Pivoting Filter Cartridge Head for Space-Saving Refrigerator Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter devices for household cooling appliances with beverage and/or ice dispenser units are complex, requiring significant space and making it difficult to access and exchange filter cartridges, as they can only be opened horizontally, limiting their placement within the appliance.
Innovation Solution
A filter device with a carrier part that includes inclined walls for attachment to the appliance, featuring a pivoting cartridge head that can pivot about a diagonal axis, allowing for space-saving installation and easy cartridge exchange by positioning the cartridge head in different distances from the walls, facilitating user-friendly access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the filter device is positioned far from lateral walls to facilitate accessibility, then the filter cartridge can be accessed easily, but the space utilization within the household cooling appliance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge head is made pivotable about a horizontal axis, allowing it to move between a retracted position (close to lateral walls for space-saving) and an extended position (far from lateral walls for accessibility). This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by enabling both space-efficient installation and easy filter cartridge access at different times.
2Device complexity
If the envelope is opened horizontally only, then the structure is simple, but the accessibility and ease of filter cartridge exchange are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The envelope is equipped with both horizontal and vertical opening capabilities. The cartridge head can pivot horizontally and the envelope can open vertically, creating multiple access paths for filter cartridge exchange. This multi-directional opening mechanism improves ease of operation while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If the filter device is positioned in a corner portion, then space is saved, but accessibility becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge head's pivotability about a horizontal axis allows it to be positioned in corner portions for space-saving installation while still being accessible when needed. The horizontal pivoting motion enables the cartridge head to extend outward from the corner position, providing user access without requiring the filter device to be positioned in a freely accessible location.
Data Source
AI summary
A filter device for a beverage and/or ice dispenser unit of a household cooling appliance includes a cartridge head which is specifically pivotable. A household cooling appliance with a filter device is also provided.