Refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators face issues with water quality and preservation due to external water supply systems, unsanitary water risks, and foam leakage in thermal insulation layers when water supply pipes are installed within these layers.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design featuring a water supply device with a water tank above a variable temperature drawer, a pump, and a water pipe unit, where the water tank is easily accessible and the water pipe is securely fixed within the thermal insulation layer to prevent deformation and leakage, ensuring clean water supply and improved preservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If external water supply is used, then water supply path is simple, but water quality cannot be guaranteed and preservation effect is adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The water tank is extracted from the external environment and placed inside the refrigerating chamber, separating the water storage function from the external water supply system. This allows the refrigerator to use its own internal space for water storage, ensuring water quality while maintaining a relatively simple supply path through the ice making device.
2Reliability
If water tank is disposed on thermal insulation layer, then water supply path is closed and water quality is guaranteed, but water easily freezes and freezing chamber efficiency is dramatically affected
Solution Approach 1:
The water tank is positioned in the lower part of the refrigerating chamber where the temperature is relatively higher and more stable, rather than on the thermal insulation layer where temperatures fluctuate and are closer to freezing point. This local positioning strategy ensures water remains liquid while still maintaining a closed supply path for quality assurance.
3Loss of energy
If foaming agent is filled into thermal insulation layer, then insulation effect is improved, but water supply pipe deforms and foam leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The water supply pipe is pre-installed and secured in the thermal insulation layer before the foaming agent is injected. This preliminary positioning ensures the pipe maintains its shape and connection integrity during the foaming process, preventing deformation and leakage while still allowing the foaming agent to fill the insulation layer effectively.
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
Guarantees clean and sanitary water for ice making, maintains efficient freezing, and prevents foam leakage by securely fixing the water pipe within the thermal insulation layer, enhancing the overall performance and reliability of the refrigerator.
Implementation Method 1
a water pump connected to the water tank
Implementation Method 2
a thermal insulation layer between the refrigerating chamber and freezing chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber, an ice making device and an ice making water supply device. A variable temperature drawer is disposed in lower part of the refrigerating chamber. The ice making water supply device includes a water tank disposed above the variable temperature drawer, a water pump connected with the water tank, and a water pipe connected with the water tank and the ice making device for introducing the water in the water tank into the ice making device. With the refrigerator according to embodiments, the water quality is ensured and the preservation effect is improved. Because the temperature of the variable temperature drawer is generally in the range of −3° C. to 8° C., the water in the water tank is not easy to be frozen, and can be supplied to the ice making device continuously.