Piezo Mist Generator with Removable Water Tank
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator and freezer units require multiple complex components and water lines for mist generation, increasing complexity and reducing available cooling volume, especially in the lower regions where humidity is needed for optimal storage of fruits and vegetables.
Innovation Solution
A device with a separate, removable water tank and piezo unit integrated into the compartment base, eliminating the need for continuous water lines and allowing for efficient mist generation with minimal space and component usage, while maintaining a planar surface for storage and allowing easy refilling of the water tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple water lines and components are used for mist generation, then mist generation function is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water supply system is segmented into a removable water tank and a fixed piezo unit. The water tank can be easily removed and refilled, while the piezo unit remains installed in the compartment base. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex continuous water lines while maintaining reliable mist generation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The water tank is extracted as a separate, removable component from the overall mist generation system. This allows the water supply function to be independently handled without requiring integrated water lines throughout the refrigerator structure, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving the mist generation function.
2Reliability
If multiple water lines and components are installed for mist generation, then mist generation function is achieved, but available cooling volume is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the water supply into a removable tank and fixed piezo unit, the system minimizes the space required for water infrastructure. The compact piezo unit integrated into the compartment base and the separate water tank configuration reduce the overall volume occupied by mist generation components, preserving more cooling volume while maintaining functional reliability.
3Ease of operation
If water tank is made removable for easy refilling, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water supply system is divided into a removable water tank and a fixed piezo unit with a simple connection interface. This segmentation enables easy refilling operations by allowing users to simply remove and replace the water tank, while the standardized connection minimizes the complexity of the coupling mechanism between the tank and piezo unit.
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 reduces complexity, minimally impacts cooling volume, and ensures effective humidity distribution by generating mist directly above storage compartments, enhancing the freshness and taste of stored goods without compromising storage space or functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a piezo unit that is arranged in the compartment base, and a water tank for mist generation that is separate therefrom, that is operatively connected to the piezo unit
Implementation Method 2
the sound waves generated by the piezoelectric element penetrate into the interior of the water tank and have the effect that mist is generated from the water located in the water tank
Implementation Method 3
The water mist falls down on its own due to the gravity that is present and is thus ideally distributed over the goods introduced to the compartment or in the drawer
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for mist generation in a refrigerating and/or freezing appliance, comprising a refrigerator shelf for receiving items to be cooled in the refrigerator, a piezo unit which is arranged in the shelf and, separate therefrom, a water tank for mist generation which is operatively connected to the piezo unit and is also arranged in the shelf and preferably can be removed from the shelf.