Refrigerator appliance with dual freezer compartments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator appliances with multiple freezer compartments require separate evaporators for achieving different temperatures, leading to increased costs, complex assembly, and operational limitations such as only being able to cool one compartment at a time.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator system with a single evaporator coil divided into two sections, one for a fixed low temperature and another for a convertible temperature range, using a removable mullion to separate the freezer chamber into two compartments and a damper assembly to control airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate evaporators are used for each freezer compartment to achieve different temperatures, then temperature control versatility is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single evaporator is divided into two separate sections positioned in different freezer compartments. This segmentation allows each section to independently cool its respective compartment to different temperature setpoints, achieving temperature control versatility without requiring completely separate evaporator systems.
Solution Approach 2:
A single evaporator unit performs the function of what would traditionally require two separate evaporators. The evaporator is designed with multiple sections that can simultaneously serve different temperature zones, making the system more versatile while reducing overall complexity and cost.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate evaporators are used for each freezer compartment, then temperature control versatility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Two evaporator functions are merged into a single evaporator unit with two sections. This consolidation reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and installed, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the capability to control temperatures in both compartments independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The single evaporator is designed to perform multiple functions - cooling both freezer compartments to different temperatures simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for two separate evaporator assemblies, reducing part counts and manufacturing complexity.
3Device complexity
If a single evaporator is used for both freezer compartments, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to maintain different temperatures in each compartment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The evaporator is segmented into two distinct sections, each positioned in a different freezer compartment. This physical segmentation allows refrigerant to flow through both sections simultaneously, enabling independent temperature control in each compartment while using a single evaporator unit.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the evaporator are optimized for their specific locations and temperature requirements. The first evaporator section is configured for the first freezer compartment's temperature needs, while the second section is configured for the second compartment, allowing each zone to maintain its desired temperature independently.
4Device complexity
If a single evaporator with two sections is used, then manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but operational flexibility for simultaneous cooling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The evaporator is divided into two independent cooling sections that operate simultaneously. Each section can cool its respective compartment at the same time, maintaining full operational flexibility for simultaneous cooling while using a single integrated evaporator unit that reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single evaporator is designed to continuously provide cooling to both compartments simultaneously through its two sections. Refrigerant flows through both sections in parallel, ensuring uninterrupted cooling operation in both freezer compartments at the same time, maintaining productivity while reducing complexity.
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 efficient and versatile temperature control in both compartments with reduced complexity and cost, allowing for simultaneous cooling of both compartments or adjustable temperature settings in the second compartment between freezer and fresh food temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporator and a fan, the fan generating a flow of air across the evaporator and cooling the flow of air
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator appliance is provided including a freezer chamber divided into a first compartment and a second compartment by a removable mullion. A refrigeration system includes a single evaporator coil having a first evaporator section in series with a second evaporator section. The first evaporator section is positioned in the first freezer compartment to maintain the temperature in that compartment at a fixed, low temperature (e.g., 0.degree. F.). The second evaporator section is positioned in the second freezer compartment which is a "convertible" compartment capable of maintaining temperatures between the freezer and fresh food compartment temperatures (e.g., between about 0.degree. F. and 37.degree. F.).