Modular Refrigerator Dispenser Housing for Variable Control Heights
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of different refrigerator models with ice and water dispensers is costly due to the need for various dispenser housing designs to accommodate varying operating component levels, which increases manufacturing expenses.
Innovation Solution
A modular dispenser housing design featuring a main part and a filling part with adjustable height, allowing for a single main part model to be used across different models, along with a ventilation passage and foam-filled gap to ensure effective insulation and vibration attenuation, reducing the need for multiple designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different dispenser housing designs are used to accommodate varying operating component levels, then the operating component can be positioned at different heights for different refrigerator models, but the manufacturing cost increases due to the need for multiple dispenser housing versions
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser housing is divided into two separate parts: a main part that remains identical across all refrigerator models, and a filling part that varies in height to accommodate different operating component levels. This segmentation allows the main part to be produced in large quantities at low cost while only the filling part needs to be customized for different models.
Solution Approach 2:
The main part of the dispenser housing is designed as a universal component that can be used across all refrigerator models regardless of the operating component level. This multi-functionality reduces the number of unique parts that need to be manufactured, thereby lowering production costs.
2Reliability
If the upper area of the dispenser housing is concealed to protect fittings and prevent air circulation, then the fittings are protected and air circulation is minimized, but the design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function and the structural function are merged into a single design element. The upper area of the dispenser housing is concealed by the filling part itself, which serves both as a protective cover for the fittings and as a structural component that defines the housing shape. This eliminates the need for separate protective covers.
Solution Approach 2:
The filling part serves multiple functions: it varies the height of the operating component, protects the fittings in the upper area, and prevents air circulation between the dispenser recess and refrigerator interior. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
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 solution enables cost-effective production of multiple refrigerator models by maintaining a consistent distance between the dispenser opening and operating component, while ensuring effective insulation and soundproofing, thus minimizing manufacturing costs and maintaining quality.
Implementation Method 1
the gap should be at least partially filled with foam
Implementation Method 2
the filling part may have a ventilation passage leading into the dispenser recess
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator contains a dispenser for ice and/or liquid. A dispenser housing covers an opening in an outer shell of the refrigerator. The dispenser housing delimits a dispenser recess that extends outward and upward over an upper edge of the opening and is assembled from at least one main part, which extends from a lower edge of the opening over a rear wall to a front edge of a ceiling of the dispenser housing, and a filling part, which extends from the front edge to an upper edge of the opening.