Refrigerator with quick fill dispenser incorporating removable fluid storage receptacle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Residential refrigerators often have dispensers that can only dispense fluids at low flow rates, making it time-consuming to fill larger containers.

Innovation Solution

A quick fill dispenser system with a removable fluid storage receptacle that includes a dock with a fill valve, dispensing valve, and a seal assembly, allowing for a higher dispense rate when the receptacle is supported by the dock, and a pour spout for independent use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a traditional dispenser is used, then the dispenser can operate continuously, but the fluid dispense rate is limited to low flow rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid dispense rateVSAvoiddispenser structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dispenser system is segmented into two distinct operational modes: a traditional continuous dispense mode through the dispenser valve, and a quick fill mode through the receptacle. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high flow rates during quick fill operations without requiring the entire dispenser system to be redesigned for high-speed operation, thus improving productivity while maintaining manageable device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The removable fluid storage receptacle acts as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between the water source and the dispenser outlet. During quick fill operations, the receptacle receives water directly from the water source at high flow rates and then dispenses it rapidly through its outlet, enabling high-speed filling without requiring the main dispenser valve to operate at unsustainable flow rates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the fluid storage receptacle is fixed, then the dispenser structure is simpler, but the receptacle cannot be easily removed for cleaning and independent use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereceptacle removalVSAvoiddock and receptacle interface

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The receptacle-dock interface transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic removable connection. The receptacle can be easily inserted into and removed from the dock, allowing users to take the receptacle out for cleaning or independent use. This dynamic interface balances ease of operation with acceptable device complexity by using simple mechanical features like ribs and grooves for alignment and retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the outlet port remains open, then fluid can be dispensed freely, but water may leak from the outlet when the receptacle is removed

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesealingVSAvoidseal assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seal assembly is pre-configured in a closed position to prevent water leakage when the receptacle is removed from the dock. When the receptacle is properly inserted, the receptacle outlet automatically opens the seal, allowing fluid flow. This preliminary sealing action ensures reliability by default, and the seal is only opened when needed, avoiding the need for complex active sealing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11781803B2Refrigerator with quick fill dispenser incorporating removable fluid storage receptacle

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 MIDEA GROUP CO LTD

AI summary

A refrigerator utilizes a quick fill dispenser that incorporates a fluid storage receptacle that is easily removable for cleaning and/or dispensing independently of the refrigerator.