Refrigerator and filter device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator systems lack an efficient and user-friendly method for purifying and dispensing water and ice, with existing filter devices not providing adequate rotation and sealing mechanisms for secure attachment and watertight connections.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator system with a filter device featuring a connector that rotates and includes a bracket with a coupling guide to restrict rotation, and a sealer to ensure watertight connections between the connector and heads, allowing for secure attachment and efficient water purification and dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a filter device is mounted with multiple heads and connectors in existing refrigerator systems, then water purification function is improved, but assembly complexity and sealing reliability deteriorate due to lack of rotation restriction and secure attachment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with rotational capability allowing it to rotate relative to the head, transforming a static rigid connection into a dynamic adjustable connection. This enables the connector to be oriented in different directions during assembly, simplifying the installation process while maintaining secure attachment and watertight sealing
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket serves as an intermediary component that couples the connector to the refrigerator body. It provides a stable mounting structure with coupling guides that control the connector's rotation and positioning, mediating between the flexible connector and the fixed installation location
2Device complexity
If existing filter devices use fixed connectors without rotation capability, then assembly structure is simple, but assembly convenience and operational flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates rotational freedom allowing it to pivot and orient in different directions. The bracket's coupling guide restricts rotation to controlled angles, providing both flexibility for easy assembly and stability for secure operation, directly improving assembly convenience
3Device complexity
If connectors are attached to heads without rotation restriction in existing systems, then assembly is simple, but sealing reliability deteriorates due to misalignment and improper orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The connector can rotate to achieve proper alignment with the head, ensuring correct orientation for sealing. The bracket's coupling guide controls the rotation to stop at the optimal position, combining mechanical simplicity with sealing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling guide provides mechanical feedback through its geometry, guiding the connector's rotation and providing tactile or visual cues when the correct orientation is achieved, ensuring proper alignment for reliable sealing
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator and filter device are described. In one aspect, the refrigerator includes a main body that defines a storage space. The refrigerator includes a door that is configured to open and close at least a portion of the storage space. The refrigerator further includes a dispenser that is located at the door and is configured to dispense water. The refrigerator further includes a filter that is configured to purify water and supply the purified water to the dispenser. The refrigerator further includes at least two heads that are configured to attach to the filter. The refrigerator further includes a connector that is configured to connect the at least two heads to each other, the connector providing a passage between the at least two heads. The refrigerator further includes a bracket on which the connector and the at least two heads are seated, the bracket being coupled to the connector.