Water dispensing system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerator water dispensing systems often require user interaction for filling containers, which can be inconvenient and may not efficiently detect the water level within the container.
Innovation Solution
A water dispensing system that includes a shelf with a load cell and actuator support, where the load cell sends a signal to a controller to activate a water dispensing sequence when a container is placed on the shelf, allowing for automatic filling and detection of the water level, using a tension or compression load cell assembly to manage the actuator support and water dispenser tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a load cell is integrated into the shelf to detect container placement, then automatic water dispensing is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load cell is integrated into the shelf structure itself, merging the weighing function with the existing shelf. This combination enables automatic container detection and water dispensing activation without requiring a separate, standalone sensing system, thus reducing overall device complexity while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The load cell acts as an intermediary element between the container placement action and the water dispensing control system. It converts mechanical weight changes into electrical signals that trigger the automated dispensing sequence, enabling automatic operation through a simple sensing mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If user interaction is minimized for container filling, then convenience is improved, but the ability to detect water level may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The load cell provides continuous feedback on the weight of the container and its contents. As water is dispensed into the container, the decreasing weight (due to water leaving the system) is detected by the load cell, enabling precise water level monitoring and automatic dispensing control without requiring user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring of the water dispensing process through the load cell, which automatically detects when the container is full or when dispensing should stop. This self-service capability eliminates the need for user checking while maintaining accurate water level detection.
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
Enables automatic filling of containers with minimal user interaction and precise control over the water level, ensuring the system stops dispensing when the container reaches a predefined level, enhancing convenience and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A load cell is disposed on the actuator support, wherein the load cell sends a signal in response to movement by the actuator support
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator water dispenser includes a shelf having a lower surface. A water dispenser tube is disposed adjacent to the shelf for dispensing water into a container. An actuator support is operably coupled to the lower surface of the shelf. A load cell is disposed on the actuator support, wherein the load cell sends a signal in response to movement by the actuator support. A controller is operably coupled to the load cell, wherein the controller activates a water dispensing sequence to dispense water via the water dispenser tube in response to the signal from the load cell.