Crisper Lid Airflow Path to Prevent Refrigerator Condensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The temperature difference between the crisper and the fresh food compartment in refrigerators causes condensation and water droplet formation on the crisper surfaces, leading to food spoilage due to dripping water.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating inclined surfaces on the drawer and lid to guide airflow from the crisper, ensuring uninterrupted air flow and preventing condensation by directing air to exit through an inclined path, thereby avoiding water drop formation on the crisper and drawer surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If airflow between the crisper and fresh food compartment is limited to prevent dehydration, then food dehydration is reduced, but temperature difference causes condensation and water droplet formation on crisper surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curved surfaces (first and second inclined surfaces) to guide airflow smoothly from the crisper interior to the exterior. The curvature of these surfaces prevents abrupt airflow direction changes that would cause condensation, while maintaining the limited airflow regime needed to prevent food dehydration. The smooth curved path allows air to follow the surface without separating and forming water droplets.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If inclined surfaces are added to guide airflow, then condensation is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the airflow guidance function into the existing crisper structure by integrating the first inclined surface into the drawer front wall and the second inclined surface into the lid. Rather than adding separate airflow control components, these surfaces are combined with structural elements already present in the crisper, thereby preventing condensation without significantly increasing device complexity.
3Quantity of substance
If air outlet opening is narrowed to control airflow, then airflow rate is reduced, but airflow interruption may occur causing localized condensation
Solution Approach 1:
The narrowed air outlet opening is designed with curved inclined surfaces that guide airflow smoothly through the constriction. The curvature ensures that even though the opening is narrowed to control airflow rate, the air flow remains continuous and stable without interruption or turbulence that would cause localized condensation. The smooth curved path maintains laminar flow characteristics through the narrowed section.
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
Prevents sweating and water droplet formation on the crisper and drawer surfaces, enhancing food storage life by maintaining continuous airflow and reducing condensation during air discharge.
Implementation Method 1
the air flows in an uninterrupted manner from the first surface to the second surface
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a refrigerator (1) comprising a body (2) wherein foods and beverages are placed, a crisper (3) disposed inside the body (2), at least one drawer (4) that is disposed into the crisper (3) wherein fruits and vegetables are placed, a lid (5) that is situated on the crisper (3) and that remains above the drawer (4) when the drawer (4) is placed into the crisper (3), and an air outlet opening (6) that is arranged at the front side of the lid (5) and that enables the air inside the crisper (3) to be discharged outside.