Water supply device for a liquid and/or ice dispensing unit of a domestic refrigeration appliance having a specific support with a holding structure, and domestic refrigeration appliance having the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water supply systems in household refrigeration appliances face challenges in achieving a compact design while accommodating various functional units and preventing unwanted dripping or overflowing in ice trays due to hydrostatic pressure differences.
Innovation Solution
A water supply device with a support structure that includes a water basin for pressure equalization, retaining claws for easy assembly, and a multifunctional carrier for sensors, allowing for a space-saving arrangement of components like pumps, hoses, and sensors, with detachable connections for maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a compact design is pursued for the water supply device, then space utilization is improved, but the arrangement of various functional units (pump, hoses, sensors) becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides mechanical support for the pump and hoses, incorporates retaining structures for secure mounting, includes a water basin for pressure equalization, and integrates sensor mounting features. This merging of functions into one integrated support structure achieves compact space utilization while accommodating all necessary functional units without increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as a mounting platform, structural support, pressure equalization chamber (via integrated water basin), and sensor housing. This universal design allows various functional units to be arranged in a space-saving manner on a single structure rather than requiring separate components for each function
2Productivity
If the water tank is positioned higher than the outlet to enable gravity-assisted flow, then water delivery is improved, but hydrostatic pressure causes unwanted dripping into the ice tray
Solution Approach 1:
The water basin acts as an intermediary component between the water tank and the outlet/ice tray. It receives water from the tank, allows pressure equalization through its chamber design, and then delivers water to the outlet in a controlled manner. This intermediary structure prevents direct high-pressure flow from the elevated tank to the ice tray, eliminating unwanted dripping while maintaining gravity-assisted water delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The water basin serves as a pressure cushioning chamber that absorbs and equalizes hydrostatic pressure before water reaches the outlet. By providing this pressure equalization in advance, the system prevents the high pressure generated by the elevated water tank from causing dripping into the ice tray, while still allowing gravity to drive water flow
3Stability of the object's composition
If retaining structures are designed for secure component mounting, then assembly stability is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining structures are integrated directly into the support structure as unified features rather than separate components. The support structure includes built-in retaining elements that provide secure mounting for the pump and hoses while maintaining a simple overall design. This integration achieves assembly stability without adding separate retaining components that would increase assembly complexity
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
The solution ensures stable, space-efficient assembly and operation of water supply components, preventing dripping and overflowing, while enabling easy maintenance and precise level detection.
Implementation Method 1
This advantageously allows for the equalization of hydrostatic pressure, particularly when the water tank is located higher than the outlet of the water supply unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The invention relates to a water supply device (15) for a liquid and/or ice dispensing unit (11) of a household refrigeration appliance (1), comprising a support (53) for carrying at least one pump (79, 80) of the water supply device (15) and/or hoses (78, 85, 95, 97) of the water supply device (15), wherein the support (53) has at least one retaining structure (84) for carrying the pump (79, 80) of the water supply device (15) and/or hoses (78, 85, 95, 97), which includes at least one water basin (86). One aspect relates to a household refrigeration appliance (1).