Branched Cold Air Duct Layout for Quieter Multi-Compartment Refrigerators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerators with multiple independent storage compartments face increased power consumption, noise, and costs due to the need for multiple cold air supply systems, which also reduce the internal volume and complicate assembly with multiple connection ducts and components.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design featuring a single cold air supply duct that branches to supply cold air to multiple independent partitioned storages using a single evaporator and air blowing fan, reducing the need for multiple ducts and fans, and incorporating a guide part to optimize airflow and minimize positional dispersion during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple independent cold air supply systems are used to cool each storage compartment, then each compartment can be independently cooled, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple cold air supply systems into a single shared system. One evaporator and one air blowing fan are used to supply cold air to multiple storage compartments (refrigerator compartment and multiple freezer compartments) through a single cold air supply duct that branches to different compartments, eliminating the need for separate evaporators and fans in each compartment.
2Reliability
If multiple air blowing fans are provided to supply cold air uniformly to multiple subsidiary storage compartments, then uniform cooling is achieved, but power consumption and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple air blowing functions into a single air blowing fan. The fan blows cold air into a cold air supply duct that has multiple branches, allowing one fan to serve multiple subsidiary storage compartments uniformly through proper duct design rather than requiring separate fans for each compartment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connection ducts are used to connect main storage compartment to multiple subsidiary storage compartments, then each compartment can be connected, but costs increase and assembly becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cold air supply duct into multiple branches within a single integrated structure. The cold air supply duct has a main body connected to the evaporator and multiple branch ducts that extend to different subsidiary storage compartments, allowing one-piece installation with built-in branching capability rather than requiring multiple separate duct connections.
4Reliability
If multiple connection ducts and components are used to connect storage compartments, then comprehensive cooling coverage is achieved, but internal volume decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple duct assemblies into a single integrated cold air supply duct structure. By using one evaporator and one air blowing fan with a branched duct system instead of multiple separate duct assemblies, the overall duct volume is reduced, thereby increasing the internal storage volume available for keeping food and beverages.
5Adaptability or versatility
If multiple evaporators and air blowing fans are provided for multiple storage compartments, then independent cooling control is achieved, but component costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple evaporators and air blowing fans into a single evaporator and single air blowing fan system. The reduced component quantity (one evaporator and one fan instead of multiple) directly lowers material costs, manufacturing costs, and assembly costs while still providing cooling to multiple compartments through the branched duct system.
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
This design reduces power consumption, noise, and component costs while maintaining efficient cooling of multiple compartments, increasing internal volume by eliminating redundant duct assemblies and simplifying the assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
liquid refrigerants take away heat from a refrigerator while vaporizing into gas refrigerants, to generate cold air that is supplied to a refrigerator
Implementation Method 2
an air blowing fan that blows cold air to a storage compartment
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a cold air supply duct that branches to two independent cold air supply flow paths such that the cold air supply duct supplies cold air for two independent partitioned storages.