Refrigerator comprising an ice maker assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator designs with ice makers have inefficient placement of water tanks, filters, and ice makers, leading to complex maintenance and long pipe lengths, which complicates the replacement of filters and inefficient use of compartment space.
Innovation Solution
A modular structure for the ice maker assembly with a support housing that integrates the water tank and filter, allowing for a compact arrangement and easy access for maintenance, using a mechanical connection between the ice maker casing and support housing, and a bayonet-type connection for the water filter, along with a heat-insulating water tank cover and electric heater.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the water tank, water filter and ice maker are separated and fixed in different places inside the refrigerator, then each component can be independently manufactured and installed, but the pipe length for transporting water between components becomes long and maintenance becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the water tank, water filter, and ice maker into a single integrated assembly that is positioned together within the refrigerator compartment. This merging eliminates the need for long pipes between separately located components while maintaining independent manufacturability of the integrated unit. The assembly includes a water tank housing the filter and ice maker in close proximity, reducing water transport pathways.
2Ease of operation
If the water filter is fixed outside the cabinet on the backside of the refrigerator, then it can be easily accessed for replacement, but the refrigerator must be moved away from its installation place which complicates filter replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The water filter is extracted as a separately replaceable component within the integrated assembly. The filter is positioned in the water tank housing such that it can be accessed and replaced by opening the refrigerator compartment, without requiring the entire refrigerator to be moved. This extraction allows maintenance of the filter in situ while maintaining the benefits of the integrated design.
3Ease of operation
If the ice maker assembly components are positioned far apart to allow easy access for maintenance, then maintenance becomes simpler, but the compartment space is not optimized and unused spaces are created
Solution Approach 1:
The ice maker assembly employs a nested arrangement where the water filter is housed within the water tank housing, and the ice maker is positioned in close proximity to both. This nesting allows all components to be accessed through the same opening in the refrigerator compartment wall, maintaining ease of maintenance while maximizing space utilization. The components are arranged concentrically or in overlapping configurations to eliminate unused spaces.
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 design reduces pipe length, simplifies filter replacement, and optimizes compartment space usage, providing a convenient and efficient maintenance solution for the ice maker assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a water filter to filter the water to be dispensed to the water tank
Implementation Method 2
a heat-insulating water tank cover
Implementation Method 3
electric heater
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator including a cabinet and a compartment formed inside the cabinet and having an open front portion. A compartment door is movably connected to the cabinet for closing at least partially the open front portion of the compartment. An ice maker assembly is arranged inside the compartment and includes an ice maker. The ice maker includes an ice maker casing, a water tank and a water filter. The ice maker assembly is accessible inside the compartment when the compartment door is in an open position. The ice maker assembly includes a support housing arranged below the ice maker casing to receive the water tank and the water filter such that the ice maker casing and the support housing are provided as respective modules.