Refrigerator with a quick fill dispenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerator water dispensers are unable to quickly fill large containers such as pitchers or sport bottles due to their limited flow rate, which is often restricted by the water filter's flow rate.
Innovation Solution
A quick fill dispenser system integrated into a refrigerator, featuring a water storage receptacle with a valve that allows for a higher flow rate than the water filter, capable of dispensing water at rates of about 1 to 2 gallons per minute, and includes a laminar flow device and a pump for efficient water distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional water dispenser is used, then water is dispensed through the water filter, but the flow rate is limited by the filter's capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The water dispensing system is divided into two separate pathways: a first dispenser for normal dispensing through the water filter, and a second quick fill dispenser for rapid filling that bypasses the filter. This segmentation allows each pathway to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
A water storage receptacle is introduced as an intermediary component between the water supply and the quick fill dispenser. This receptacle stores water temporarily and enables high-flow dispensing by decoupling the storage function from the filtration function, allowing the quick fill pathway to operate independently of the filter's flow rate limitations.
2Productivity
If water is dispensed through the water filter, then water quality is maintained, but the flow rate is insufficient for quickly filling large containers
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments water dispensing into two distinct functions: quality-focused dispensing through the filter and speed-focused quick fill dispensing that bypasses the filter. Users can select the appropriate pathway based on their needs, ensuring both water quality and filling speed requirements are met.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow rate parameter by providing two different dispensing pathways: one optimized for low flow rate through the filter and another optimized for high flow rate bypassing the filter. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements.
3Productivity
If the water storage receptacle is continuously refilled through the water filter, then the quick fill function can operate, but the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The water storage receptacle is pre-filled with water in advance, allowing the quick fill dispenser to immediately dispense large volumes without waiting for real-time filtration. This preliminary action stores water ahead of time when flow rate constraints are less critical.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous water availability in the storage receptacle through automated or manual refilling, ensuring the quick fill function is always ready to operate at high speed without interruption or waiting time.
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 rapid filling of large containers by increasing the water flow rate beyond the filter's capacity, allowing for efficient filling of containers without the need for continuous refilling of the water storage receptacle.
Implementation Method 1
the valve may gravity dispense water at the first flow rate from the outlet
Implementation Method 2
the refrigerator appliance further comprises a pump in fluid communication with the water storage receptacle and the outlet
Implementation Method 3
the outlet may include a laminar flow device
Implementation Method 4
the laminar flow device may be an aerator
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator appliance having a quick fill dispenser to rapidly fill a container. The refrigerator may include a water storage receptacle. The water storage receptacle may be in fluid communication with a water filter. The water storage receptacle may dispense water at a flow rate greater than the flow rate entering the water storage receptacle. A valve may be downstream of the water storage receptacle.