Bridge Chamber Evaporator Design for Multi-Zone Refrigerator Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerator appliances with separate evaporators for each chilled chamber result in increased costs, complex assembly, and reduced usable space due to complicated refrigerant plumbing configurations.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator appliance design featuring a single evaporator positioned in a bridge chamber with a movable damper assembly to selectively direct chilled air to multiple chambers, utilizing a single evaporator for both the fresh food and freezer compartments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If separate evaporators are used for each chilled chamber, then different temperatures can be achieved in each chamber, but costs increase, assembly becomes more complicated, and usable space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple evaporator functions into a single evaporator unit that serves multiple chilled chambers. The single evaporator is positioned in a bridge chamber and uses a damper assembly to selectively direct chilled air to different chambers, eliminating the need for separate evaporators in each chamber while maintaining independent temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the airflow paths using a damper assembly that can independently control air distribution to different chambers. The damper assembly includes separate dampers for each chamber, allowing independent temperature control despite using a single evaporator, thus resolving the contradiction between consolidation and independent control.
2Temperature
If separate evaporators are used for each chilled chamber, then temperature control is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple evaporator components into a single evaporator unit with an integrated damper assembly. This consolidation reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and serviced, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the capability to provide different temperatures to different chambers through the damper-controlled airflow system.
3Power
If separate evaporators are used for each chilled chamber, then cooling capacity is distributed, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple evaporator assemblies into a single integrated unit located in the bridge chamber. This single assembly includes the evaporator, fan, and damper assembly all in one package, which simplifies assembly procedures compared to installing separate evaporator units in each chamber. The integrated design reduces the number of assembly steps and potential error sources.
4Power
If separate evaporators are used for each chilled chamber, then cooling is provided to each chamber, but refrigerant plumbing becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single evaporator with a single refrigerant inlet and outlet, eliminating the need for complex refrigerant plumbing that would be required to connect separate evaporators in each chamber. The refrigerant flows through one evaporator unit, and the chilled air is distributed to multiple chambers through the damper-controlled airflow paths, significantly simplifying the refrigerant plumbing configuration.
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 costs, simplifies assembly, increases usable space, and provides energy savings by using a single evaporator system with adjustable airflow control for different temperature zones.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporator positioned in the bridge chamber
Implementation Method 2
a fan positioned in the bridge chamber
Implementation Method 3
a movable damper assembly configured to move between a first position and a second position. At least one of the second inlet and the second outlet is obstructed by the damper assembly in the first position and at least one of the first inlet and the first outlet are obstructed by the damper assembly in the second position
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet with a fresh food chamber and a freezer defined in the cabinet. A bridge chamber is defined in the cabinet between the fresh food chamber and the freezer chamber. The bridge chamber includes a first inlet and a first outlet in fluid communication with the fresh food chamber, as well as a second inlet and a second outlet in fluid communication with the freezer chamber. The refrigerator appliance also includes an evaporator and a fan positioned in the bridge chamber. The refrigerator appliance further includes a movable damper assembly configured to move between a first position and a second position. At least one of the second inlet and the second outlet is obstructed by the damper assembly in the first position and at least one of the first inlet and the first outlet are obstructed by the damper assembly in the second position.