Removable Hanging Air Filter for Adaptable Refrigerator Layouts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air filters in refrigerators are not easily movable and require costly manufacturer service for periodic replacement, failing to adapt to changing interior configurations and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A modular air filter system with a removable filter housing and element, featuring a cantilever attaching mechanism with hooks for secure placement on vertical rails and a porous filter element with snap-fit or magnetic attachment, allowing for easy relocation and replacement within the refrigerator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the air filter is mounted in a fixed position within the refrigerator, then it provides stable air filtering, but it cannot adapt to changing interior configurations and food arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The air filter is designed with a movable mounting system featuring a carriage that can slide along vertical rails and be repositioned to different locations within the refrigerator. This dynamic positioning capability allows the filter to adapt to changing interior configurations while maintaining stable operation at each selected position through engagement mechanisms that secure the carriage to the rails.
2Ease of operation
If the air filter requires manufacturer service for periodic replacement, then it ensures professional maintenance, but it is costly and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The air filter system is divided into separable components including a removable filter element housed within a cartridge assembly that can be independently extracted from the mounting carriage. This segmentation enables users to quickly replace only the filter element without disassembling the entire mounting mechanism, significantly reducing replacement time and eliminating the need for manufacturer service intervention.
3Reliability
If the air filter uses a complex mounting mechanism for secure attachment, then it ensures reliable positioning, but it increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism replaces complex mechanical fastening systems with a simplified rail-based carriage design that uses gravity-assisted engagement and simple latching features. The carriage slides along vertical rails and secures through minimal engagement points, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining reliable attachment through the inherent stability of the rail-guided positioning system.
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
Enables users to effortlessly move and replace the air filter, improving air quality by filtering out particulates while reducing maintenance costs and adapting to dynamic refrigerator layouts.
Implementation Method 1
a porous filter element
Implementation Method 2
filtering out particulates
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An air filter for filtering air in a refrigerator is provided, comprising a housing having a hollow body including at least a front wall, a pair of side walls, and a top and bottom wall, wherein at least one wall includes at least one aperture for the passage of air, at least one cantilever attaching means for removably securing the housing to the refrigerating apparatus, and a filter element for removable placement within the housing wherein air enters the at least one aperture, makes contact with the filter element, and leaves the air filter.