Lid assembly for controlling humidity in a refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigeration systems face challenges in maintaining optimal humidity levels in compartments, such as crisper drawers, which can lead to reduced freshness of perishables due to variations in humidity and temperature across different storage areas within the appliance.
Innovation Solution
A lid assembly integrated with crisper drawers and other compartments, featuring a division plate and a lid that can be automatically adjusted to control humidity and temperature, using insulating materials and coupling mechanisms to separate compartments and increase usable volume, while allowing user access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vents or components are added to generate humidity levels, then humidity control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lid assembly uses the natural movement of the lid between open and closed positions to automatically control airflow and humidity levels in the crisper drawer, eliminating the need for separate vents or active humidity generation components. The lid's position itself serves as the control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid assembly performs multiple functions: it provides user access to the crisper drawer, insulates the drawer to maintain temperature, and controls humidity levels through its positioning. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated humidity control components.
2Reliability
If a lid assembly is added to control humidity, then humidity control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lid and division plate into a single integrated assembly that performs both insulation and humidity control functions. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed while achieving the desired humidity control effect.
3Reliability
If insulating materials are used to control humidity, then humidity control is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lid assembly uses thin insulating materials and films to provide effective thermal insulation for the crisper drawer. These thin films provide sufficient insulation properties without adding significant weight to the moving lid component.
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
The lid assembly effectively maintains optimal humidity and temperature levels, enhancing the preservation of perishables by reducing airflow and increasing usable space, thereby keeping fruits and vegetables fresh for a longer period.
Implementation Method 1
The lid assembly can control a humidity level of the crisper drawer by reducing airflow between the crisper drawer and a body of the refrigeration system
Implementation Method 2
using insulating materials and coupling mechanisms to separate compartments
Data Source
AI summary
A lid assembly for controlling humidity in a refrigeration appliance can be provided that can include a division plate positioned between a first compartment of the refrigeration appliance and a second compartment of the refrigeration appliance for insulating the first compartment. The division plate can include a first component that defining an inlet in the division plate and a second component protruding from the division plate. Additionally, the lid assembly can include a lid that can have a third component and a fourth component. The third component can be coupled to the first compartment such that third component is at least partially inside the inlet defined by the first component and the fourth component can be coupled to the second component.