Cooling air distribution device for a refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators lack a flexible and efficient cold air supply system that allows independent temperature control of multiple storage compartments, leading to suboptimal cooling performance and limited interior space utilization.
Innovation Solution
A detachable cold air supply device is integrated into the insulating partition of a refrigerator, featuring a case with an inlet and outlet for cold air flow, a damper unit to adjust airflow, and a heat wire to prevent frosting, allowing for independent temperature control of upper and lower storage compartments, and an ice-making chamber return duct for efficient cold air circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional cold air supply system is used, then the refrigerator can cool the storage compartment, but the temperature control of multiple storage compartments is not independent and cooling efficiency is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The cold air supply system is segmented into separate supply paths for different storage compartments. The insulating partition divides the upper storage compartment into first and second storage compartments, each with independent cold air discharge holes and damper units, allowing independent temperature control while maintaining efficient cooling through dedicated airflow paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable damper units that can dynamically control the airflow rate to each storage compartment based on temperature requirements. The dampers enable flexible adjustment of cold air distribution, allowing independent temperature control while optimizing cooling efficiency for each compartment's specific needs.
2Productivity
If additional duct space is added for cold air circulation, then cooling efficiency improves, but interior space of the refrigerator decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cold air supply device is merged with the insulating partition structure, integrating the airflow ducts within the partition itself rather than adding separate external ducts. This integration allows efficient cold air circulation while minimizing the impact on interior storage space, as the ducts utilize the existing structural space of the partition.
Solution Approach 2:
The cold air supply device is nested within the insulating partition, with the case and airflow paths embedded in the partition structure. The inlet and outlet of the cold air supply device are positioned to communicate with the evaporator and storage compartments through the partition, effectively nesting the cooling system within the existing refrigerator structure to preserve interior space.
3Ease of manufacture
If the cold air supply device is fixed in the insulating partition, then installation is simple, but maintenance and exchange become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cold air supply device is designed as a separable component that can be independently removed from the insulating partition. The case is configured to fit within the partition structure but can be detached, allowing easy maintenance and exchange of the cold air supply device without requiring disassembly of the entire partition or refrigerator structure.
4Reliability
If the insulating partition is made complex to accommodate multiple functions, then temperature control independence improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the insulating partition structure. The partition simultaneously provides thermal insulation, divides the storage compartment, houses the cold air supply device, and contains the airflow ducts. This integration achieves independent temperature control for multiple compartments while avoiding the complexity of separate independent systems for each function.
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 enhances cooling efficiency, allows for independent temperature control of each compartment, increases interior space, and simplifies installation and maintenance by enabling easy access and exchange of the cold air supply device, while reducing the need for additional duct space.
Implementation Method 1
A heat wire may be arranged around the inlet.
Implementation Method 2
an evaporator provided at the rear side of the lower storage compartment to supply cold air into the lower storage compartment
Implementation Method 3
A damper unit may be provided in the case to adjust the flow rate of cold air introduced through the inlet.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a cold air supply device received in an insulating partition that defines a storage compartment into upper and lower storage compartments. As cold air is supplied into the storage compartment below the insulating partition through the cold air supply device, the refrigerator has enhanced productivity and interior volume efficiency.