Integrated Refrigerator Duct Layout for More Food Storage Space
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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, leading to inefficiencies in space utilization and increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
The duct unit is designed to directly diverge from a scroll part with a blowing fan, reducing the total length of the ducts and integrating the duct, damper, and scroll part into a single body, which decreases the space occupied by the ducts and simplifies the manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ducts are configured using traditional assembly processes, then the duct system can guide cold air effectively, but the assembly process becomes complicated and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the duct, damper, and scroll part into a single integrated duct unit. The duct body incorporates the damper assembly and scroll part as unified components, eliminating the need for separate assembly of these parts. This integration maintains the cold air guidance function while significantly simplifying the assembly process and reducing manufacturing complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional duct configuration is used, then the duct system can be assembled, but the space for storing food is reduced due to the volume occupied by the ducts
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the damper and scroll part within the duct body structure, the overall volume occupied by the duct system is reduced. The compact integrated design eliminates gaps and redundant structures between separate components, maximizing the available food storage space while maintaining full duct assembly capability
Solution Approach 2:
The scroll part is designed to rotate within the duct body, utilizing rotational motion in a compact space. This dimensional approach allows the duct system to achieve effective air distribution without requiring excessive linear space, thereby preserving more volume for food storage
3Adaptability or versatility
If ducts are made as separate components, then assembly flexibility is maintained, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated duct unit consolidates multiple components into a single manufacturable structure. This merger enables production through unified molding or forming processes, significantly improving manufacturing efficiency and productivity while the design retains adaptability for different refrigerator configurations
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 increases the usable volume for food storage, simplifies the manufacturing process, and enhances productivity by reducing the complexity of assembly and the space taken up by the ducts within the refrigerator.
Implementation Method 1
a blowing fan 232 for generating a flow of air
Data Source
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 and a second storage room to store food, and a duct unit includes a first duct to guide cold air into the first storage room, and a second duct to guide cold air into the second storage room. A scroll from which the first duct and the second duct diverge is located between the first and second ducts.