Convertible Freezer Compartment Layout With Damper and Cable Routing
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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 a user-operable door system and cable management to prevent interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple freezing compartments are partitioned in the bottom freezer type refrigerator, then the freezing compartment capacity is increased, but the cold air transfer between compartments is blocked and the compartments cannot be combined into one space
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom freezing compartment is divided into multiple separate freezing compartments through partition walls, allowing independent storage of different types of frozen food while maintaining the ability to combine them when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The partition walls between freezing compartments are designed to be movable rather than fixed, enabling users to reconfigure the compartment layout dynamically - either keeping them separated for specialized storage or combining them into one large space for bulk freezing needs
2Ease of operation
If operation unit is installed at the movably provided door for convertible compartment function, then the user can control compartment functions, but the cables may hinder door movement or cause safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible cables that can bend and extend, allowing them to move with the door rather than being fixed rigidly, thus preventing interference with door movement while maintaining electrical connectivity for the operation unit
Solution Approach 2:
A cable management mechanism acts as an intermediary between the fixed cable routing and the moving door, guiding and protecting the cables to ensure they remain connected during door movement without creating safety hazards
3Adaptability or versatility
If separation member is removably coupled to separate storage space, then the storage space flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage space separation system is divided into modular components - the main separation member and removable inserts - that can be independently assembled and disassembled, providing flexibility without requiring a completely complex reconfiguration system
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire storage space reconfigurable through complex mechanisms, the patent uses simple removable separation members that divide the space, inverting the approach by using minimal intervention to achieve maximum flexibility
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 compartment spaces, easy maintenance without service calls, and safe cable management, enhancing user convenience and safety.
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.