In-Door Refrigerator Cooling Layout for Adjustable Compartment Volumes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional refrigerator cooling systems often lack flexibility in adjusting the relative volumes of the refrigerator and freezer compartments, and they may not efficiently maintain different temperature zones within a compact door design.

Innovation Solution

A compact in-the-door cooling system with a relocatable dividing wall and integrated components like a compressor, evaporator, and condenser, which allows for customizable compartment volumes and efficient temperature control between the refrigerator and freezer compartments by utilizing a ventilation system and regulating air vents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional cooling system is used with fixed compartments, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability of compartment volume adjustment is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompartment volume adjustmentVSAvoidcooling system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dividing wall is designed to be relocatable within the cabinet, allowing users to dynamically adjust the volume distribution between refrigerator and freezer compartments according to their needs. This dynamic configuration capability directly addresses the adaptability issue while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling system is divided into separate functional modules: a cooling system disposed in the door and a dividing wall that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the dividing wall to be adjusted without affecting the cooling system structure, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If a compact door design is used, then the device size is reduced, but the temperature zone control efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor sizeVSAvoidtemperature zone control

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling system components (compressor, evaporator, condenser) are merged into a compact integrated unit disposed within the door. This consolidation achieves space efficiency while maintaining effective temperature control through the relocatable dividing wall that creates distinct thermal zones between refrigerator and freezer compartments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The relocatable dividing wall creates locally differentiated temperature zones within the compact door structure. By positioning the dividing wall at different locations, users can optimize the thermal separation between cold and fresh zones, ensuring reliable temperature control despite the compact overall size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Volume of stationary object

If the cooling system is disposed in the door, then the cabinet space is increased, but the heat transfer to the door increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecabinet interior volumeVSAvoidheat transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling system is extracted from the traditional cabinet interior location and placed in the door structure. This extraction allows the cabinet interior volume to be fully utilized while the door acts as an isolated housing for the cooling components, managing heat transfer through the door's external position and insulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 flexible adjustment of compartment volumes and maintains distinct temperature zones within the refrigerator and freezer compartments, enhancing user customization and energy efficiency while minimizing noise and heat transfer.

Implementation Method 1

A cooling system is disposed in the door and is in fluid communication with the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefrigeration cycle:

Implementation Method 2

The dividing wall is removably coupled with the cabinet and extends between the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS9097454B2In-the-door compact cooling system for domestic refrigerators

Publication Date: 2015.08.04 WHIRLPOOL CORP

AI summary

A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment. A door is coupled with the cabinet. A cooling system is disposed in the door and is in fluid communication with the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment. A dividing wall is removably coupled with the cabinet and extends between the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment. The dividing wall is relocatable within the cabinet to change a relative volume of the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment.