Refrigerator with variable ice dispenser

Solution Overview

Problem

The configuration and actuation of ice and fluid dispensers in refrigerators are often not intuitive for users, leading to frustration due to the complexity of controlling dispensing modes and rates.

Innovation Solution

A variable ice dispenser with a movable control actuator that allows users to select between cubed and crushed ice modes and control the dispensing rate, along with a secondary control for switching between ice and water modes, providing a more intuitive user interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple dedicated buttons and switches are used to control dispensing modes and rates, then the dispenser can offer multiple ice and fluid dispensing options, but the configuration and actuation becomes complex and not intuitive for users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing mode optionsVSAvoiduser interface intuitiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary dial control serves multiple functions: selecting between different ice types (cubed, crushed), controlling dispensing rates (slow, medium, fast), and switching between ice and water dispensing modes. This single multi-functional control replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate buttons and switches, thereby maintaining versatility while improving ease of operation through a unified, intuitive interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotary dial provides dynamic control by allowing users to rotate through different positions to select various dispensing parameters. This dynamic interaction is more intuitive than static button presses, as it enables continuous adjustment and provides tactile feedback for mode selection, making the complex control scheme user-friendly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a single control is used to simplify the interface, then the ease of operation improves, but the ability to control multiple dispensing parameters may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol interface simplicityVSAvoiddispensing parameter control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary dial control serves multiple functions: selecting between different ice types (cubed, crushed), controlling dispensing rates (slow, medium, fast), and switching between ice and water dispensing modes. This single multi-functional control replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate buttons and switches, thereby maintaining versatility while improving ease of operation through a unified, intuitive interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotary dial introduces a rotational dimension to control selection, allowing users to access multiple parameters by rotating through different angular positions. This dimensional approach enables a single control element to manage multiple dispensing parameters that would otherwise require separate linear controls, maintaining full functionality while simplifying the interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11519653B2Refrigerator with variable ice dispenser

Publication Date: 2022.12.06 MIDEA GROUP CO LTD

AI summary

A variable ice dispenser for a refrigerator utilizes a variable control suitable for varying the rate of ice dispensing by the dispenser. In some instances, the variable control includes a variable control actuator that is movable between a range of positions including a home position, and movement of the variable control actuator in a first direction from the home position causes the variable ice dispenser to dispense cubed ice while movement of the variable control actuator in a second direction from the home position causes the variable ice dispenser to dispense crushed ice. Further, in some instances, the variable control may also selectively activate the ice dispenser such that the variable control actuator controls the ice dispensing rate while the variable ice dispenser is activated. In addition, in some instances, a variable control may also include a secondary control that switches between ice and water dispensing modes.