Elevated Refrigerator Water Pan With Integrated Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water containment systems for appliances like refrigerators often fail to effectively manage water overflow and condensation, as they do not provide adequate elevation or secure positioning for the appliance, leading to potential water damage and inefficient drainage.
Innovation Solution
A water collection and containment pan with elevated sidewalls and inclined interior surface, featuring elongated platforms for secure appliance positioning and auxiliary access ramps, along with an integrated drain system that includes a gravity feed channel or powered pump for efficient water management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the appliance is placed directly on the containment pan surface, then the device complexity is reduced, but the water containment effectiveness deteriorates due to inadequate elevation and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The containment pan is segmented into multiple functional zones: elevated containment walls for water collection, inclined interior surfaces for drainage direction, and integrated platforms for appliance positioning. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces vertical elevation through raised containment walls and platforms, transitioning from a flat two-dimensional pan surface to a three-dimensional structured system. This dimensional change enables effective water containment and appliance positioning without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.
2Reliability
If elevated platforms are added to position the appliance, then the water containment effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The appliance positioning platforms are merged with the containment pan structure itself, eliminating the need for separate positioning devices. The platforms are integrated into the pan's elevated wall structure, providing both water containment and appliance support functions through a unified design that minimizes overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elevated containment walls serve multiple functions simultaneously: they contain water overflow, provide structural support for appliance positioning, and create the necessary elevation for effective drainage. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components while maintaining high water containment effectiveness.
3Ease of operation
If auxiliary access ramps are provided for loading the appliance, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access ramps are designed as removable or adjustable components rather than fixed permanent structures. This dynamic design allows the ramps to be installed only when needed for appliance loading, and removed or stored when not in use, providing ease of operation while minimizing the permanent structural complexity of the containment system.
4Productivity
If an integrated drain system with gravity feed channel is implemented, then the water drainage efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drain system is designed to utilize gravity feed through the inclined interior surfaces, eliminating the need for powered pumps or complex mechanical drainage mechanisms. The inclined surfaces automatically direct water flow toward the drain outlet, providing efficient water drainage through a passive, self-service system that minimizes structural complexity.
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 ensures safe and efficient containment of water leaks from appliances, preventing damage by elevating the appliance and providing a secure, barrier-free loading mechanism, while ensuring effective drainage through the integrated drain system.
Implementation Method 1
an inclined interior base surface... providing a barrier free loading mechanism
Implementation Method 2
Elevated elongated appliance receiving platforms extend from the interior surface of the pan providing support for an appliance positioned thereon
Implementation Method 3
Auxiliary access loading ramps are provided to allow for rolling the appliance up and onto the platforms within the containment pan
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid containment device for use with refrigerators to prevent overflow and damage to flooring. The containment device allows for appliance elevation within and integral support and water collection pan. The detachable loading ramps provide for smoothly rolling the appliance up onto the integrated independent elevated level support surfaces within the water retainment pan.