Ceiling Evaporator Layout for Flat-Wall Refrigerator Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators have inefficient use of space due to the evaporator being located at the rear of the storage compartment, leading to uneven rear walls and reduced storage capacity.
Innovation Solution
The evaporator is positioned at the ceiling of the refrigerator, allowing for even leveling of the rear wall and improved space utilization, with additional features like an ice maker and water supplying system also located at the ceiling to enhance functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the evaporator is disposed at the rear of the storage compartment, then the cooling function is achieved, but the rear wall of the storage compartment cannot be evenly leveled and the space utilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The evaporator is relocated from the rear horizontal space to the upper vertical space (ceiling area) of the storage compartment. This dimensional relocation allows the rear wall to be evenly leveled while the evaporator occupies the previously underutilized ceiling region, thereby resolving the contradiction between storage volume and rear wall shape.
2Volume of moving object
If the evaporator is disposed at the rear of the storage compartment, then the cooling function is achieved, but the space utilization of the storage compartment is low
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the evaporator to the ceiling area (vertical dimension), the horizontal storage space is maximized. The evaporator utilizes the upper volume of the storage compartment that would otherwise be wasted, thereby improving overall space utilization efficiency while maintaining effective storage volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The ceiling area where the evaporator is installed serves multiple functions: it houses the evaporator for cooling, provides mounting space for the ice maker, and accommodates the water supplying system. This multi-functional use of the ceiling region improves space utilization efficiency without compromising storage capacity.
3Shape
If the evaporator is disposed at the ceiling, then the rear wall can be evenly leveled and space utilization is improved, but additional duct structures would be needed for air circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The evaporator installed at the ceiling utilizes the natural convection of air within the storage compartment. Cool air descends from the ceiling evaporator and warm air rises to be cooled, creating a natural circulation pattern that eliminates the need for complex duct structures and blowers, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving rear wall leveling.
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 configuration enables better space management, allowing for even cooling distribution and increased storage capacity while maintaining efficient air circulation and ice/water supply without the need for additional duct structures.
Implementation Method 1
refrigerant circulated at the cooling cycle is provided to generate cool air at an outside while evaporating at the evaporator
Implementation Method 2
an evaporator provided at a cooling space to generate cool air
Implementation Method 3
a blower fan provided at the cooling space to forcedly circulate the cool air generated at the evaporator
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a refrigerator having a body having a storage compartment; a door to open or close the storage compartment; a cover plate disposed at an inside the storage compartment; a cooling space formed in between the cover plate and an upper wall of the body; an evaporator provided at the cooling space to generate cool air; a blower fan provided at the cooling space to forcedly circulate the cool air generated at the evaporator; a cool air supplying hole formed at the cover plate to supply the cool air of the cooling space to the storage compartment; and a cool air collecting hole formed at the cover plate to collect the cool air heated at the storage compartment to the cooling space, and a rear wall of the storage compartment of the refrigerator may be evenly leveled and usefulness of space may be increased.