Refrigerator Water Delivery Pipe Design for Removable Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing refrigerator designs with water delivery pipes bonded tightly to the heat-insulating layer make maintenance costly and difficult, as the pipes cannot be checked or replaced without damaging the insulation, leading to increased maintenance costs and reduced service life.
Innovation Solution
The water delivery pipes are designed to be removably arranged within the heat-insulating layer using a separating member that prevents contact with the insulation, allowing for easy inspection and replacement without damaging the layer, and are positioned to minimize the influence of cooling air and ice formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If water delivery pipes are bonded tightly to the heat-insulating layer, then the pipes are hidden and the outer appearance is improved, but the pipes cannot be checked or replaced without damaging the heat-insulating layer, increasing maintenance cost and shortening service life
Solution Approach 1:
The water delivery pipe system is segmented into removable sections that can be independently accessed and replaced. The pipe is divided into segments that can be removed through accessible points without damaging the heat-insulating layer, allowing maintenance while preserving the integrated appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The water delivery pipe is extracted from the bonded configuration and made removable from the heat-insulating layer. This allows the pipe to be taken out for maintenance or replacement without damaging the insulation layer, while still being positioned within it for aesthetic purposes.
2Shape
If water delivery pipes are bonded tightly to the heat-insulating layer, then the pipes are hidden and the outer appearance is improved, but the entire door or case must be replaced when pipes fail, increasing maintenance cost
Solution Approach 1:
The water delivery pipe is segmented into removable sections that can be independently accessed and replaced. The pipe is divided into segments that can be removed through accessible points without damaging the heat-insulating layer, allowing maintenance while preserving the integrated appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The water delivery pipe is extracted from the bonded configuration and made removable from the heat-insulating layer. This allows the pipe to be taken out for maintenance or replacement without damaging the insulation layer, while still being positioned within it for aesthetic purposes.
3Shape
If water delivery pipes are arranged within the heat-insulating layer, then the pipes are hidden and the outer appearance is improved, but the pipes are difficult to access for inspection and repair
Solution Approach 1:
The water delivery pipe system is segmented into removable sections that can be independently accessed and replaced. The pipe is divided into segments that can be removed through accessible points without damaging the heat-insulating layer, allowing maintenance while preserving the integrated appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
A removable connector or intermediate component is introduced that allows access to the water delivery pipe through the heat-insulating layer. This intermediary element enables inspection and repair while maintaining the hidden pipe configuration for aesthetic purposes.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a refrigerator and its manufacturing method. Said refrigerator includes a heat-insulating layer (25) and at least one fluid delivery pipe (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d, 15e, 15f), wherein said fluid delivery pipe (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d, 15e, 15f) is at least partly received inside said heat-insulating layer (25). According to the present invention, said fluid delivery pipe (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d, 15e, 15f) is removably received inside said heat-insulating layer (25).