A cooling device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling devices experience pressure and temperature imbalances due to the opening and closing of doors, which cause vacuum creation, leading to increased user effort and annoying noise from air and water mixture through the discharge duct, and the 'U' shaped configuration traps water, obstructing air flow and exacerbating these issues.
Innovation Solution
A valve is integrated into the discharge duct that moves in response to the weight of defrost water and air pressure differences, regulating air and water flow to balance cabin pressure and temperature, eliminating the need for a 'U' shape and preventing water trapping, thus allowing ambient air in and discharging defrost water effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a 'U' shaped discharge duct is used to trap water, then water discharge is prevented from disrupting cabin temperature and pressure, but air flow is obstructed and pressure imbalance is exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge duct incorporates a movable flap that dynamically adjusts its position based on pressure differential. When cabin pressure is balanced, the flap remains closed to prevent water discharge disruption. When pressure imbalance occurs (vacuum condition), the flap automatically opens to allow air intake and pressure equalization, thereby resolving the contradiction between preventing temperature disruption and allowing pressure balance.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge duct system uses the pressure differential itself as the actuating force to open or close the flap, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms. The system self-regulates based on the cabin pressure state, automatically opening when vacuum exists and closing when pressure is balanced, thus solving the pressure imbalance problem while maintaining temperature stability.
2Loss of substance
If the discharge duct is the only route connecting the cabin to the atmosphere, then water can be discharged, but pressure imbalance and temperature disruption occur
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge duct is segmented into two functional pathways: one for water discharge and another for air intake. The movable flap acts as a separator that directs flow based on the dominant force (water weight or air pressure differential). This segmentation allows water to be discharged through the duct while preventing ambient air from entering and disrupting cabin temperature, thus resolving the contradiction between water discharge capability and temperature balance.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable flap serves as an intermediary element between the water discharge function and the air intake function. It mediates the conflict by selectively opening or closing the passage based on operational conditions, allowing water to pass when needed while blocking air entry that would cause temperature disruption, thereby enabling both functions without mutual interference.
3Productivity
If air is forcibly circulated by a fan during door opening closing, then air is drawn towards the evaporator, but inner pressure is reduced creating vacuum
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge duct system provides feedback-based pressure equalization. The movable flap continuously responds to pressure differential feedback from the fan operation. When the fan creates vacuum during door operation, the pressure feedback triggers the flap to open, allowing air intake that counteracts the vacuum. This feedback mechanism maintains pressure balance while preserving the high air circulation efficiency needed for productivity.
4Stress or pressure
If vacuum is created in the cabin, then air is sucked in through the discharge duct, but water is also sucked in causing noise
Solution Approach 1:
The movable flap utilizes the weight of water as a counterbalancing force against the air pressure differential. When vacuum occurs, the flap opens to allow air intake, but the water weight prevents excessive air suction that would create noisy air-water mixture flow. The water weight acts as a natural damper that moderates the air flow rate, enabling pressure equalization while minimizing noise from turbulent air-water flow.
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 valve effectively balances cabin pressure and temperature by allowing ambient air in and discharging defrost water, reducing user effort and noise, while preventing temperature imbalance and odor issues associated with trapped water, and enhancing the durability of the discharge duct.
Implementation Method 1
A valve (5) is integrated into the discharge duct (4) that moves in response to the weight of defrost water
Implementation Method 2
A valve (5) is integrated into the discharge duct (4) that moves in response to the weight of defrost water and air pressure differences
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cooling device (1) comprising one or more cabins (2) wherein items to be cooled are stored, a door (3) for closing the cabin (2) and providing access of the user to the items emplaced in the cabin (2), a discharge duct (4) allowing the passage of air and water there through and a valve (5) which provides balancing of the inner pressure of the cabin (2) and provides to discharge the water out of the cabin (2) by allowing the passage of the water collected in the cabin (2).