Filter Base Wire Harness for Electronic Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water filtration systems in refrigerators are difficult to replace due to their design and placement, often requiring manual insertion and removal, which can lead to awkward access and potential leakage during filter changes.
Innovation Solution
A filter housing apparatus with a push-actuated release mechanism that allows for easy attachment and detachment from a mechanical support, featuring a floating key lock for identification and authentication of specific filter configurations, and an internal shutoff to prevent spillage during replacement, along with a wire harness assembly for establishing an electrical connection to facilitate electronic authentication of the filter cartridge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual insertion and removal mechanism is used, then filter replacement is possible, but access is awkward and operation is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The filter housing assembly incorporates a push-actuated release mechanism that transforms the static manual insertion/removal process into a dynamic, easily actuated operation. The release mechanism responds to axial push force, automatically triggering the detachment sequence without requiring complex manual manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter housing assembly is designed to self-release when axial push force is applied. The push force activates the release mechanism which automatically disengages the locking features, eliminating the need for separate release actions or complex tool-based removal procedures.
2Reliability
If filter housing is securely locked, then connection reliability is improved, but filter replacement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic release state when axial push force is applied. The release mechanism includes movable components that respond to the push force, automatically disengaging the locking features and transforming the secure connection into an easily removable assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The release mechanism is pre-configured to counteract the locking force when push force is applied. The axial push activates the release mechanism which automatically opposes and overcomes the locking engagement, enabling easy removal without requiring excessive force or complex tools.
3Loss of time
If filter replacement is simplified, then replacement time is reduced, but spillage control during replacement may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The shutoff valve is activated automatically as part of the release sequence when the filter housing is being removed. This preliminary shutoff action prevents fluid spillage before the connection is fully disconnected, eliminating the need for separate manual shutoff steps while maintaining spillage control.
Solution Approach 2:
The release mechanism incorporates automatic shutoff functionality that activates during the filter removal process. The axial push force that triggers release also activates the shutoff valve, which automatically closes to prevent spillage without requiring separate user action.
4Adaptability or versatility
If electronic authentication system is added, then filter identification capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wire harness assembly serves multiple functions: providing electrical power to the filter cartridge, enabling electronic authentication through contacts, and facilitating communication between the filter and control system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection components and authentication contacts are integrated into a single wire harness assembly. The contacts are built into the connector housing, merging the electrical connection function with the authentication function into one unified component structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A filter base for receiving a complementary mating filter housing assembly. The filter base includes a base platform having fluid ingress and egress stanchions, and a wire harness assembly including a connector housing integral with or connected to the base platform for establishing an electrical connection between the filter base and the filter housing assembly. The wire harness assembly includes conductors extending between first and second connectors, with one or more resilient contacts provided on the second connector. The connector housing has an upper surface and an oppositely facing lower surface and is dimensioned to receive a first end portion of the one or more contacts. The contacts are flexible from a first position to a second position when a mating portion of the one or more contacts engages a mating connection surface of the filter housing assembly. The mating connection surface may be a circuit pad of a printed circuit board, wherein the contact mating portions are configured to be positioned in mechanical and electrical engagement with the circuit pads when the filter housing assembly is received within the filter base.