Cold plate shelf assembly for a refrigerator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Glass shelves in refrigerators are not as thermally conductive as other materials, limiting their ability to cool food items effectively, and there is a need for non-glass shelves that can provide additional cooling beyond standard air circulation.
Innovation Solution
A cold plate shelf assembly using a material with higher thermal conductivity than glass, such as metal, is integrated into the refrigerator, with an air duct system to enhance cooling by directing cool air across the cold plate, thereby accelerating heat transfer and chilling food items more quickly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If glass shelves are used in refrigerators, then light can pass through the shelves making food items more visible, but the shelves are not thermally conductive enough to effectively cool food items
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf assembly is divided into multiple components: a support structure (front and rear trim members), a transparent shelf panel for light transmission, and a separate cold plate component made of thermally conductive material. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function - the glass panel provides illumination while the metal cold plate provides thermal conduction for cooling food items placed on the shelf.
2Device complexity
If standard glass shelves are used, then the structure is simple and inexpensive, but the cooling speed of food items is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two previously separate functions into a single integrated shelf assembly: the structural support and light-transmissive shelf function (performed by the glass panel and trim members) is combined with the active cooling function (performed by the thermally conductive cold plate). This integration allows the assembly to both support food items and actively cool them through enhanced thermal conduction, reducing cooling time without significantly increasing overall complexity.
3Temperature
If non-glass materials with higher thermal conductivity are used for shelves, then food items are cooled more effectively, but light cannot pass through the shelves
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the shelf assembly have different material properties optimized for their specific functions: the shelf panel and trim members are made of transparent materials (such as glass or clear plastic) to allow light transmission and maintain visibility, while the cold plate component is made of a thermally conductive material (such as metal) to provide effective cooling. This local differentiation of material qualities allows the assembly to simultaneously achieve both light transmission and thermal conduction.
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 use of thermally conductive materials and air duct systems in the cold plate shelf assembly enables faster cooling of food items by improving heat transfer, ensuring they are chilled more rapidly than with standard glass shelves.
Implementation Method 1
The second plate is made from a material having a higher thermal conductivity than glass
Implementation Method 2
The air duct is configured so that air exiting the air duct through the air vent either impinges on and travels across the second plate
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a refrigerated compartment, at least one door that selectively seals the refrigerated compartment and a cold plate shelf assembly mounted in the refrigerated compartment. The shelf assembly includes a front trim, a rear trim and a first plate directly coupled to the front trim and the rear trim. A second plate extends from the front trim to the rear trim, the second plate being positioned so that a food item supported on the shelf assembly contacts the second plate. The second plate is made from a material having a higher thermal conductivity than glass. In one arrangement, the refrigerator further includes an air duct having an air vent. Air exiting the air duct through the air vent either impinges on and travels across the second plate or enters an interior of the shelf assembly.