Drip Tray Segmentation for Compact Refrigerator Machine Compartment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing refrigerator machine compartments face challenges in reducing their volume without compromising the fan flow rate, as minimizing the size of the fan assembly leads to reduced airflow efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a drip tray with a fan assembly accommodation space that allows the fan assembly to be inserted deeper into the compartment, reducing the overall height and depth of the machine compartment, while maintaining the fan assembly's size, by using an inner wall to block defrosted water from entering the fan assembly area and a retainer system for secure placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the fan assembly size is reduced to minimize machine compartment volume, then the machine compartment volume is reduced, but the fan flow rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the fan assembly in the depth direction of the machine compartment by providing a fan assembly accommodation space that extends deeper into the compartment. This dimensional adjustment allows the fan assembly to be placed in a location that maintains adequate airflow path length and cross-sectional area, thereby preserving fan flow rate while reducing the overall height and front-facing volume of the machine compartment.
2Volume of moving object
If the fan assembly is repositioned deeper in the compartment, then the machine compartment height and depth are reduced, but water may penetrate into the fan assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The drip tray is divided into two distinct functional zones: a defrosted water storage space for collecting and holding water, and a fan assembly accommodation space for housing the fan. This segmentation physically separates the water-containing area from the fan assembly area, preventing water penetration while maintaining the compact configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate structure (the divided drip tray configuration with separate storage and accommodation spaces) that acts as a barrier between the defrosted water and the fan assembly. This intermediate arrangement allows the fan assembly to be positioned deeper in the compartment for compactness while the drip tray structure prevents water from reaching the fan, thus protecting reliability.
3Productivity
If the drip tray is designed with a flat and wide shape to enhance evaporation, then the evaporation efficiency is improved, but the machine compartment volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the horizontal surface area of the drip tray to improve evaporation, the patent utilizes the depth dimension of the machine compartment by positioning the fan assembly deeper within the compartment. This allows the drip tray to maintain a more compact horizontal footprint while the fan assembly occupies the deeper space, thereby improving evaporation efficiency without significantly increasing overall machine compartment 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 enhances heat exchange efficiency and defrosted water removal, increasing storage capacity and simplifying assembly, while maintaining airflow efficiency and reducing the risk of water penetration into the fan assembly.
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
AI summary
A drip tray provided in a machine compartment of a refrigerator including a fan assembly accommodation space blocked from a defrosted water storage space via an inner wall such that defrosted water does not flow into the fan assembly accommodation space. The fan assembly includes a cutout, wherein the cut-out overlaps a portion of the defrosted water storage space beyond the inner wall when the fan assembly is provided in the fan assembly accommodation space.