Very Low Temperature Freezer Sealing for TEM Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household refrigerators face challenges in maintaining extremely low temperatures in a very low temperature freezer compartment without allowing cool air from the general freezer compartment to leak in, which is essential for preserving the texture and taste of frozen meats and seafood.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design that includes a thermoelectric element module assembly with a sealing structure between the very low temperature case and the grill fan assembly, and between the very low temperature compartment door and the case, using sealants and magnetic units to ensure airtight closure and prevent cool air leakage, while also incorporating a compression structure to maintain the seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a very low temperature freezer compartment is installed in a household refrigerator to achieve temperatures of about -50°C, then the ability to preserve food quality and texture is improved, but the complexity of the sealing structure increases to prevent cool air leakage between the very low temperature case and the general freezer compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The freezer compartment is divided into two separate sealed spaces: a general freezer compartment and a very low temperature freezer compartment. The very low temperature case is separated from the general freezer compartment by a sealing structure that includes a first sealing member positioned between the very low temperature case and the general freezer compartment, preventing cool air leakage between the two compartments
Solution Approach 2:
A first sealing member acts as an intermediary element positioned between the very low temperature case and the general freezer compartment. This sealing member prevents direct air contact between the two compartments, effectively blocking the leakage path of cool air while maintaining the temperature difference between the compartments
2Temperature
If a TEM assembly is installed to cool the very low temperature freezer compartment, then the cooling performance is improved, but the difficulty of assembly increases due to the need for precise sealing between the TEM assembly and the very low temperature case
Solution Approach 1:
The TEM assembly is pre-installed and fixed to the very low temperature case before the very low temperature compartment door is assembled. The first sealing member is pre-positioned between the TEM assembly and the very low temperature case, ensuring that the sealing structure is already in place before final assembly, which simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces assembly difficulty
Solution Approach 2:
The TEM assembly is integrated with the very low temperature case through the first sealing member, combining the cooling function with the sealing function. This merging of components ensures that the sealing structure and cooling system work together as a unified assembly, reducing the number of separate assembly steps
3Ease of operation
If a very low temperature compartment door is installed to open and close the very low temperature case, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of the seal decreases due to potential gaps between the door and the case
Solution Approach 1:
A second sealing member is provided between the very low temperature compartment door and the very low temperature case. This dynamic sealing solution allows the door to move freely for easy operation while the flexible sealing member maintains continuous contact to prevent cool air leakage, ensuring seal reliability throughout the door's range of motion
Solution Approach 2:
The second sealing member acts as a flexible barrier between the movable door and the fixed very low temperature case. This flexible sealing element can deform to accommodate door movement and positioning variations, maintaining an airtight seal while allowing the door to open and close easily
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
Effectively maintains extremely low temperatures in the very low temperature freezer compartment by preventing cool air leakage from the general freezer compartment, ensuring the preservation of food quality and texture.
Implementation Method 1
a sealant is provided between the low temperature case and the wall to couple the low temperature case to the first surface of the wall
Implementation Method 2
a compression structure in which sealing can be reliably performed even between a very low temperature case which is opened and closed and a very low temperature compartment door
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator that includes: a storage space configured to be cooled by a refrigeration cycle cooling system; a wall defines a boundary of the storage space; a low temperature case that is arranged adjacent to a portion of a first surface of the wall; a thermoelectric element module (TEM) assembly that is configured to supply cool air to the low temperature case; and a TEM accommodating part that protrudes from the first surface of the wall and that accommodates the TEM assembly, wherein the low temperature case includes an opening through which the TEM accommodating part is inserted, and wherein a sealant is provided between the low temperature case and the wall to couple the low temperature case to the first surface of the wall is disclosed.