Convertible Freezer Compartment Layout for Flexible Cold Air Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bottom freezer type refrigerators with multiple freezing compartments face challenges in air transfer between compartments, limiting their combined use as a single space for large volume freezing food, and require complex cable management for convertible compartment functions.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design featuring a separation member and damper system that allows for the selective separation of storage spaces, enabling the lower freezing compartment to function as either a single freezing or convertible compartment, with an operation unit for easy command input and safe cable management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple freezing compartments are provided in bottom freezer type refrigerator, then freezing capacity is improved, but cold air transfer between compartments is blocked and compartments cannot be combined as single space
Solution Approach 1:
The freezing compartment is divided into multiple independent sections (first freezing compartment and second freezing compartment) that can be separately accessed and controlled. Each compartment has its own door and can be independently opened, allowing users to access only the needed section while maintaining the overall freezing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition wall between the first and second freezing compartments is designed to be movable rather than fixed. This dynamic structure allows the partition to be repositioned or removed, enabling the two compartments to be combined into a single large space when needed, thus providing adaptability while maintaining segmentation for normal operation.
2Ease of operation
If operation unit is installed at movably provided door for convertible compartment function, then user control is improved, but cable management becomes complex and door movement may be hindered
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible cable guide structure is provided that allows cables to bend and move with the door. The cable guide includes flexible elements that can accommodate the door's opening and closing movements without restricting motion or creating complex rigid mounting structures, thus maintaining ease of operation while managing cable routing.
Solution Approach 2:
A cable guide structure acts as an intermediary between the fixed cable supply and the moving door. This intermediate component absorbs the movement stress and directs cables smoothly, preventing direct contact between cables and moving parts while maintaining simple overall structure and easy door operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separation member is removably coupled to storage space, then compartment flexibility is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage space is divided into separate compartments using removable separation members that can be independently positioned or removed. Each separation member creates a distinct compartment boundary, allowing flexible configuration of the storage space into different compartment arrangements based on user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation members are designed to be removable and repositionable rather than permanently fixed. This dynamic design allows users to easily reconfigure the storage compartments by removing or moving separation members, providing adaptability for different storage requirements while keeping the structural design relatively simple through standardized removable components.
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
Enables flexible use of storage space, easy separation of compartments without professional assistance, and prevents electrical risks by managing cables effectively during door operation.
Implementation Method 1
a damper that is provided in at least any one of the outlets and is selectively operated to control an amount of supplied cold air to control the temperature in the refrigerator
Implementation Method 2
a compressor that compresses a refrigerant
Implementation Method 3
a condenser into which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiment relates to a refrigerator. In the refrigerator, a freezing compartment is selectively partitioned into a plurality of spaces and some of the plurality of spaces can be used as a convertible compartment that can be converted into the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment. In addition, the refrigerator has a structure that an operation unit is provided at a door that opens and closes the convertible compartment and a cable that extends from a main body to the operation unit is clearly processed.