Refrigerator Water Dispenser Lever Trigger for Shallow Recesses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators with door-mounted water dispensers face a challenge in optimizing space usage, as the reduced cavity depth limits the rotational angle of the trigger, making it insufficient for effective water flow without compromising interior volume.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a pusher mechanism that transmits force from the trigger to the valve, utilizing a first and second shaft system and a protrusion-support configuration to enhance the force arm length, allowing the valve to be triggered with a shorter rotational distance of the trigger, thereby increasing the effective force applied to the valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If the cavity depth is decreased to utilize interior volume more effectively, then the space occupied by the water dispenser is reduced, but the rotational angle of the trigger decreases making it insufficient for triggering the valve
Solution Approach 1:
A pusher mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the trigger and the valve. The pusher has a first arm that contacts the trigger and a second arm that contacts the valve. This intermediary lever system amplifies the trigger's limited rotational movement into sufficient force applied to the valve, resolving the contradiction between reduced cavity depth and adequate trigger rotation angle.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a direct linear relationship between trigger rotation and valve actuation to a lever-based dimensional transformation. By using the pusher as a lever with different arm lengths, the system converts a small rotational displacement at the trigger end into a larger effective force at the valve end, effectively operating in a different mechanical dimension.
2Volume of moving object
If the trigger rotational distance is shortened, then the space occupation is reduced, but the force applied to the valve becomes insufficient for effective water flow
Solution Approach 1:
The lever mechanism transforms the relationship between trigger displacement and valve force by operating in a different mechanical dimension. The pusher acts as a lever where a short rotational movement at one end generates amplified force at the other end, decoupling the spatial constraints from the force requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The pusher serves as a mechanical intermediary that mediates between the trigger's limited movement and the valve's force requirements. Through its lever geometry, it converts the short trigger rotation into sufficient valve actuation force without requiring the trigger to travel a long distance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration allows for efficient water dispensing with reduced space occupation, effectively utilizing the refrigerator's interior volume by enabling water flow with a shorter trigger rotational distance while maintaining sufficient force application to the valve.
Implementation Method 1
The pusher extends from the second shaft towards the first shaft. The pusher functions like a lever that triggers the valve by bearing against the valve.
Implementation Method 2
at least one first shaft, disposed between the valve and the exterior surface of the door or the body, providing the trigger to be mounted to the door, around which the trigger performs rotational movement and at least one second shaft, providing the pusher to be mounted to the body, around which the pusher performs rotational movement.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a refrigerator (1) comprising at least one trigger (7) whereon the user applies pressure, providing the valve (6) to open/close, a recess (10) disposed on the exterior surface of the door (3) or the body (2), wherein the water container, filled with water by the user, is placed, having a ceiling (9) and wherein the trigger (7) performs rotational movement, and where the interior space thereof is used effectively since the depth of the recess (10) is decreased.