Foldable Multi-Stage Water Filter for Refrigerator Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single-stage water filters used in refrigerators are not configured to accommodate additional filtration stages due to space constraints, failing to achieve the taste and quality of bottled water, which is a common consumer preference.
Innovation Solution
A foldable and reconfigurable water filter system comprising a series of filter cartridge receivers that can be joined at corresponding corners, allowing them to move relative to each other about a vertical axis, enabling configurations from elongated to compact forms to optimize placement in various spaces, including behind refrigerators or within kitchen cabinets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional single-stage filters are used, then the filter can be mounted in standard refrigerator locations, but the filtration quality is insufficient to achieve bottled water taste and purity
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system is divided into multiple filter cartridges (first, second, and third filter cartridges) that can be independently installed in series. Each cartridge performs a specific filtration function, allowing the system to achieve high filtration quality through multiple stages while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The filter cartridges are arranged in a nested or series configuration where the output of one filter becomes the input of the next. This nesting approach allows multiple filtration stages to be compactly arranged within the refrigerator space, achieving both high filtration quality and space efficiency
2Manufacturing precision
If additional filtration stages are added to achieve bottled water quality, then filtration quality improves, but the filter system cannot be mounted in available refrigerator spaces due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system utilizes vertical space within the refrigerator by arranging filter cartridges in a series configuration that extends vertically rather than horizontally. This dimensional change allows multiple filtration stages to be installed in the limited space available in standard refrigerator locations, particularly in the compressor access area
Solution Approach 2:
The filter cartridges are arranged in a nested or series configuration where the output of one filter becomes the input of the next. This nesting approach allows multiple filtration stages to be compactly arranged within the refrigerator space, achieving both high filtration quality and space efficiency
3Adaptability or versatility
If built-in refrigerator units are used, then the refrigerator integrates into kitchen cabinetry, but access to service components including water filters is limited to main compartment or associated access locations
Solution Approach 1:
The water filter system is designed to utilize the compressor access space, which is already provided for servicing components in built-in refrigerators. This multi-functional use of the same access space for both compressor service and filter replacement maintains the integrated aesthetic of built-in units while improving accessibility for filter maintenance
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
This system allows for multi-stage filtration, optimizing the physical configuration to fit different spaces and providing improved filtration quality comparable to bottled water, while being adaptable to various installation locations.
Implementation Method 1
a first filter cartridge and a second filter cartridge and a third filter cartridge, each configured to filter a different type of impurity from the water
Data Source
AI summary
A reconfigurable foldable water filter system includes a plurality of filter units. Each filter unit includes a filter cartridge receiver that can accept and retain a water filter cartridge which includes a water filter. Both the well of each filter cartridge receiver and each filter cartridge are have a rectangular horizontal cross section. The filter cartridge receivers are joined together at corresponding corners, consecutively, in a series in a way that allows the filter cartridge receivers to pivot with respect to each other about the corresponding corners where they are joined. This allows the series of filter units to be arranged in a flat configuration or a folded configuration.