Refrigerator Door Venting for Passive Display Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator designs face inefficiencies in heat radiation from display units, leading to reduced operation performance and user discomfort due to heat transfer, with existing methods either insufficient in heat radiation efficiency or complicated and noisy.
Innovation Solution
A heat radiating unit is integrated into the refrigerator door, featuring a blocking unit to prevent foreign materials and a dual-hole configuration for air passage, utilizing air convection to efficiently discharge heat generated by the display unit without the need for an additional blower, thereby simplifying the structure and reducing noise and electricity consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a heat radiating panel is used to conduct heat from the display unit to the door, then heat radiation efficiency is improved, but heat may be radiated to the user when they contact the door
Solution Approach 1:
The heat radiating unit is segmented into multiple components: a heat radiating cover that contacts the display unit, heat radiating fins for heat dissipation, and a heat radiating duct with discharge holes. This segmentation allows heat to be directed through controlled pathways away from the door surface, improving heat radiation efficiency while preventing direct contact heat transfer to users.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat radiating duct acts as an intermediary structure that channels heat away from the door. The duct with its discharge holes provides a controlled pathway for heat dissipation, mediating between the heat source (display unit) and the external environment, thereby preventing direct heat transfer to the door surface and users.
2Loss of energy
If an air blower is used to radiate heat, then heat radiation efficiency is improved, but noise is generated and structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The air blower component is completely extracted from the heat radiation system. Instead of using mechanical forced convection, the design relies on natural air flow through the heat radiating duct and discharge holes, eliminating the need for complex mechanical components while maintaining effective heat dissipation.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat radiating unit utilizes natural convection and air flow through the duct structure to achieve heat dissipation without external mechanical assistance. The discharge holes and fin structure enable the system to self-regulate heat flow, eliminating the need for powered components and reducing structural complexity.
3Loss of energy
If an air blower is used to radiate heat, then heat radiation efficiency is improved, but electricity consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor driving the air blower is extracted from the system. The heat radiation function is achieved through passive thermal conduction via the heat radiating fins and natural air convection through the duct, completely eliminating electricity consumption for the heat radiation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat radiating unit operates autonomously using natural physical processes: thermal conduction from the display unit through the heat radiating cover and fins, and natural convection through the duct and discharge holes. This self-service mechanism requires no external energy input, reducing overall electricity consumption.
4Device complexity
If foreign materials are allowed into the heat radiating flow path, then structure is simplified, but heat radiation efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A blocking unit with blocking holes is installed at the inlet of the heat radiating duct to preliminarily filter foreign materials before they can enter and obstruct the heat radiating flow path. This preliminary protective action prevents future efficiency degradation while maintaining relatively simple structural design.
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 effectively radiates heat generated by the display unit to the outside using air convection, enhancing heat radiation efficiency, reducing noise, and lowering electricity consumption by eliminating the need for a blower and maintaining the storage chamber at a low temperature.
Implementation Method 1
discharges heat generated in a display unit to the outside by circulating external air and internal air using the air convection
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is an refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a body provided with a storage chamber, a door configured to open or close the storage chamber, a display unit provided on the door, and a heat radiating unit disposed adjacent to the display unit and configured to radiate a heat generated in the display unit via a heat radiating flow path formed inside the door, wherein one end of the heat radiating flow path is communicated with the outside via a first hole formed in an upper end portion of the door, and the other end of the heat radiating flow path is communicated with the outside via a second hole formed in a lower end portion of the door.