Refrigerator Air Filter Cover With Luminous Intake Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration appliances face challenges in integrating air filters that balance functionality, maintenance, space utilization, cost, and aesthetics, with existing solutions not effectively addressing these competing factors.
Innovation Solution
An air filter assembly with a luminous frame and recessed air filter design that provides easy identification and location, multi-functionality, and efficient air intake, while being aesthetically integrated and minimizing space usage, using LED lighting for accentuation and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an air filter is integrated into the refrigerated compartment, then air filtration functionality is improved, but space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air filter assembly is nested within the interior liner structure of the refrigerated compartment. The filter housing is positioned within the existing wall cavity, and the filter element itself is contained within the housing that integrates with the liner. This nesting approach allows the filtration system to occupy space that would otherwise be structural or unused, minimizing impact on the usable interior volume of the refrigerator.
Solution Approach 2:
The air filter assembly utilizes the depth dimension of the interior liner by positioning the filter housing and element within the wall cavity rather than protruding into the usable interior space. The luminous frame extends slightly into the interior space to provide visual indication, but the bulk of the filtration system is arranged in the depth dimension, effectively using unused spatial dimensions.
2Ease of repair
If a replaceable air filter design is implemented, then maintenance ease is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air filter system is segmented into distinct modular components: a removable filter housing, a replaceable filter element, and a fixed luminous frame. This segmentation allows the filter element to be independently replaced without disturbing the housing or the integrated lighting system, simplifying maintenance while keeping the overall device structure manageable through clear functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions: it contains the filter element, provides structural support, and integrates with the interior liner. The luminous frame simultaneously provides structural definition and visual indication of the filter location. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, offsetting the complexity introduced by the replaceable design.
3Ease of operation
If a luminous frame is added to indicate filter location, then ease of operation is improved, but use of energy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The luminous frame utilizes light emission to indicate the filter location and potentially the filter status. By using optical signals rather than mechanical indicators, the system provides clear visual guidance to users about filter placement and replacement needs, significantly improving ease of operation. The energy consumption is minimized by using LED technology and controlling the illumination duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The luminous frame is activated periodically or on-demand rather than continuously. The lighting can be triggered when the door is opened, when the filter is accessed, or at scheduled intervals to remind users of filter status. This periodic activation provides necessary visual guidance while minimizing energy consumption compared to continuous illumination.
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
The solution enhances air filtration efficiency, reduces maintenance costs, and improves consumer accessibility while maintaining aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency, effectively addressing the integration and functionality challenges of air filters in refrigeration appliances.
Implementation Method 1
an illuminated frame member surrounding the air filter cover. The illuminated frame member comprises at least a portion of the one or more air intake ports surrounding the air filter cover
Implementation Method 2
An air filter assembly is positioned in the interior liner... an air filter covered by and recessed from the surface, and an air path from the interior space through the filter
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, method, or system for filtered air in an interior compartment of a refrigerator. An opening in a wall of the interior liner of the refrigerator defines a channel framing a removable filter cover that tends to be at or near flush with that wall. The filter is positioned behind the cover. The space between the wall opening and the cover functions to provide both air intake into the filter and access lighting around the filter cover.