Ice Maker Protection Box for Water Line Kink Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerators pushed against walls can cause water supply lines to kink or pinch, obstructing water flow and air circulation, leading to reduced performance and potential leaks, which increase insurance costs and affect the life expectancy of appliances.
Innovation Solution
An ice maker protection box system with a durable plastic housing and transparent cover, designed to mount parallel to a wall around a water valve assembly, providing ample space for air circulation and preventing pinching of the water supply line, featuring indentations for routing and a rubber grommet for unobstructed water flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the refrigerator is pushed against the wall to save space, then the space utilization is improved, but the water supply line becomes pinched and kinked causing reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protective channel or guide structure as an intermediary element between the refrigerator and the wall. This channel protects the water supply line from being pinched and kinked when the refrigerator is pushed against the wall, allowing space savings while maintaining line integrity. The channel acts as a mediator that accommodates the line in a protected pathway.
2Volume of moving object
If the refrigerator is pushed against the wall to save space, then the space utilization is improved, but air circulation is blocked causing reduced performance and overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing ventilation openings or air circulation passages in specific locations where the refrigerator contacts the wall. These localized features allow air to flow through the contact area, maintaining heat dissipation and cooling performance even when the refrigerator is pushed against the wall for space savings.
3Volume of moving object
If the refrigerator is pushed against the wall to save space, then the space utilization is improved, but water leaks may occur increasing insurance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by incorporating protective elements such as flexible conduits, expansion joints, or cushioning materials in the water supply line pathway before the line is subjected to pinching forces. This pre-protection measures prevent the line from kinking and leaking when the refrigerator is pushed against the wall, addressing the harmful effect before it occurs.
Data Source
AI summary
The ice maker protection box system is a durable plastic box assembly that mounts on the wall around a water valve assembly, and protects a refrigerator water supply line from pinching and kinking. It has a transparent cover which slides upwardly along flanges to access the water connection. The ice maker protection box assembly further provides ample space behind a refrigerator for airflow to maximize refrigeration potential.