Refrigerator Beverage Cooling with Electromagnetic Agitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooling apparatuses are inefficient in quickly cooling beverages to a refrigerated temperature without freezing them, as they rely solely on temperature differences without active agitation or optimized air flow mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator with a cooling apparatus that includes an agitating member and an electro-magnetic power generator to agitate the container holding the liquid, combined with a suction fan and grill to enhance air flow and heat exchange, allowing for faster cooling by utilizing relatively cold air without freezing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional cooling apparatuses rely solely on temperature differences without active agitation, then the structure remains simple, but the cooling speed is slow and heat exchange efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an agitating member that vibrates or moves to actively mix the liquid in the container, enhancing heat exchange between the liquid and cooling air. This mechanical vibration approach accelerates cooling speed by preventing thermal stratification and improving convective heat transfer, while the agitating member is designed as a simple component that can be driven by basic actuators.
2Productivity
If no air flow optimization is implemented, then the device complexity is low, but heat exchange efficiency remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a suction fan that creates controlled air flow through the cooling apparatus, drawing cooling air over the container and enhancing convective heat transfer. This pneumatic approach improves heat exchange efficiency by maintaining continuous fresh air supply and removing warm air, while the fan and air passage design keep the overall structure relatively simple.
3Loss of time
If cooling is performed without active agitation mechanisms, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cooling time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The agitating member is designed to vibrate or move in a simple periodic manner, creating sufficient liquid circulation and surface renewal to dramatically reduce cooling time. The vibration mechanism uses basic oscillating components rather than complex multi-stage systems, achieving rapid cooling with minimal structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The agitating member operates through periodic vibration or motion cycles, continuously renewing the liquid surface exposed to cooling air. This periodic action maintains efficient heat transfer throughout the cooling process without requiring continuous complex mechanical intervention, reducing both cooling time and structural 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 effectively cools beverages faster than conventional refrigerating compartments by actively agitating the liquid and optimizing air flow, ensuring quick cooling without freezing, thus improving heat exchange efficiency and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
an electro-magnetic power generator that includes an electromagnet and that is configured to generate a driving force that causes the agitating member to agitate the container holding the liquid
Implementation Method 2
a suction fan that is positioned at the outlet and that is configured to draw air into the case through the inlet, draw air entering the case over the container holding the liquid positioned in the cooling apparatus, and expel air from the case through the outlet
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 configured to receive a container holding a liquid, and an agitating member that is positioned within the case and that is configured to agitate the container holding the liquid. The cooling apparatus also includes an electro-magnetic power generator that includes an electromagnet and that is configured to generate a driving force that causes the agitating member to agitate the container holding the liquid.