Cooler Special Compartment Temperature Control Using Fan Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional zero degrees compartments in coolers experience significant temperature swings, affecting the shelf life of stored food products due to inadequate heat control mechanisms, which complicate maintenance and increase operational issues.
Innovation Solution
A control unit that determines the on/off times of the fan based on temperature data from both the cooler and special compartments, optimizing fan activation to maintain desired temperature ranges and air homogeneity, using sensors to adjust operations according to compressor status, ambient conditions, and defrosting processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If flaps, engine mechanisms, heat sensors and electronic cards are used to control temperature in the special compartment, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex flap mechanisms, engine mechanisms, and electronic control cards from the system. Instead, it uses a simplified control method that relies on the existing fan and compressor operations combined with temperature sensor feedback, eliminating the need for additional mechanical components while maintaining temperature control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service temperature control by utilizing the existing compressor and fan operations to naturally regulate the special compartment temperature. The control unit monitors temperature sensors and adjusts fan/compressor timing, allowing the system to self-regulate without complex external control mechanisms.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the fan is activated continuously to maintain temperature homogeneity in the cooler compartment, then air temperature homogeneity is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by controlling the fan to operate intermittently rather than continuously. The control unit activates the fan based on temperature sensor readings and compressor status, creating periodic on/off cycles that maintain temperature homogeneity when needed while reducing energy consumption during stable conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from temperature sensors in both the cooler and special compartments to dynamically control fan operation. When temperature deviations are detected, the fan is activated to restore homogeneity; when temperatures are stable, the fan is turned off, creating an energy-efficient feedback-controlled system.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the fan is activated early after compressor start to maintain temperature, then temperature stability is improved, but temperature swings in the cooler compartment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-cooling the air in the special compartment before the compressor fully operates. The fan is activated in a controlled manner after compressor start to circulate the pre-cooled air, ensuring temperature stability in the special compartment while minimizing temperature swings in the main cooler compartment through timed, coordinated operation.
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
Effectively maintains the special compartment temperature within a stable range, preventing food spoilage while minimizing operational complications and costs by optimizing fan usage and compressor operation.
Implementation Method 1
the evaporator (5) enabling the cooler compartment (2) to be cooled
Implementation Method 2
at least one fan (6) enabling air circulation in the cooler compartment (2)
Implementation Method 3
at least one compressor (4) enabling circulating a refrigerant fluid by compressing it
Implementation Method 4
at least one first heat sensor (7) measuring the temperature in at least one cooler compartment (2) and from a second heat sensor (8) measuring the temperature in the special compartment (3)
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cooler (1) comprising at least one cooler compartment (2) in which food products to be cooled are placed, at least one special compartment (3) provided in the cooler compartment (2) and maintained at a temperature lower than the cooler compartment (2), at least one compressor (4) circulating a refrigerant fluid by compressing it, at least one evaporator (5) enabling the cooler compartment (2) to be cooled, at least one fan (6) enabling air circulation in the cooler compartment (2), at least one first heat sensor (7) measuring the temperature in the cooler compartment (2) and at least one second heat sensor (8) measuring the temperature in the special compartment (3).