Refrigerator Water Filter and Tank Integration for Simpler Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators face difficulties in assembly and increased material and labor costs due to separate installation of water filter devices and storage tanks, which are not integrated.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a water filter device and storage tank into a single assembly within the refrigerator, with a filter unit to purify water and a storage tank unit to store purified water, connected via tubes for efficient water supply and dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the water filter device and storage tank are installed separately, then each component can be independently manufactured and maintained, but the assembly operation becomes difficult and material and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the water filter device and storage tank into a single integrated assembly. The filter unit is positioned within the storage chamber and connected to the storage tank unit through integrated tubing, eliminating the need for separate installation of these components. This merging reduces assembly complexity and labor costs while maintaining the functional independence of filtration and storage operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the water filter device and storage tank are installed separately, then installation flexibility is maintained, but material costs and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the water filter device and storage tank into one assembly, the patent reduces the total quantity of materials required (fewer connection points, less tubing, unified housing) and decreases labor costs for installation and maintenance. The integrated design maintains adaptability through standardized mounting configurations within the storage chamber.
3Ease of repair
If separate installation is used, then component replacement is simplified, but assembly operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated assembly is designed with modular segments where the filter unit can be accessed and replaced independently from the storage tank unit. The filter head assembly is positioned to allow removal and replacement without disassembling the entire storage chamber, maintaining ease of repair while achieving simplified assembly through the integrated design.
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 integration enhances assemblability, reduces material and labor costs, and improves the utilization of internal space while maintaining efficient water supply to ice makers and dispensers.
Implementation Method 1
a filter unit to purify water supplied from an external water supply source
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a cabinet to define an outer appearance of the refrigerator and having a storage chamber therein; and a water filter device installed in the storage chamber, to purify water supplied from an external water supply source. The water filter device includes a filter unit to purify the water supplied from the water supply source, a storage tank unit to store the water purified through the filter unit, a case to accommodate the filter unit and the storage tank unit, a filter head assembly, and a water filter assembly separably coupled to the filter head assembly.