Drip tray for a compact machine compartment and refrigerator using a drip tray
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator designs face challenges in reducing the installation height and depth of the machine compartment while maintaining efficient fan performance and water evaporation, which limits storage capacity and space utilization.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a drip tray with a unique configuration that includes a fan assembly accommodation space separated from the defrosted water storage space, allowing for a reduced machine compartment height and depth without compromising fan efficiency, achieved by removing portions of the bottom panel in the fan assembly area to prevent water intrusion and enhance drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the size of the fan assembly is reduced to reduce machine compartment height and depth, then the installation dimensions are improved, but the fan flow rate is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fan assembly is repositioned from a horizontal arrangement to a vertical arrangement within the drip tray. The fan motor is positioned above the drip tray bottom panel with blades extending downward, utilizing the vertical dimension to accommodate the fan assembly without increasing the horizontal footprint, thereby maintaining compact machine compartment dimensions while preserving adequate fan flow rate for water evaporation
2Volume of stationary object
If the fan assembly is integrated into the drip tray structure, then space utilization is improved, but water intrusion risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drip tray structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: a water storage area defined by side walls and a bottom panel, and a fan assembly accommodation area. The fan assembly is positioned in a designated space above the bottom panel where water accumulation is prevented by the tray structure, thereby integrating components for space efficiency while maintaining reliability through spatial separation of water and electrical components
3Volume of stationary object
If the machine compartment dimensions are reduced to increase storage capacity, then storage space is improved, but heat exchange efficiency may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The drip tray structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it collects and stores defrosted water, provides structural support for the fan assembly, defines the machine compartment boundaries, and facilitates water evaporation through the fan-generated air flow. This multi-functionality allows compact machine compartment design without sacrificing heat exchange efficiency, as the evaporative cooling process continues to operate effectively within the reduced volume
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
This configuration reduces the machine compartment's volume, enhances heat exchange and water removal efficiency, and increases storage capacity without increasing external dimensions, allowing for more efficient use of space.
Implementation Method 1
The machine compartment may include a fan which generates an air flow through the compressor and the condenser. The air flow may be used to evaporate the water contained in the drip tray.
Implementation Method 2
The defrosted water stored in the drip tray may be evaporated by the heat released from the compressor and condenser of the machine compartment.
Implementation Method 3
The defrosted water stored in the drip tray may be evaporated by the heat released from the compressor and condenser of the machine compartment.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A drip tray (7) provided in a machine compartment of a refrigerator including a fan assembly accommodation space (73) blocked from a defrosted water storage space (71) via an inner wall (76) such that defrosted water does not flow into the fan assembly accommodation space (73). The fan assembly (3) includes a cutout (34), wherein the cut-out (34) overlaps a portion of the defrosted water storage space (71) beyond the inner wall when the fan assembly (3) is provided in the fan assembly accommodation space (73).