Assembly set including 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 increasing space efficiency of the machine compartment while maintaining efficient fan performance and water evaporation, especially when the fan assembly is compacted.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a drip tray with a unique configuration that includes a rectangular bottom panel and inward-extending inner walls, creating separate storage spaces for defrosted water and the fan assembly, allowing for deeper integration of the fan assembly within the compartment, reducing the overall height and depth, and enhancing water evaporation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the size of the fan assembly is reduced to decrease the height and depth of the machine compartment, then the installation height and depth are reduced, but the fan flow rate is reduced correspondingly
Solution Approach 1:
The fan assembly is repositioned from a horizontal arrangement (above the drip tray) to a vertical arrangement (inside the drip tray), utilizing the depth dimension of the drip tray. This dimensional change allows the fan assembly to be accommodated within the existing vertical space without increasing the overall height of the machine compartment, while maintaining adequate fan size for required airflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan assembly is nested within the drip tray structure, specifically positioned in the space defined by the outer walls of the drip tray. This nesting arrangement allows the fan assembly to occupy the same spatial envelope as the drip tray, effectively utilizing unused space and avoiding additional height or depth requirements.
2Length of stationary object
If the size of the fan assembly is reduced to decrease the height and depth of the machine compartment, then the installation depth is reduced, but the fan flow rate is reduced correspondingly
Solution Approach 1:
The fan assembly is repositioned from a horizontal arrangement (above the drip tray) to a vertical arrangement (inside the drip tray), utilizing the depth dimension of the drip tray. This dimensional change allows the fan assembly to be accommodated within the existing vertical space without increasing the overall height of the machine compartment, while maintaining adequate fan size for required airflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan assembly is nested within the drip tray structure, specifically positioned in the space defined by the outer walls of the drip tray. This nesting arrangement allows the fan assembly to occupy the same spatial envelope as the drip tray, effectively utilizing unused space and avoiding additional height or depth requirements.
3Device complexity
If the fan assembly is placed above the drip tray, then the structure is simple, but the installation height increases and space utilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fan assembly and drip tray are merged into a single integrated structure where the fan assembly is positioned within the drip tray. This combination eliminates the need for separate mounting spaces above the drip tray, reducing the overall installation height while maintaining structural simplicity through unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan assembly is nested within the drip tray structure, specifically positioned in the space defined by the outer walls of the drip tray. This nesting arrangement allows the fan assembly to occupy the same spatial envelope as the drip tray, effectively utilizing unused space and avoiding additional height or depth requirements.
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 allows for a more compact machine compartment with improved fan efficiency and increased storage capacity without increasing external dimensions, ensuring effective water evaporation and heat exchange.
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 5~6
AI summary
An assembly set including a drip tray (7) and a fan assembly (3) is provided. The assembly set is configured to be provided in a machine compartment (10) of a refrigerator. The fan assembly (3) includes a fan (41) configured to generate air flow by rotation thereof and a frame (30) configured to support the fan (41). The drip tray (7) includes a fan assembly mounting space (73) in which at least a portion of the fan assembly (3) is mounted and an opening (78) laterally and outwardly open to communicate with the fan assembly mounting space (73). The fan assembly (3) is configured to be at least partially inserted into or withdrawn out of the fan assembly mounting space (73) through the opening (78).