Refrigerator with variable ice dispenser

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Solution Overview

Problem

The configuration and actuation of ice and fluid dispensers in refrigerators are often not intuitive for users, leading to user 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 provided for controlling dispensing modes and rates, then the dispenser can offer multiple functions and modes, but the device complexity increases and the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing modesVSAvoiduser operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple control functions (mode selection and rate control) into a single rotary dial interface. The rotary dial integrates ice/water mode selection, ice type selection (cubed/crushed), and dispensing rate control into one unified component, eliminating the need for separate buttons and switches for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotary dial serves multiple functions simultaneously: it selects between ice and water dispensing modes, chooses between cubed and crushed ice types, and controls the dispensing rate. This multi-functional control element replaces what would traditionally require multiple dedicated controls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple dedicated buttons and switches are provided for controlling dispensing modes and rates, then the dispenser can offer multiple functions and modes, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing modesVSAvoidcontrol configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11009278B2Refrigerator with variable ice dispenser

Publication Date: 2021.05.18 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.