Defrosting device and refrigerator having the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing defrosting devices for evaporators in refrigeration systems face challenges such as overheating of the heating unit, inefficient working fluid circulation, and difficulty in smoothly defrosting the lower cooling pipe, particularly due to issues with heat pipe structures and fluid circulation loops.
Innovation Solution
A defrosting device with a heating unit positioned at the lower portion of the evaporator, featuring a heat pipe connected to both the inlet and outlet, where the inlet is positioned away from the active heating part to prevent direct re-entry and the outlet is spaced to prevent overheating, and a return pipe with a specific diameter to facilitate smooth fluid circulation, ensuring safe operation and efficient defrosting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the heating unit is arranged perpendicularly in an up and down direction of the evaporator with working fluid filled merely in a bottom portion, then the evaporating speed is increased by fast heating, but the heater is at risk of overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The heating unit is changed from a perpendicular up-down arrangement to a horizontal left-right arrangement along the evaporator. This dimensional change allows the working fluid to be distributed along the entire length of the heater, ensuring uniform heating and preventing localized overheating while maintaining efficient evaporation.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating structure is divided into different sections with the heating element arranged horizontally along the evaporator length. This allows different portions of the working fluid to be heated uniformly, creating local quality improvements in heat distribution and preventing overheating in any single region.
2Power
If both end portions of the U-like tube are connected to an upper side of the heating unit, then the heated working fluid flows up through the both end portions, but it becomes difficult to form a circulation loop
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of connecting both ends of the U-tube to the upper side of the heating unit, the invention inverts the connection arrangement by connecting the heat pipe to the lower side of the heating unit. This inversion creates a natural circulation loop where heated working fluid rises through the heat pipe while cooler fluid returns through the lower connection, forming an efficient closed-loop system.
3Device complexity
If the heating unit structure does not prevent backflow of working fluid, then the structure is simple, but the working fluid circulation efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The heating unit is arranged horizontally along the evaporator at a consistent elevation, creating an equipotential arrangement for the working fluid circulation. This horizontal configuration combined with the lower-side heat pipe connection enables smooth fluid flow without backflow, maintaining circulation efficiency without requiring complex anti-backflow mechanisms.
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
The solution allows for safe operation of the heating unit without overheating, efficient circulation of the working fluid, and effective defrosting of the lower cooling pipe, preventing backflow and ensuring reliable performance.
Implementation Method 1
a heater provided with an active heating part accommodated within the heater case and actively generating heat to heat the working fluid
Implementation Method 2
a heat pipe connected to an inlet and an outlet of the heating unit, and having at least part thereof disposed adjacent to a cooling pipe of the evaporator such that the cooling pipe of the evaporator is heated by a working fluid of high temperature which is transferred in a heated state by the heating unit
Implementation Method 3
both end portions of the U-like tube are connected to an upper side of the heating unit, such that a heated working fluid flows up through the both end portions of the tube
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a defrosting device, including: a heating unit provided at a lower portion of the evaporator; and a heat pipe connected to an inlet and an outlet of the heating unit, respectively, and having at least part thereof disposed adjacent to a cooling pipe of the evaporator such that the cooling pipe of the evaporator is heated by a working fluid of high temperature which is transferred in a heated state by the heating unit, wherein the heating unit includes: a heater case extending in one direction to be arranged in a left and right direction of the evaporator, and having the inlet and the outlet at both sides thereof; and a heater provided with an active heating part accommodated within the heater case and actively generating heat to heat the working fluid, and a passive heating part extending from the active heating part and heated up to temperature lower than temperature of the active heating part, and wherein the inlet is formed at a position away from the active heating part to prevent the working fluid returned after flowing along the heat pipe from being introduced directly into the active heating part.