Touchless Ice and Water Dispensing With Container Stability Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dispensing systems in refrigerators require manual actuation and contact, leading to difficulties in controlling ice and water dispensing, potential spills, and unsanitary conditions due to repeated lever contact.
Innovation Solution
A touchless dispensing system equipped with a detection device and controller that detects a container's position and stability, allowing for automatic activation and control of ice and liquid dispensing without user contact, ensuring accurate filling and preventing spills.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual lever actuation system is used for dispensing ice and water, then the device structure remains simple, but user operation becomes difficult and unsanitary conditions arise from repeated contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical lever actuation system with an automated detection and dispensing system. The detection device uses sensors (optical, capacitive, or other non-contact types) to detect container presence and characteristics, eliminating the need for manual lever contact. The controller automatically activates the dispenser based on detection signals, substituting mechanical user interaction with an automated electromechanical system that improves hygiene and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing system performs self-service by automatically detecting when a container is positioned and initiating dispensing without requiring manual lever actuation. The system monitors container presence and stability, automatically controlling the dispensing process based on detected parameters, thereby eliminating the need for continuous user intervention and improving operational ease.
2Productivity
If the lever is continuously actuated for dispensing, then ice and water can be dispensed continuously, but spills occur and the user cannot engage in other activities
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device provides continuous feedback to the controller about container presence, position, and stability during the dispensing process. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically adjusts or terminates dispensing to prevent spills. The system monitors throughout the dispensing operation and can stop automatically when the container is full or removed, eliminating the need for the user to continuously hold the lever and allowing them to engage in other activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-regulation during dispensing. The detection device continuously assesses container stability and position, and the controller automatically manages the dispensing process without requiring ongoing user input. This enables continuous productive dispensing while freeing the user from the task of manually controlling the lever throughout the process.
3Device complexity
If repeated contact with the lever is required for dispensing, then the mechanism remains simple, but unsanitary conditions are promoted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical lever contact point by substituting it with a non-contact detection system. Sensors detect container presence and characteristics without physical contact, and the controller automatically manages dispensing. This replacement of the manual mechanical interface with an automated sensor-based system removes the source of unsanitary conditions while introducing controlled complexity in the form of detection and control electronics.
4Reliability
If the user must hold the container against the lever to continue dispensing, then control over dispensing is maintained, but the user cannot engage in other activities
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device continuously monitors container presence and stability, providing feedback to the controller throughout the dispensing process. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable dispensing control while eliminating the need for the user to physically hold the container against a lever. The system maintains control through automated sensing and response, freeing the user's time for other activities.
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing system includes a detection device and a dispenser configured to dispense at least one of ice and a liquid. The detection device is configured to detect a container positioned with respect to the dispenser and generate a first signal representative of the container position. The dispensing system also includes a controller coupled to the detection device and the dispenser. The controller is configured to determine a stability of the container and activate the dispenser to dispense at least one of an amount of the ice and an amount of the liquid into the container based on the first signal and the determined stability of the container.