properly positioned and the detection system is functional before water filling begins, preventing potential overflow issues.
2Ease of manufacture
If the float can be removed for cleaning purposes, then the water vessel is easier to clean, but the user may forget to place the float back causing the sensor to fail detection
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides a cushioning mechanism by having the controller issue a reminder notification to the user when the float is not detected at the first detection point. This beforehand cushioning alerts the user to potential issues before water filling occurs, preventing measurement failures and overflow problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through reminder notifications sent to the user when the float is missing or not properly positioned. This feedback loop ensures users are aware of the float's status and can take corrective action, maintaining detection precision while allowing easy cleaning access.
3Device complexity
If a single Hall switch and magnet system is used for detection, then the device complexity is low, but the system reliability is compromised when the float is misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is divided into two distinct detection points: the first detection point for float presence detection and the second detection point for liquid level detection. This segmentation maintains relatively simple device structure while significantly improving reliability by providing redundant detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameter from a single continuous liquid level measurement to two discrete detection points (float presence and liquid level). This parameter change maintains simplicity while enhancing reliability through multiple detection states that can independently verify system status.
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 overflow by ensuring the water valve remains closed if the inductive element is not present or if the vessel is full, maintaining accurate liquid level detection through multiple sensors, thereby enhancing user safety and system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor disposed on the bracket and configured to output a first detection signal when detecting that the inductive element is located at a first height
Implementation Method 2
a water valve provided on the water supply pipe, an outlet of the water supply pipe corresponding to a water filling port of the water vessel
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention discloses an automatic water supply device, a refrigerator having the same and an automatic water supply method. The automatic water supply device comprises a water vessel(100), a bracket(200) for placing the water vessel(100), a detection means(300), and a water supply mechanism(400) for supplying water to the water vessel(100), the water vessel(100) comprising a water filling port(110); the detection means(300) comprises an inductive element(321) and a first sensor disposed on the bracket(200), the inductive element(321) is disposed in the water vessel(100) and capable of rising or falling along with the liquid level, and the first sensor(322) outputs a first detection signal upon detecting that the inductive element(321) is located at a first height; the water supply mechanism(400) comprises a water supply pipe(410) and a water valve provided on the water supply pipe(410); the automatic water supply device further comprises a controller controlling the water valve to open upon receiving the first detection signal; the detection means(300) further comprises a detection element capable of outputting a second detection signal characterizing the liquid level in the water vessel(100), and the controller controls the water valve to close upon receiving the second detection signal.