Curd maker and refrigerator having the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators lack an integrated solution for fermenting milk into curd and maintaining the freshness of the curd, requiring manual transfer of the curd from a curd maker to the refrigerator compartments.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator with a curd maker integrated into the refrigerating compartment, featuring a case with insulation, a heater, a fan for cooling, and a temperature sensor, allowing for controlled heating and cooling of the curd container through a network of flow channels to ferment and store curd efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If curd maker is independently provided, then fermentation function is available, but manual transfer to refrigerator is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the curd maker and refrigerator into a single integrated device. The curd maker unit is disposed within the refrigerator body, allowing fermentation and storage functions to be merged in one appliance, thereby eliminating the need for manual transfer of curd between separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions: fermentation of milk into curd, cooling of the curd container, and storage of the prepared curd. This multi-functional design allows a single appliance to replace both the independent curd maker and refrigerator.
2Adaptability or versatility
If curd maker is disposed in refrigerating compartment, then integrated storage is achieved, but temperature control during fermentation is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerator body is divided into distinct functional zones: the refrigerating compartment for storage and the curd maker unit for fermentation. The curd maker includes its own dedicated heating element and temperature control system, separate from the refrigerator's cooling system, allowing independent temperature management during fermentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts temperature parameters based on operational mode. During fermentation, the heating element raises the temperature to optimal levels for curd formation. During storage, the cooling system lowers and maintains the temperature to preserve freshness. The temperature sensor continuously monitors and adjusts parameters to maintain optimal conditions.
3Productivity
If heater is used for fermentation, then curd can be made, but cooling mechanism is needed to maintain freshness
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element for fermentation and the cooling fan for freshness maintenance are integrated into the same curd maker unit. This combination allows sequential operation: heating during fermentation phase, then cooling during storage phase, within a single device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates in periodic cycles: the heater activates during fermentation to raise temperature, then the cooling fan activates to lower and maintain temperature for freshness. This periodic switching between heating and cooling modes allows the system to perform both functions without requiring continuous operation of both mechanisms simultaneously.
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 convenient and efficient fermentation and storage of curd, maintaining freshness by controlling temperature and airflow, thereby improving the taste and quality of the curd.
Implementation Method 1
a heater provided between the inner case and the insulation member to heat the curd container
Implementation Method 2
a fan to supply cool air from the refrigerating compartment to the curd container to cool the curd container
Implementation Method 3
an insulation member provided between the outer case and the inner case
Implementation Method 4
a temperature sensor to measure temperature in the curd maker
Implementation Method 5
a flow channel surrounding a front, rear, and left and right sides of the curd container such that the cool air supplied by the fan is transferred to the curd container
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator having a curd maker to make curd directly disposed in a refrigerating compartment wherein curd is made by the curd maker disposed in the refrigerating compartment and is kept fresh. The refrigerator includes a curd maker provided in a refrigerating compartment to ferment milk into curd, wherein the curd maker includes a case including an outer case forming an external appearance of the case and an inner case provided in the outer case, an insulation member provided between the outer case and the inner case, a curd container received in the inner case to store milk, a heater provided between the inner case and the insulation member to heat the curd container, a fan to supply cool air from the refrigerating compartment to the curd container to cool the curd container, and a temperature sensor to measure temperature in the curd maker.