Push Filter With Floating Key Lock For Refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water filtration systems in refrigerators are difficult to replace due to complex designs and placement, leading to awkward access and potential spillage during filter changes.
Innovation Solution
A push-actuated filter housing assembly with a floating key lock mechanism that allows for easy removal and replacement of the filter, featuring a filter key with protrusions for secure attachment and a sliding lock for fluid-tight shutoff, enabling simple and tool-free filter changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual insertion and removal mechanism with switches and valve mechanisms is used, then the filter can be securely attached and fluid flow can be controlled, but the filter replacement becomes difficult and requires awkward access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex switch and valve mechanisms from the filter cartridge itself, placing them in the housing. The filter cartridge is reduced to a simple cartridge with a cam-actuated release mechanism, making it easy to remove by pulling while simultaneously actuating the cam to close valves and open drain holes to prevent spillage.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex locking mechanisms that require tools or complicated operations to release, the patent inverts the approach by using a simple pull action that automatically triggers the release mechanism. The cam-actuated release is designed so that normal pulling force on the filter cartridge activates the cam to move to its second position, closing valves and enabling safe removal.
2Device complexity
If the filter access is coplanar with the refrigerator wall, then the design is compact, but the filter cartridge becomes difficult to access and replace
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a recess in the housing that provides depth dimension for filter access. The filter cartridge is positioned in a recessed area with an opening that allows easy access from the front, while the housing maintains a compact overall design. The cam-actuated release mechanism is positioned to be accessible through this opening.
3Ease of operation
If a simple pull mechanism is used for filter removal, then the operation becomes easy and tool-free, but fluid spillage may occur during filter changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary action by designing the cam-actuated release mechanism to automatically close the valves and open the drain holes before the filter cartridge is fully removed. As the user pulls the filter cartridge, the cam moves to its second position, pre-closing the fluid pathways and directing any remaining fluid through the drain holes, preventing spillage during the removal process.
Data Source
AI summary
A filter assembly for fluid filtration having a push-activated lock and release mechanism. A push filter design activates a floating key lock upon insertion and extraction, where the filter key may be used simultaneously as a lock and as an identifier for particular filter attributes. The filter base may be situated inline, and in fluid communication, with influent and effluent piping, such as within a refrigerator. The filter housing assembly may be attached to, and removed from, the filter base by a push-actuated release. Upon insertion, the filter key shifts the filter lock longitudinally to receive interlocking segments. Upon extraction, the same axial push shifts the filter lock further to align the interlocking fingers within gaps that allow for easy extraction. The specific key lock design allows a user to identify and match certain filter configurations received by the mechanical support, and reject other filter configurations.