Carbonated Water Tank Sensor Mounting for High-Pressure Leak Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in refrigerators with carbonated water production systems is achieving a secure and leak-proof coupling of sensors and lines to high-pressure carbon dioxide gas cylinders, as existing materials and designs struggle to maintain firm connections without compromising under pressure or leaking.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design that includes a carbonated water tank made of stainless steel with a holding unit and gasket system to securely fix a sensor unit, preventing water leakage by using a holding plate, plate support, and gasket to maintain the sensor in a fixed state and guide lines for carbon dioxide gas and water, ensuring a stable and leak-proof connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor is directly coupled to the carbonated water tank, then the sensor can sense the internal state of the tank, but coupling areas exhibit weak resistance to pressure or water leakage occurs at the coupling areas
Solution Approach 1:
A holding unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the sensor and the carbonated water tank. The holding unit includes a holding plate with a sensor receiving portion that securely holds the sensor, and a plate support that couples to the tank. This intermediary structure distributes the coupling forces and provides sealing surfaces, preventing direct pressure concentration at the sensor-tank interface while maintaining secure coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system is divided into separate functional components: the sensor unit, the holding plate, the plate support, and the tank. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the holding plate for sensor security, the plate support for tank coupling and structural support, and the tank for carbonation storage. The separated design enables proper sealing at each interface without compromising pressure resistance.
2Strength
If the carbonated water tank is made of material with high resistance to pressure and rust, then the tank can withstand high-pressure carbon dioxide gas, but it may be difficult to obtain firm coupling of the sensor or lines to the tank
Solution Approach 1:
The plate support acts as a mediator between the stainless steel tank and the sensor assembly. It provides a dedicated coupling interface with internal threads or attachment mechanisms that can firmly secure the holding plate and sensor, while the external coupling structure on the tank side ensures strong attachment to the pressure-resistant tank material without compromising the tank's structural integrity.
3Reliability
If a gasket is provided between the carbonated water tank and the holding unit, then water leakage is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A gasket made of flexible material is used to create a seal between the holding unit and the carbonated water tank. The flexible nature of the gasket allows it to conform to slight variations in the mating surfaces, ensuring reliable leakage prevention. The thin film structure of the gasket adds minimal complexity to the overall device while providing effective sealing at the critical interface where carbonated water could leak.
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
The solution provides a stable and leak-proof connection for sensors and lines to the carbonated water tank, enhancing the operational efficiency and safety of the carbonated water production system by maintaining high-pressure resistance and preventing water leakage.
Implementation Method 1
a gasket provided between the carbonated water tank and the holding unit such that the gasket contacts one side of the carbonated water tank, to prevent occurrence of water leakage from the carbonated water tank
Implementation Method 2
a sensor unit inserted, at least a portion thereof, into the carbonated water tank, to sense an internal state of the carbonated water tank
Implementation Method 3
a carbonated water tank to produce carbonated water through mixing of clean water with carbon dioxide gas
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator includes a body, a carbonated water tank to produce carbonated water through mixing of clean water with carbon dioxide gas, a sensor unit inserted, at least a portion thereof, into the carbonated water tank, to sense an internal state of the carbonated water tank, and a holding unit disposed at one side of the carbonated water tank while holding the sensor unit in a fixed state. Through this configuration, it is possible to achieve easy coupling of the sensor unit and lines to the carbonated water tank while preventing water leakage even when the internal pressure of the carbonated water tank is high.