Water storage device and refrigerator having the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigerators with water storage devices struggle to maintain cold water temperature due to high-pressure tap water mixing with cold water, causing the temperature to rise when water is drawn, resulting in unsatisfactory cold water delivery.
Innovation Solution
A water storage device with a movable water distribution plate that separates the storage cavity into inlet and outlet sections, driven by a spring mechanism, preventing incoming water from mixing with cold water by directing it to flow out through a dedicated outlet, while the distribution plate returns to its initial position after use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a water storage device supplies cold water using high-pressure tap water, then water flow rate increases, but incoming water mixes with cold water causing temperature to rise
Solution Approach 1:
The water storage cavity is divided into two separate sections: a first water storage section for receiving incoming high-pressure tap water and a second water storage section for storing cold water. A partition wall with a through-hole separates these sections, preventing mixing while allowing controlled water transfer. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by isolating the two water streams spatially.
Solution Approach 2:
A buffer groove is provided in the partition wall between the first and second water storage sections. This buffer groove acts as an intermediary chamber that receives water from the first section and controls its transfer to the second section. The intermediary structure prevents direct mixing while managing the pressure differential between the two sections.
2Speed
If high-pressure water enters the water storage device quickly, then water supply speed increases, but mixing with cold water causes temperature rise
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall with through-hole and buffer groove creates separate flow paths that maintain high entry speed in the first section while preventing temperature mixing. The segmented design allows fast water entry without compromising cold water temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful mixing effect is eliminated by extracting the two water streams into separate spatial zones. The first water storage section handles high-speed incoming water while the second section preserves cold water temperature, removing the adverse interaction between the two streams.
3Reliability
If a partition wall is added to separate water sections, then water mixing is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall divides the cavity into two functional sections, providing reliable temperature maintenance through spatial separation. This segmentation achieves the reliability goal while keeping the structural complexity manageable through a simple divide-and-conquer approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition wall serves multiple functions: it separates the two water storage sections, provides structural support, and incorporates the buffer groove and through-hole for controlled water transfer. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
4Reliability
If a buffer groove is provided in the partition wall, then water mixing is prevented, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer groove segments the partition wall structure, creating distinct functional zones for water separation and controlled transfer. This segmentation achieves reliable water separation while the groove can be integrated into the partition wall manufacturing process as a single molded or machined feature.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer groove is combined with the partition wall as an integrated structure rather than a separate component. This merging reduces the total number of parts and simplifies assembly, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining the water separation function.
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
Ensures that cold water is delivered at the desired temperature by isolating incoming water from the cold storage, maintaining the temperature and preventing mixing, thus providing a consistent cold water supply.
Implementation Method 1
a driving member configured to drive the water distribution plate to return to the water inlet end after the water distribution plate moves toward the water outlet end
Implementation Method 2
the driving member is a spring connecting the water distribution plate with the water inlet end and/or the water outlet end
Implementation Method 3
when water enters from the water inlet end, the incoming water drives the water distribution plate to move towards the water outlet end
Implementation Method 4
the incoming water drives the water distribution plate to move towards the water outlet end
Data Source
AI summary
A water storage device and a refrigerator, the water storage device comprising: a housing having a water inlet end and a water outlet end, and a water distribution plate. The water distribution plate divides a water storage cavity into a water inlet cavity and a water outlet cavity; a gap for allowing water to flow through is provided between the outer edge of the water distribution plate and the inner wall of the housing; when the water distribution plate moves from the water inlet end towards the water outlet end, water entering the water inlet cavity from the water inlet end will not mix with cold water in the water outlet cavity.