Integrated Refrigerator Water Filter and Tank Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators face difficulties in assembly and increased material and labor costs due to separate installation of the water filter device and storage tank, which are not integrated.
Innovation Solution
Integration of the water filter device and storage tank into a single assembly within the refrigerator, with a filter unit and storage tank unit connected via a case, supply and discharge tubes, and an inlet and outlet system to facilitate water purification and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the water filter device and storage tank are installed separately in conventional refrigerators, then each component can be independently manufactured and maintained, but the assembly operation becomes difficult and material and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the water filter device and storage tank into a single integrated assembly. The filter unit is positioned within the storage chamber and connected to the storage tank through integrated tubing and mounting structures, eliminating the need for separate installation of these components and simplifying assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated assembly serves multiple functions: the filter unit purifies water from the water supply source, the storage tank stores the purified water, and the combined structure provides a unified mounting system within the storage chamber. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components that need to be assembled.
2Ease of manufacture
If the water filter device and storage tank are installed separately, then component replacement is flexible, but labor costs and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
While integrating the filter unit and storage tank into a single assembly, the patent maintains separability of the filter unit from the storage tank. The filter unit can be removed and replaced independently through the water supply source connection, allowing for maintenance and replacement without draining or disconnecting the storage tank.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter unit is nested within the storage chamber structure and positioned to allow easy access for removal and replacement. The integrated design places the filter unit in a location that is accessible through the storage chamber door, enabling maintenance without disassembling the entire assembly.
3Productivity
If the water filter device and storage tank are integrated into a single assembly, then assembly operation is simplified and costs are reduced, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the water filter device and storage tank into a single integrated assembly that is installed as one unit in the storage chamber. The filter unit and storage tank are connected through integrated tubing and mounting structures, allowing the entire assembly to be installed in a single operation rather than requiring separate installation of multiple components.
4Productivity
If water is supplied under pressure to the storage tank, then water flows efficiently to the ice maker and dispenser, but the storage tank may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pressure-regulating mechanism between the water supply source and the storage tank. This intermediary component controls and reduces the water pressure before it enters the storage tank, preventing damage to the tank while still maintaining sufficient pressure for efficient water flow to the ice maker and dispenser.
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 integration enhances assemblability, reduces material and labor costs, and improves the efficiency of water supply to the ice maker and dispenser while preventing storage tank damage from water pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a filter unit to purify water supplied from an external water supply source
Data Source
AI summary
A water filter device including a filter unit to receive water from an external water supply source and to purify the received water, a storage tank unit to store the water purified through the filter unit, and a case to receive the filter unit and the storage tank unit.