Modular water storage tank for a refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators require individually designed water storage tanks for different models, leading to increased costs and reduced efficiency due to the need for universally designed tanks that may compromise the performance of water circuit assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A modular water storage tank system with interchangeable body members and end caps that can be configured to fit various refrigerator models and water circuit layouts, allowing for adjustable storage capacity and fluid communication between upstream and downstream destinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single universally designed water storage tank is used to be installed in various refrigerator models, then manufacturing cost decreases and production efficiency increases, but the overall efficiency of the water circuit assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The water storage tank is divided into a body member and separate end caps that can be selectively assembled. This segmentation allows the tank to be configured in different orientations (horizontal or vertical) and adapted to various refrigerator models while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through modular production of standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The tank design incorporates dynamic adaptability through interchangeable end caps and a configurable body member that can be oriented in multiple positions. This dynamic configuration capability allows the same basic tank structure to optimize performance across different refrigerator models and water circuit layouts without requiring custom manufacturing for each model.
2Reliability
If individually designed water storage tanks are used for different refrigerator models, then the efficiency of each water circuit assembly is optimized, but manufacturing cost increases and production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The body member and end caps are designed as universal components that can serve multiple functions across different refrigerator models. The standardized interface and configurable assembly allow a single set of components to replace multiple model-specific tank designs, achieving both manufacturing efficiency and circuit optimization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a modular water storage tank with interchangeable components is used, then adaptability to various refrigerator models and water circuit layouts is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tank is segmented into standardized body member and end cap components with simple, repeatable connection interfaces. This segmentation enables adaptability through selective assembly rather than complex integrated designs, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular water storage tank, for a refrigerator, includes a hollow storage body comprising a first body member having first and second open ends, the first open end comprising a first male extension having a first connection member on an outer surface thereof. A female end cap comprises a second connection member on an inner surface thereof that is configured to engage with the first connection member to secure the female end cap to the first open end. A male end cap comprises a second male extension having a third connection member on an outer surface thereof that is configured to engage with a fourth connection member disposed on an inner surface at the second open end of the first body member to secure the male end cap to the second open end of the first body member.