Segmented Dispenser Pad for Simultaneous Ice and Water Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ice and water dispensers in refrigerators require users to select and activate each function separately, making it inconvenient to dispense both ice and water simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction dispensing actuation pad with multiple actuation points, allowing users to selectively dispense ice, water, or combinations like cubed or crushed ice and water by applying pressure to specific points, and a user interface for configuring these functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single actuator is used for both ice and water dispensing, then device complexity is reduced, but it becomes impossible to dispense both ice and water simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation pad is segmented into multiple independent actuation points (first actuator point, second actuator point, third actuator point), each capable of being pressed independently to trigger different dispensing functions. This allows simultaneous activation of multiple functions while maintaining a single integrated pad structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuation pad serves multiple functions by incorporating different actuation points that can trigger ice dispensing, water dispensing, or both simultaneously. The pad is designed to detect pressure at multiple locations and translate these into corresponding dispensing actions, making one component perform the work of multiple separate actuators.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate actuators are used for different dispensing functions, then dispensing versatility is improved, but device complexity and operational steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple actuation points are merged into a single integrated actuation pad structure. The pad combines the functionality of what would otherwise be separate buttons or actuators for ice, water, and other dispensing functions, allowing users to access all functions from one unified interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation pad is designed as a universal control element that handles all dispensing functions (ice, water, and their combinations) through a single component, eliminating the need for multiple separate actuators while maintaining full functional capability.
3Measurement precision
If a user must select and press separate actuators for ice and water, then function selection precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pad is divided into distinct actuation points with different pressure thresholds or sensitivity levels. This segmentation allows precise function selection (different functions triggered by different pressure levels or locations) while maintaining ease of operation through a single pressing motion rather than multiple separate actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation pad employs dynamic pressure sensitivity, where the same physical pad responds differently based on the magnitude and location of applied pressure. This allows a single dynamic element to provide precise function selection across multiple dispensing modes without requiring multiple static buttons.
Data Source
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AI summary
A refrigerator (10) includes refrigerator cabinet (12), a door (18) attached to the refrigerator cabinet, an ice and water dispenser (24) mounted at the door (18) for dispensing ice and water through the door, the ice and water dispenser (24) including a multifunction dispensing actuation pad (26) having a plurality of actuation points (32,34) and wherein ice or water is dispensed upon selectively applying a pressure to one of the plurality of actuation points (32,34) on the dispensing actuation pad (26). A method of operating a refrigerator (10) includes the steps of providing a refrigerator and selectively applying pressure to at least one of a plurality of actuation points (32,34) on a dispensing actuation pad (26) of the refrigerator to select an ice and water dispenser function.