Refrigerator Water Dispenser with Separate Purified and Cooled Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators face challenges in efficiently dispensing cooled water, especially when a large amount is required, as the cooling performance is compromised, and there is no clear distinction between purified and cooled water dispensing options.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design with separate purified and cooled water passages, valves, and input parts allows for selective dispensing of purified or cooled water based on user input, ensuring efficient cooling performance and controlled water flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cooled water is supplied to the ice maker or dispenser continuously, then the dispenser can provide cooled water, but cooling performance is reduced when large amounts of water are dispensed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the water supply system into two separate passages: a purified water passage for supplying purified water to the dispenser, and a cooled water passage for supplying cooled water to the ice maker. This segmentation allows independent control of each water supply path, enabling the dispenser to receive purified water without compromising the cooling performance of the cooled water path.
2Ease of operation
If cooled water is supplied to the dispenser, then the dispenser can dispense cooled water, but it becomes difficult to dispense cooled water when large amounts are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the water supply function by providing separate passages for purified water and cooled water. The dispenser is configured to receive purified water through the purified water passage, which is specifically designed for high-flow dispensing operations, thereby improving water dispensing efficiency without overburdening the cooled water passage.
3Device complexity
If a single water passage is used for both purified and cooled water, then the device complexity is reduced, but there is no clear distinction between purified and cooled water dispensing options
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmentation by creating distinct purified water and cooled water passages with separate control valves (purified water valve and cooled water valve). This structural segmentation enables clear user selection between purified water and cooled water through the dispenser, improving operational clarity despite increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different water types through different passages: the purified water passage delivers filtered water for general dispensing, while the cooled water passage delivers chilled water for ice making. This localized differentiation allows users to select appropriate water types based on their needs, enhancing ease of operation.
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 enables efficient dispensing of both purified and cooled water while maintaining cooling performance, reducing power consumption and enhancing user control over water quality and quantity.
Implementation Method 1
a water tank configured to store water that has passed through the filter device. The water tank is positioned to allow the stored water to be cooled by cool air within the storage space
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a main body that defines a storage space, a door configured to open or close the storage space, and a dispenser located in the door and configured to dispense cooled water and purified water. The refrigerator also includes a purified water input part that inputs a command for dispensing the purified water, a cooled water input part that inputs a command for dispensing the cooled water, and a dispensing amount input part that sets an amount of purified water to be dispensed based on the purified water being selected through the purified water input part. The refrigerator further includes a filter device located within the storage space to purify water supplied from a water supply source, and a water tank storing water that has passed through the filter device in a cooled state.