Refrigerator Beverage Cooling Drawer With Agitation and Forced Air
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooling apparatuses are inefficient in quickly cooling beverages to a refrigerated temperature, as they rely solely on air circulation without effective agitation of the liquid contents, leading to suboptimal heat exchange and prolonged cooling times.
Innovation Solution
A cooling apparatus integrated into a refrigerator, featuring a case with an inlet and outlet for air circulation, an agitating member, and a power generator that agitates the container, enhancing heat exchange efficiency by mechanically agitating the liquid and utilizing a suction fan to increase air velocity and contact area with the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional air circulation cooling is used, then the cooling apparatus structure is simple, but the cooling time is prolonged due to insufficient heat exchange efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling apparatus employs a movable drawer that can be extracted from and retracted into the case. When extracted, the drawer positions the container holding liquid closer to the air inlet, creating a dynamic configuration that enhances cooling efficiency. This dynamic structural adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing fast cooling when needed while maintaining a compact form when the drawer is retracted.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling apparatus is divided into distinct functional modules: a stationary case containing the air circulation system, and a movable drawer containing the container holder. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each module - the case maintains structural simplicity while the drawer provides the mechanical agitation function, thereby achieving fast cooling without excessive overall complexity.
2Productivity
If mechanical agitation is added to enhance heat exchange, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling apparatus merges multiple functions into the single movable drawer component: it serves as the container holder, the mechanical agitation mechanism, and the positioning system. By combining these functions into one integrated module, the apparatus achieves enhanced heat exchange efficiency through mechanical agitation while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable drawer is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides container support, mechanical agitation for heat exchange enhancement, and dynamic positioning relative to the air inlet. This multi-functionality allows the apparatus to achieve fast cooling efficiency without requiring separate dedicated components for each function, thereby controlling device complexity.
3Loss of time
If the container is positioned closer to the air inlet for faster cooling, then cooling time is reduced, but the air circulation path is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be positioned optimally during the cooling process. When extracted, the drawer places the container in close proximity to the air inlet for intense heat exchange. The drawer can then be retracted to restore proper air circulation paths. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by temporarily disrupting air circulation only when necessary for maximum cooling effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling process utilizes periodic extraction and retraction of the drawer. The drawer is extracted periodically to enable close proximity cooling, then retracted to restore air circulation. This periodic action allows the system to achieve fast cooling intervals while maintaining overall air circulation efficiency, resolving the contradiction between cooling speed and air circulation productivity.
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 significantly reduces cooling time by actively agitating the liquid and enhancing air velocity, resulting in improved heat exchange efficiency and faster temperature reduction, effectively addressing the inefficiencies of traditional cooling methods.
Implementation Method 1
at least one fan configured to promote movement of air into the case through the inlet, over the container holding the liquid, and out of the case through the outlet
Implementation Method 2
an agitating member that is configured to agitate the container holding the liquid
Implementation Method 3
configured to cool liquid held by a container positioned in the cooling apparatus to a refrigerated temperature faster than the refrigerating compartment
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a cooling apparatus and a refrigerator having the same. The cooling apparatus includes a case that receives a container holding a liquid and that includes an inlet and an outlet, and at least one fan that promotes movement of air into the case through the inlet, over the container holding the liquid, and out of the case through the outlet. The cooling apparatus also includes a drawer with an agitating member that agitates the container holding the liquid during cooling. The drawer is removable from the case and replaceable in the case. The cooling apparatus further includes a power generator that includes a portion fixed to the case and generates a driving force that causes the agitating member to agitate the container holding the liquid.