External water-purifying filter case, installation structure thereof and sterilizing method using the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Built-in refrigerators with additional functions like water purification and ice making pose maintenance challenges, especially when filters and water lines need replacement or disinfection, as they are often inaccessible and occupy valuable storage space.
Innovation Solution
A filter case with a detachable cover and rotatable filter connectors, allowing easy installation and maintenance, and an external installation structure that separates the filter case from the refrigerator, enabling convenient filter replacement and sterilization without disassembling the refrigerator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the water filter is installed inside the refrigerator to save external space, then the refrigerator maintains a compact appearance, but the filter becomes difficult to access for replacement and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The filter case is divided into a detachable cover and a main body, allowing the cover to be easily removed for filter access while the main body remains installed. This segmentation enables independent access to the filter without moving the entire refrigerator or disassembling complex structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter case acts as an intermediary component between the refrigerator and the water filtration system. By installing the filter case externally with easy-access features, it mediates between the need for compact refrigerator design and the need for convenient filter maintenance.
2Ease of operation
If the water filter is installed in an easily accessible location inside the refrigerator, then filter replacement becomes convenient, but the filter occupies valuable storage space within the refrigerator
Solution Approach 1:
The filter and its housing are extracted from the refrigerator's internal storage space and installed externally. The detachable cover design maintains ease of access while completely eliminating the volume occupation problem within the refrigerator's storage compartments.
3Area of stationary object
If the refrigerator is designed as a built-in appliance to save kitchen space, then the kitchen layout is optimized, but maintenance of rear components becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The filter case is designed with a simple detachable cover that allows users to perform maintenance themselves without requiring professional service or moving the refrigerator. The rotatable filter connectors enable easy filter replacement by the end user, making the system self-maintainable.
4Shape
If the water lines are installed inside the refrigerator to maintain a clean appearance, then the aesthetic is improved, but sterilization and replacement of water lines becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The filter case serves as an intermediary access point that allows sterilization and maintenance of water lines without compromising the aesthetic appearance of the refrigerator. The external filter case with its detachable cover provides access to water lines while keeping the refrigerator's interior clean and visually appealing.
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.