Refrigerator Door Beverage Tank Support to Prevent Spilling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing household refrigeration appliances with beverage dispensing devices suffer from stability issues due to the insecure positioning of the dispensing tank, leading to potential overturning and spilling of contents when doors are opened or closed.

Innovation Solution

The refrigeration appliance incorporates a securely attached beverage dispensing tank with a support system that includes a first block on the tank and a second block on the inner wall, along with a hooking system for hanging the tank, to prevent instability and ensure safe operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the beverage dispensing tank is positioned inside the refrigeration appliance compartment, then the appliance can dispense refrigerated beverages, but the tank becomes unstable and may overturn when doors are opened or closed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeverage dispensing capabilityVSAvoidtank stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into multiple components: a first support element attached to the compartment wall, a second support element attached to the tank, and a connection element linking them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to provide stable tank support during door operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support elements are pre-positioned and secured to the compartment wall and tank before the door movement occurs. The first support element is attached to the compartment wall in advance, and the second support element is attached to the tank, creating a pre-established support system that prevents instability during door opening/closing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If the tank is not firmly secured to the door or compartment wall, then the appliance structure remains simple, but stability problems occur leading to overturning and spilling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport structure complexityVSAvoidtank positioning reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A connection element acts as an intermediary between the first support element (attached to the compartment wall) and the second support element (attached to the tank). This intermediary component transfers and distributes forces, providing reliable tank positioning without requiring complex direct attachment mechanisms to the door or wall.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the tank is securely attached with multiple support elements, then stability and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetank stabilityVSAvoidsupport structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support elements are strategically positioned at specific locations on the compartment wall and tank where they provide maximum stability with minimum complexity. The first support element is located at a specific position on the compartment wall, and the second support element is positioned on the tank to optimize support efficiency rather than using a complex distributed support system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2645029B1Refrigerating appliance, in particular for household use, comprising a device for distributing a beverage
Publication Date: 2019.03.20 WHIRLPOOL EMEA SPA
  • EP2645029B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2645029B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2645029B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The present invention relates to a refrigeration appliance (1), in particular for household use, of the type comprising: - a structure (2) within which at least one compartment (3, 4) is obtained for preserving foodstuffs, which is adapted to be closed by at least one door (3P, 4P); - a device (10) for dispensing a beverage, said device (10) comprising a tank (11) associated with an inner wall (5) of the structure (2), in particular of said at least one door (3P, 4P). The invention is characterized in that said tank (11) is secured to said inner wall (5) and comprises at least one first block (15) which allows coupling at least one container or door storage compartment (16) to said tank (11), so that said tank (11) can act as a support for said at least one container or door storage compartment (16).