External Refrigerator Filter Case for Easy Replacement and Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Built-in refrigerators with integrated water purification and ice-making functions face difficulties in maintenance, particularly when replacing filters and disinfecting water lines, as these tasks require accessing the rear or upper spaces, which can be cumbersome and space-consuming, especially when installed as built-in furniture.
Innovation Solution
A filter case with a detachable cover and internal pipe system that allows for easy filter replacement and maintenance, featuring a rotatable filter connector with a bypass line, magnets for secure coupling, and screw holes for wall or floor fixation, enabling installation outside the refrigerator to free up internal space and simplify access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the water filter is installed inside the refrigerator, then the refrigerator can provide integrated water purification function, but it occupies internal storage space and makes maintenance difficult for built-in refrigerators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the water filter case from the refrigerator interior and relocates it to an external position, specifically under the sink. This allows the refrigerator to maintain its water purification function while freeing up internal storage space and enabling easier access for maintenance without disassembling the refrigerator or furniture.
2Ease of operation
If the water filter is installed in an easily accessible location, then filter replacement becomes convenient, but it occupies storage space inside the refrigerator
Solution Approach 1:
The filter case is extracted from the refrigerator interior and positioned externally under the sink, making it easily accessible for filter replacement while eliminating storage space occupation. The detachable cover design further enhances accessibility by allowing simple opening and closing operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the refrigerator is installed as built-in furniture, then it provides integrated kitchen solution, but maintenance of water filter and water lines becomes cumbersome requiring disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The filter case is extracted from the refrigerator system and positioned externally under the sink, allowing maintenance operations to be performed independently without disassembling the built-in refrigerator or furniture. The detachable cover enables simple access to filters and water lines for replacement and sterilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into the refrigerator unit and the external filter case, allowing independent maintenance of each component. The detachable cover creates a separate access point for the filter case, enabling maintenance without affecting the refrigerator structure.
4Device complexity
If the water lines are installed inside the refrigerator, then the system is compact, but sterilization and replacement require accessing the rear space which is difficult for built-in refrigerators
Solution Approach 1:
The water lines are extracted from the refrigerator interior and routed externally to connect the faucet, filter case, and refrigerator water intake. This external routing allows easy access for sterilization and replacement operations at the under-sink location without requiring access to the rear or upper spaces of the built-in refrigerator.
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
Facilitates easy filter replacement and maintenance without disassembling the refrigerator, reduces space occupancy within the fridge, and allows for convenient sterilization of water lines by relocating the filter case to a separate area, such as under the sink, improving usability and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
In addition, a first coupler may be formed in the first top face and a second coupler may be formed in the second top face so that the upper portion of the main body may be coupled with the upper portion of the cover
Data Source
AI summary
An installation structure of an external filter case for a refrigerator is provided. The filter case may include a main body that provides an inner space in which an internal line may be installed and water filters may be installed, and a cover that covers the inner space of the main body and is detachably coupled with the main body. The main body may have an open front side and may include bosses that protrude from its bottom face. The cover may include insertion holes into which the bosses may be inserted. A lower portion of the main body may be coupled with a lower portion of the cover. Magnets may be installed in upper portions of the main body and the cover, respectively, such that the main body and the cover may be coupled with each other by a magnetic force.