In-vehicle refrigerator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle refrigerators using the Peltier effect suffer from poor cooling efficiency and cold air leakage when the door is opened.

Innovation Solution

A refrigerator design that includes a refrigeration module detachably installed at a seat mounting part, guiding air discharge downward and forward through a seat mounting part, with a heat exchanger system for improved cooling efficiency and a mechanism to prevent cold air leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a Peltier effect-based refrigerator is used in a vehicle, then the refrigerator can be compact and electrically powered, but the cooling efficiency is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidcooling performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental cooling mechanism from Peltier effect to vapor compression refrigeration cycle, altering the physical parameters of the cooling system to achieve superior cooling efficiency and performance suitable for vehicle applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the solid-state Peltier effect with a mechanical vapor compression system including compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator, achieving better thermodynamic efficiency for cooling beverages and food items

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the door of the storage part is opened to take out a beverage, then the user can access the stored items, but cold air leaks out resulting in deterioration of cooling efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to stored itemsVSAvoidcold air leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by providing a door that automatically closes after opening, preventing the harmful effect of cold air leakage before it can significantly impact the cooling efficiency of the storage compartment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Ease of operation

If the refrigeration module is detachably installed at the seat mounting part, then the refrigerator can be easily installed and removed, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation and removalVSAvoidmounting structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the refrigerator into a detachable refrigeration module and a seat mounting part, allowing independent installation and removal of the refrigeration module while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through standardized connection interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 cooling efficiency and prevents cold air leakage, providing a more effective and user-friendly refrigeration system for vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

since heat exchange is performed with refrigerants, cooling efficiency improves further than that of a refrigerator using the Peltier effect

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

a machine compartment supplied with power operates to cool the storage part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefrigeration cycle:

Data Source

PatentUS12522120B2In-vehicle refrigerator

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a refrigerator for a vehicle. The refrigerator for a vehicle comprises: a refrigeration module having a refrigeration space therein, a seat mounting part sitting on a seat for a vehicle and having a docking part connecting to the refrigeration module, at an upper surface thereof, and a fixation belt part one side of which connects to the seat mounting part and the other side of which connects to a structure of the seat, to limit a movement of the seat mounting part.