Water tank assembly for use in a refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators with integrated water tanks and ice making apparatuses face challenges of reduced usable space and increased production and assembly complexity, failing to meet user expectations and efficiency standards.
Innovation Solution
A water tank assembly is designed to be installed between two extendable drawers and onto a lower plate in the refrigerator, utilizing a casing with inner and outer guiding members for flexible attachment, reducing production costs and improving space utilization by exploiting dead space, and featuring a two-piece structure and detachable connections for easy maintenance and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a water tank and water dispenser or ice making apparatus are added to improve user convenience, then the functionality is improved, but the utilizable space of the refrigerator becomes much smaller
Solution Approach 1:
The water tank assembly is installed in the vertical space between the extendable drawers and the ceiling of the fresh food compartment, utilizing the third dimension (height) rather than consuming horizontal storage space. This dimensional repositioning allows the water tank to occupy otherwise wasted space while preserving drawer accessibility and storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The water tank assembly is nested within the existing refrigerator structure, specifically positioned between the extendable drawers and integrated with the lower plate. The guiding members of the drawers are utilized to support the water tank assembly, creating a nested configuration where the water tank occupies the void space without interfering with drawer operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If water dispenser and ice making apparatus are provided to increase functions, then the adaptability is improved, but the production and assembly becomes increasingly more complicated and cost-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The water tank assembly is designed with a universal mounting system that utilizes the existing lower plate and side walls of the fresh food compartment. The detachable attachment means allow the same assembly to be installed in different configurations and positions, reducing the need for custom fabrication and simplifying production. The guiding members serve dual purposes: supporting drawer movement and supporting the water tank assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The water tank assembly is divided into separable components including the water tank, casing, and detachable attachment means. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual parts, easier quality control, and flexible assembly/disassembly during installation and maintenance, thereby reducing overall production and assembly complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If the water tank assembly is installed between extendable drawers to improve space utilization, then the volume efficiency is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water tank assembly is merged with the existing refrigerator structure by utilizing the lower plate and side walls as mounting surfaces. The guiding members of the extendable drawers are integrated to provide support for the water tank assembly, combining multiple functions into a unified structure. This merging approach maximizes space utilization while avoiding the need for additional complex support structures.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates a water tank assembly (1) for use in a refrigerator (2) comprising a compartment (3) for fresh food, a water dispenser and/or an ice making apparatus, two side by side extendable drawers (4) in the compartment (3), a lower plate (5) underside of the extendable drawers (4) and two outer guiding members (6) for slidably supporting the extendable drawers (4) respectively from their outer sides. The water tank assembly (1) comprises a water tank (7). The water tank assembly (1) of the present invention further comprises a casing (8) for installation between the extendable drawers (4) and onto the lower plate (5), wherein the water tank (7) is disposed into the casing (8).