Freezer Ice Storage Layout With Front Airflow Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator designs face challenges in air circulation and temperature distribution within the freezer compartment, which limits the dimensions and positioning of the freezing element, necessitating a gap between the freezing element and the door, thereby restricting the capacity and flexibility of the ice storage system.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an air flow channel on the freezing element that connects the first and second compartments, allowing for improved air circulation and temperature distribution, eliminating the need for a gap between the freezing element and the door, and enabling more flexible design and positioning of the freezing element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the freezing element is positioned close to the door to maximize storage capacity, then the ice storage capacity is improved, but the air circulation and temperature distribution in the freezer compartment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The freezing element is divided into two functional parts: an ice storage compartment for holding ice cubes and a front part containing air flow channels. This segmentation allows the front part to be positioned close to the door for maximum capacity while the air flow channels maintain proper air circulation and temperature distribution in the freezer compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
Air flow channels are introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the freezing element and the freezer compartment. These channels facilitate proper air circulation and heat exchange, allowing the freezing element to be positioned close to the door without compromising temperature distribution uniformity in the surrounding space.
2Temperature
If a gap is maintained between the freezing element and the door for air circulation, then the temperature distribution is improved, but the ice storage capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The freezing element is segmented into an ice storage compartment and a front part with air flow channels. This allows the front part to be positioned close to the door (maximizing capacity) while the air flow channels provide the necessary air circulation path without requiring a physical gap.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of maintaining a gap in the horizontal dimension (which reduces storage capacity), the air flow channels provide air circulation paths in vertical and lateral dimensions. This dimensional shift allows the freezing element to occupy maximum horizontal space while air circulation is maintained through alternative pathways.
3Volume of moving object
If the freezing element dimensions are increased to hold more ice, then the ice storage capacity is improved, but the positioning flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The freezing element is divided into a larger ice storage compartment and a front part with air flow channels. This segmentation allows the overall dimensions to be increased for greater capacity while the front part's air flow channels ensure proper air circulation regardless of the element's position, thus maintaining positioning flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The front part of the freezing element serves multiple functions: it contains air flow channels for temperature distribution and can be positioned close to the door. This multi-functionality allows the freezing element to have increased dimensions for storage capacity while maintaining adaptability in positioning.
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
Enhances air circulation and temperature uniformity within the freezer compartment, increasing the capacity for ice storage and allowing for a more efficient and versatile ice making and storage system without compromising the dimensions or positioning of the freezing element.
Implementation Method 1
the cold air coming from blown from the back wall of the freezer compartment, passes through the gap/channel between the front of the freezer element and the inside of the door
Implementation Method 2
The freezing element (5) comprises an ice storage compartment (6) for storing ice and a front part (10)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
This invention relates to a type of refrigerator. Said refrigerator (1) comprises: a utility chamber (2); at least two doors (3) for opening and closing said utility chamber (2), said doors (3) comprising an inner surface (4) facing the utility chamber (2) when said doors (3) are closed; also, a freezing element (5) that comprises an ice storage shelf (6) for storing ice and a front part (10), said freezing element (5) being accommodated inside said utility chamber (2), and said utility chamber (2) comprises the first shelf (8) lying above said freezing element (5) and the second shelf (9) that lies below said freezing element (5). According to the concept of this invention, at least one air flow channel (11a) is installed in said front part (10), said air flow channel (11a) being connected to said first shelf (8) and to said second shelf (9).