Apparatus for storing food and method for manufacturing the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly process for configuring ducts in refrigerators is complex, and the space for storing food is reduced due to the volume occupied by the ducts.
Innovation Solution
A food storage apparatus with ducts that directly diverge from a scroll part with a blowing fan, reducing the total duct length and integrating the duct, damper, and scroll part into one body, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing assembly difficulties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional duct assembly process is used, then duct configuration is achieved, but assembly complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the duct, damper, and scroll part into a single integrated duct unit. The duct body serves as both the air passage structure and the housing for the damper mechanism, eliminating the need for separate assembly of these components. This merging approach directly reduces assembly complexity while maintaining the functional integrity of each component.
2Ease of operation
If traditional duct configuration is used, then air guidance function is achieved, but storage space is reduced due to duct volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the scroll part vertically above the duct body, utilizing the vertical dimension rather than horizontal expansion. This dimensional reorganization allows the air guidance function to be achieved while minimizing the horizontal footprint and maximizing the storage room volume. The cold air is guided upward through the scroll part and then distributed, maintaining functionality while optimizing space utilization.
3Ease of manufacture
If duct and damper are separate components, then individual component manufacturing is simplified, but overall assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damper is integrated within the duct body structure, with the damper blade rotating within the duct's air passage. The damper shaft extends through the duct wall and connects to the scroll part, creating a unified structure where the damper cannot be separated from the duct. This integration eliminates assembly steps while maintaining the ability to manufacture each functional element with standard processes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate duct components are used, then flexibility in configuration is improved, but productivity is reduced due to increased assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated duct unit incorporates a rotatable damper blade that can dynamically adjust the air flow distribution to different storage rooms. The damper shaft can rotate to redirect cold air to either the first or second storage room, providing operational flexibility without requiring multiple separate duct configurations. This dynamic adjustment capability maintains adaptability while significantly improving productivity by eliminating assembly variations.
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
This design decreases the space occupied by ducts, increases the volume available for food storage, simplifies the manufacturing process, and enhances productivity by reducing assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a blowing fan provided in the scroll part to generate a flow of cold air
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for storing food therein and method for manufacturing. the same are disclosed. Space utilization efficiency can be enhanced by configuring a single-body duct diverging to different storage rooms. The present invention includes a first storage room (110) and a second storage room (130) to store food, and a duct unit (200) includes a first duct (210) to guide cold air into the first storage room (110), and a second duct (220) to guide cold air into the second storage room (130). A scroll from which the first duct (210) and the second duct (220) diverge is located between the first (210) and second (220) ducts.