Removable Refrigerator Dispenser Nozzle for Any Container Size
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerator water dispensers often have fixed water discharge ports that make it difficult for users to fit containers due to geometry limitations, restricting the ability to receive water or ice outside the dispenser recess.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser assembly with a removable discharge nozzle that connects to the dispenser body via an extension hose, allowing water to be dispensed outside the recess and featuring a mechanical valve for easy control, enabling use with any container size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed water discharge port is used in the dispenser body, then the structure is simple and reliable, but users cannot fit containers of various sizes and shapes due to geometry limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The water discharge system is divided into a fixed discharge unit (integrated into the dispenser body) and a removable discharge nozzle (separate component). The removable nozzle can be detached and reattached, allowing users to adapt the dispenser to different container sizes and shapes while maintaining a simple fixed structure when the nozzle is attached.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge nozzle transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic removable position. The extension hose enables the nozzle to be drawn out from the accommodation portion, allowing the discharge point to move and adapt to various container geometries beyond the fixed recess area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a removable discharge nozzle with extension hose is added, then users can receive water outside the recess with any container, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The removable discharge nozzle serves multiple functions: it can be attached to the fixed discharge unit for standard dispensing, removed for storage, and used with containers of any size or shape by extending outward. The extension hose provides universal adaptability to reach various container positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable discharge nozzle is designed to nest within the accommodation portion of the dispenser body when not in use. The extension hose can be stored in a winding accommodation portion, allowing the system to maintain a compact form while providing extended reach when needed.
3Ease of operation
If the water discharge port is fixed on the dispenser, then the structure is stable, but it restricts the ability to dispense water to containers placed outside the recess
Solution Approach 1:
The extension hose acts as an intermediary element connecting the fixed water supply system to the movable removable nozzle. This mediator allows water to be delivered to containers positioned outside the fixed recess while maintaining the stability of the internal dispenser structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser assembly for a refrigerator including a removable discharge nozzle. The dispenser assembly includes a dispenser body, a water supply flow path and a removable discharge nozzle removably supported by a storage part formed in the dispenser body. The removable discharge nozzle is coupled to an extension hose can be pulled out of the dispenser body by a user for dispensing water. The removable discharge nozzle includes a discharge flow path, a rotating shaft installed in the discharge flow path, an opening/closing member, and a discharge button for user manipulation.