Refrigerator Drain Reservoir With Float Plug for Runoff Evaporation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerator appliances face challenges with frost buildup and melting ice cubes generating significant liquid runoff, which can take a long time to evaporate, leading to inefficiencies and potential operational issues.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator appliance design featuring an evaporation pan with a coupled reservoir and float-activated plug assembly to regulate and contain liquid runoff, preventing overflow and facilitating efficient evaporation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If liquid is directed to a drain pan for evaporation, then liquid removal is achieved, but evaporation time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The drain pan is segmented into a first portion and a second portion, with the first portion having a smaller surface area than the second portion. This segmentation allows the liquid to be contained in a restricted initial volume (first portion) while providing a larger evaporation surface area (second portion) for efficient evaporation, thereby reducing overall evaporation time while maintaining effective liquid removal.
2Reliability
If a reservoir is added to contain liquid runoff, then overflow is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir is merged with the drain pan structure, where the reservoir and drain pan are integrated as a single unit. The first portion of the drain pan forms the reservoir, and the second portion serves as the evaporation area. This merging eliminates the need for separate reservoir and drain pan components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining overflow prevention capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The drain pan structure serves multiple functions: it acts as a reservoir for containing liquid runoff, provides a controlled release mechanism through the float assembly, and offers an evaporation surface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby preventing overflow without significantly increasing device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a float-activated plug assembly is implemented, then liquid flow is regulated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The float-activated plug assembly operates automatically based on liquid level in the reservoir. When liquid reaches a certain level, the float rises and triggers the plug assembly to close, preventing overflow. When liquid level drops, the float descends and opens the plug assembly to allow liquid flow. This self-service mechanism regulates liquid flow without requiring external control systems, maintaining ease of operation while minimizing added complexity.
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 effectively manages and regulates liquid runoff, preventing overflow and reducing the time needed for evaporation, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency and reliability of the refrigerator appliance.
Implementation Method 1
A float is mounted to the plug assembly and positioned within the evaporation pan. A position of the float varies depending upon a height of water within the tank, and the plug assembly seals the reservoir when the position of the float is at a particular position.
Implementation Method 2
In certain refrigerator appliances, such liquid is directed to a drain pan disposed outside of the chilled chamber wherein the liquid evaporates.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator appliance is provided. The refrigerator appliance includes an evaporation pan and a drain conduit for directing liquid to the evaporation pan. A reservoir is coupled to the drain conduit. The reservoir includes a tank positioned above the evaporation pan, a plug assembly and a float mounted to the plug assembly. A position of the float varies depending upon a height of water within the tank, and the plug assembly seals the reservoir when the position of the float is at a particular position.