Refrigerator Water Purifying Unit Layout for Space-Saving Filter Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators with separate water purifying filters and tanks waste space and complicate the water supply system, making it difficult to access the filter for replacement and increasing manufacturing costs due to the need for a heater to prevent the water tank from freezing.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design that integrates a water purifying unit between a storage container and the sidewall of the storage compartment, featuring a drawer-type storage container with a filter assembly that can be easily pulled out for replacement and a simplified water supply system configuration, eliminating the need for a separate heater.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the water purifying filter and water tank are separated and installed in different locations, then the water supply system can function properly, but the space utilization of the storage compartment deteriorates and the configuration becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the water purifying filter and water tank into a single integrated water purifying unit. This merging of previously separate components simplifies the overall configuration, reduces the number of separate installations needed, and improves space utilization while maintaining the water supply system's functionality.
2Reliability
If the water tank is provided in the rear of the refrigerating compartment, then the water supply system can operate, but a heater is required to prevent freezing which increases manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the water tank from the rear of the refrigerating compartment to the door body structure. This dimensional relocation places the water tank in a region that is not exposed to the same cold temperatures, eliminating the need for a heater while maintaining water supply operation.
3Reliability
If the water supply pipe length is increased due to independent water supply system, then the system can supply water independently, but the configuration becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the water tank and water purifying filter into a single unit mounted on the door body, the patent reduces the number of separate connections and pipe routes needed. This merging eliminates the complexity associated with multiple independent components while maintaining independent water supply capability.
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 enhances space utilization, simplifies the water supply system, and provides easy filter replacement, reducing operational complexity and manufacturing costs while preventing water tank freezing.
Implementation Method 1
a filter unit provided in the case and serving to purify water supplied from a water supply source
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a refrigerator. In the refrigerator, a water purifying unit including a filter unit to purify water supplied from a water supply source is arranged adjacent to a drawer type storage container in an otherwise useless space of a storage compartment.