Refrigeration appliance apparatus and domestic refrigeration appliance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration appliances with water-dispensing units lack operational convenience, particularly in terms of flexibility and accessibility of operating elements, which hinders efficient water removal and vessel filling processes.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration appliance apparatus with a water-dispensing unit featuring two operating elements: a first element arranged substantially outside the dispensing region for direct actuation and a second element inside for indirect actuation, both mechanically coupled to a single switch element, allowing for one-handed operation and reduced installation space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single operating element is used in the water-dispensing unit, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to limited accessibility and flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The single operating element is segmented into two distinct operating elements: a first operating element arranged outside the dispensing region for direct actuation, and a second operating element arranged inside the dispensing region for indirect actuation. This segmentation allows different users to operate the device according to their needs, improving ease of operation without significantly increasing overall device complexity since both elements share common functional components.
2Area of stationary object
If the operating element is arranged inside the dispensing region, then the installation space is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to poor accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The operating elements are segmented into two spatial zones: the first operating element is positioned outside the dispensing region where it is easily accessible for direct actuation, while the second operating element is positioned inside the dispensing region to utilize available space efficiently. This spatial segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing both accessible and space-efficient operating positions.
Solution Approach 2:
Both operating elements are designed to actuate the same switch element, making the system multi-functional. The first operating element serves users who need easy external access, while the second operating element serves users who prefer internal positioning or need one-handed operation. This universality allows the same functional component to be accessed from multiple positions, resolving the space-accessibility contradiction.
3Ease of operation
If multiple operating elements are added for different actuation methods, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second operating elements are merged in their functional connection to a single switch element. Both operating elements share the same actuation mechanism and control pathway, which reduces the overall structural complexity compared to having completely separate control systems. This merging allows multiple actuation methods while maintaining a unified control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch element is designed with universal functionality to respond to both direct actuation (via the first operating element) and indirect actuation (via the second operating element). This multi-functional design allows a single component to serve multiple purposes, improving operational flexibility without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration appliance apparatus, in particular for a domestic refrigeration appliance, has at least one water-dispensing unit. The water-dispensing unit has at least one actuating unit being a first operating element for starting a water removal. The apparatus is improved, in terms of operating convenience, by providing the actuating unit with at least one additional second operating element for starting the water removal.