Refrigerator Water Feed Module With Integrated Filter and Tank
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water feed systems in French door type refrigerators have a complex configuration due to separately mounted filters, water tanks, and valves, leading to increased pipe length, assembly complications, and inefficient use of interior space.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a filter, water tank, and valve within a case in the refrigerating compartment, connected by a reduced number of water feed pipes, allowing for simplified assembly and enhanced space utilization, with optional control valves to manage water supply and prevent leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the filter, water tank and valve are arranged separately in conventional locations (water tank in refrigerating compartment, valve in bottom machine room), then the water feed system can supply water to both icemaker and dispenser, but the water feed pipe length increases and the configuration becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the filter, water tank, and valve into a single integrated assembly that is mounted together in the bottom machine room. This merging of components reduces the complexity of the water feed system configuration by eliminating separate mounting locations and simplifying the piping arrangement, while maintaining the ability to supply water to both the icemaker and dispenser.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the filter, water tank and valve are mounted separately in the main body, then the system can function independently, but the assembly process becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The filter, water tank, and valve are merged into a pre-assembled unit that can be installed as a single module in the bottom machine room. This significantly simplifies the assembly process during manufacturing and installation, while the integrated design ensures that all components work together seamlessly to maintain full system functionality for both icemaker and dispenser operations.
3Temperature
If the water tank is located in the refrigerating compartment and the valve in the bottom machine room, then water can be cooled before storage, but the pipe length increases reducing space utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The water tank and valve are combined and mounted together in the bottom machine room, allowing the water feed pipes to connect directly from the integrated assembly to both the icemaker and dispenser. This eliminates the need for long pipes extending from the refrigerating compartment to the bottom machine room, thereby maximizing the utilization of interior space while still allowing water to be cooled by the refrigerating compartment air.
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 configuration simplifies the water feed system, reduces assembly complexity, maximizes interior space, and improves the reliability of the water supply by minimizing pipe length and allowing for convenient integration between storage containers.
Implementation Method 1
a filter to purify water to be fed from an external water source
Implementation Method 2
a water tank in which the water, purified by the filter, is stored so as to be cooled by interior cold air of the refrigerating compartment
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a main body having a refrigerating compartment; a door to open and close the refrigerating compartment; an icemaker to make ice; a dispenser to dispense water; a filter to purify water to be fed from an external water source to the icemaker and the dispenser; a water tank in which the water, purified by the filter, is stored so as to be cooled by interior cold air of the refrigerating compartment; a valve provided at a junction of a hose connecting the filter to the water tank and the icemaker to selectively supply the water, purified by the filter, to the water tank or the icemaker; and a case to receive the filter, the water tank and the valve, the case being integrally positioned in the refrigerating compartment and between a front of the refrigerating compartment and a rear of the refrigerating compartment.