Refrigerator Drawer Divider for Dual-Temperature Food Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator drawers lack independent temperature control for divided storage spaces, limiting the ability to maintain optimal temperature conditions for different types of food.
Innovation Solution
A movable divider within the drawer divides the storage space into independent compartments, with one compartment directly cooled by cooling air and the other indirectly cooled, allowing for different temperature control and adjustable size based on food type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a drawer is provided in the refrigerator to store food, then the storage capacity and accessibility are improved, but the ability to control different temperatures for different food types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer storage space is divided into multiple compartments by partition walls, with each compartment capable of being independently temperature-controlled. This segmentation allows different food types to be stored at different temperatures within the same drawer, improving adaptability without requiring separate drawers for each temperature zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition walls are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing users to adjust the size and position of compartments based on storage needs. The dynamic structure enables flexible reconfiguration of the drawer interior, providing adaptability for various food storage requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall drawer design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the storage space is divided into multiple compartments, then independent temperature control for different food types is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The partition walls serve multiple functions: they act as thermal barriers for temperature control, provide structural support for the drawer compartments, and can be moved to reconfigure storage spaces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving independent temperature control for each compartment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the partition size is adjusted according to food size, then the storage flexibility is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to complex adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The partition walls are designed to be manually movable without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, motors, or control systems. Users can easily slide the partitions to adjust compartment sizes according to their storage needs, and the partitions remain in position due to their own structural design and friction, providing self-service functionality that maintains ease of operation while improving storage flexibility.
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 separate storage of food at optimal temperatures, improving food preservation and user convenience through adjustable compartment sizes and easy operation of the divider.
Implementation Method 1
Cooling air stored in the refrigerator compartment may be cooled while passing through the first evaporator
Implementation Method 2
a divider which divides the storage space into a first space part to which cooling air is supplied and a second space part which is indirectly cooled by the cooling air
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator may include a cabinet configured to form a storage compartment; and a drawer provided inside the storage compartment to be withdrawn, wherein the drawer includes a drawer body which forms a storage space; and a divider which is movably installed at the drawer body, and divides the storage space into a first space to which cooling air is supplied and a second space which is indirectly cooled by the cooling air, and the first space and the second space are controlled at different temperatures from each other.