Water filter assembly and a cooling device equipped with it
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water filter assemblies for refrigeration appliances face challenges in integrating a non-return valve cost-effectively, often requiring complex and expensive modifications to the filter head and housing, which complicates manufacturing and installation.
Innovation Solution
A water filter assembly design where the non-return valve is connected to the filter head via a hose, allowing for easy installation without altering the existing filter head, and can be pre-assembled for cost-effective production, with securement options like a locking ring or friction to prevent the valve from falling out or being dislodged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the non-return valve is integrated into the filter head, then water flow back prevention is achieved, but the filter head becomes complicated in shape and expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The non-return valve is separated from the filter head and connected via a hose, dividing the assembly into independent components. This allows the filter head to maintain its simple original design while the valve is installed separately in the housing, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost of the filter head.
Solution Approach 2:
A hose acts as an intermediary connection between the filter head and the non-return valve, allowing the valve to be positioned in the housing without modifying the filter head structure. This intermediary element enables functional integration while maintaining structural simplicity of individual components.
2Reliability
If the non-return valve is integrated into the filter head, then water flow back prevention is achieved, but costly modifications to manufacturing tools and housing adjustments are required
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the non-return valve from the filter head and connecting them via hose, the system avoids the need for costly modifications to manufacturing tools for the filter head and eliminates the need to adapt complicated components, simplifying both manufacturing and installation processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The hose provides flexibility in positioning the non-return valve, allowing it to be installed at various points in the housing without requiring rigid structural modifications. This dynamic connection adapts to existing housing configurations, reducing installation complexity.
3Reliability
If additional space for the non-return valve is provided in the filter head, then water flow back prevention is achieved, but the external shape of the filter head must be changed
Solution Approach 1:
The non-return valve is extracted from the filter head structure and installed separately in the housing. This eliminates the need to allocate additional space within the filter head, allowing the filter head to maintain its original compact external shape while still achieving water flow back prevention through the separately installed valve.
4Reliability
If the filter head design is changed to accommodate the non-return valve, then water flow back prevention is achieved, but consequential changes to the housing are required
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the non-return valve from the filter head and installing it in the housing, the filter head design remains unchanged, preserving compatibility with existing housings. The valve is positioned in the housing where it can be accommodated without requiring consequential changes to the housing structure.
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 allows for cost-effective implementation of a non-return valve within existing refrigeration device housings with minimal adjustments, simplifying manufacturing and assembly, and enabling the use of existing filter heads without additional modifications.
Implementation Method 1
a non-return valve (20) connected to the filter head (2) via a hose (7)
Implementation Method 2
the check valve can be secured in the through hole by a locking ring (21) supported in a groove of the through hole
Implementation Method 3
it can also be sufficient if the non-return valve is held or clamped in the through hole by friction
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7
AI summary
A water filter assembly (1) for a refrigeration appliance comprises an inlet connection (14), a filter head (2) to which a water filter (4) can be mounted, a check valve (20), and an outlet connection. The check valve (20) is connected to the water filter (4) via a hose (7).