Refrigerator Carbon Filter Holder With Push-Lock Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator and freezer designs make it difficult to exchange activated carbon filters easily, requiring complex mechanisms or tools, which complicates filter replacement and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of resilient fixing means that can be switched between locking and release positions by applying compressive force in the insertion direction, allowing for simple filter exchange without tools, similar to a ballpoint pen mechanism, where finger pressure changes the filter's status between locked and unlocked states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fixing mechanisms are used to secure the filter in the holder, then the filter is reliably fixed in place, but the filter exchange process becomes complex and requires tools or rotary movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional fixing mechanism by using resilient elements that automatically engage with the filter's protruding area. Instead of requiring active user manipulation (rotation or tool use), the resilient elements passively lock the filter in place through elastic deformation, while release is achieved by simply pressing the filter in its insertion direction, causing the resilient elements to disengage.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient elements perform the locking function automatically upon filter insertion without requiring user intervention. The elements deform elastically to engage with the filter's protruding area and maintain the locked state passively. For release, the system responds to simple compressive force applied by the user, automatically transitioning from locked to unlocked state without needing tools or complex mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If simple pressing action is used for filter exchange, then the operation becomes tool-free and simple, but the fixing mechanism may lack reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient elements utilize elastic deformation (curvature change) to achieve reliable locking. When the filter is inserted, the resilient elements bend and engage with the protruding area, creating a form-fitting connection. The elastic properties ensure that the elements maintain continuous contact force, providing reliable fixation that prevents accidental dislodgement while still allowing controlled release through additional compressive force.
3Ease of operation
If resilient elements are used for fixing, then tool-free exchange is enabled, but the mechanism adds structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fixing function with the holder structure itself. The resilient elements are integrated into the holder body, and the protruding area of the filter is designed to interact directly with these elements. This integration eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms, rotary components, or additional fastening devices, achieving reliable tool-free exchange while maintaining relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient elements serve multiple functions: they provide automatic locking upon insertion, maintain continuous fixation force during operation, and enable controlled release through compressive force. The protruding area of the filter similarly serves both as a structural feature for engagement and as the interface for user interaction during exchange. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
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 effortless filter replacement and installation by users, eliminating the need for tools and complex mechanisms, ensuring a straightforward and efficient process for maintaining air quality within refrigerated spaces.
Implementation Method 1
the fixing means being formed by one or more resilient elements which preferably hold the filter in the locking position in a form-fitting manner
Implementation Method 2
activated charcoal filters in the cooled interior of refrigerators or freezers, through which air flows and which are intended to avoid odor nuisance as far as possible by adsorption
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a refrigerator and/or freezer with at least one body and at least one cooled interior space arranged in the body, wherein at least one filter, preferably at least one activated carbon filter, is arranged in a holder and removable from the holder, either in the cooled interior space or in an area connected thereto. According to the invention, fixing means are provided which, in a locking position, fix the filter in the holder and which, in a release position, release the filter from the holder, wherein the fixing means are designed such that they can be switched from the locking position to the release position and vice versa by applying a pressure force to the filter.