Air filter bracket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration appliances face challenges in integrating an active air filter design without reconfiguring cooling air conduits, which affects the aesthetics and functionality of the fresh food compartment.
Innovation Solution
The design includes an air filter bracket separate from the air tower, positioned vertically above it, with a duct directing a minor portion of air from the air tower through an air filter medium, allowing for an active air filtration system without reconfiguring the cooling air conduits and maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If an active air filter design is implemented by placing the air filter housing in direct fluid communication with the cooling air conduit, then air purification is improved, but the device complexity increases and aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air filtration system is segmented into a separate air filter bracket assembly that is positioned independently from the cooling air conduit system. The bracket includes its own duct (110) that taps into a portion of the air flow from the air tower, allowing filtration without requiring reconfiguration of the main cooling air conduits. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling air purification while maintaining the original cooling system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The air filter bracket acts as an intermediary component between the cooling air conduit and the fresh food compartment. It captures a minor portion of the air flow from the air tower through duct (110), filters it through air filter medium (107), and returns the purified air to the compartment. This intermediary approach enables active filtration without disrupting the primary cooling air flow path.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an active air filter design is implemented with direct fluid communication with the cooling air conduit, then air purification is improved, but the aesthetic appearance of the fresh food compartment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air filter bracket is designed as a separate, compact assembly that can be positioned in the rear portion of the fresh food compartment without interfering with the visible aesthetic areas. The bracket and duct are segmented from the main cooling system, allowing them to be concealed in less visible locations while still providing active filtration.
Solution Approach 2:
The air filter bracket is positioned in a vertical dimension above the air tower, utilizing the vertical space in the rear portion of the compartment. This dimensional placement allows the filtration system to be hidden from the primary viewing angle while maintaining functionality, thus preserving aesthetic appearance while enabling active air purification.
3Device complexity
If a passive air filter design is used with natural airflow circulation, then device complexity is reduced, but air purification effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air filter bracket is designed to work with the existing active cooling system architecture, utilizing the fan-driven air flow from the air tower. The bracket incorporates a duct that taps into this existing air flow, allowing the filter to benefit from the forced convection of the active system while maintaining a relatively simple structural design. This multi-functional approach enables effective purification without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The air filter bracket utilizes the existing air flow generated by the cooling fan and air tower configuration to drive air through the filter medium. The system self-regulates the air flow through the filter based on the cooling system's operational characteristics, eliminating the need for additional fans or complex control mechanisms while maintaining effective purification.
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 configuration simplifies the installation of an active air filter, enhances air purification, and maintains the compartment's aesthetic appearance by directing a minor portion of air through the air filter medium, improving overall air quality without impacting the refrigeration system's design.
Implementation Method 1
the natural airflow of the air cooled by the evaporator within the fresh food compartment will circulate through the filter to improve the air quality
Implementation Method 2
the air filter bracket includes a pocket that captures an air filter medium therein
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator including a cabinet, a liner defining a compartment within the cabinet, a fan to move cooled air, and an air tower positioned adjacent the liner and provided in fluid communication with the compartment via a plurality of primary exhaust openings. The refrigerator further includes an air filter bracket separate from and located adjacent to the air tower and provided in fluid communication with both the air tower and the compartment. The air filter bracket includes a duct positioned adjacent the flow path of the air tower to be in fluid communication with a secondary exhaust opening of the air tower.