Refrigerator Mid-Frame Heating Structure for Dew Condensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerators face issues with energy efficiency and dew condensation due to heat penetration and moisture accumulation, leading to aesthetically and sanitarily poor conditions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a mid-frame structure with heaters and extension frames that minimize heat transfer by directing heat away from the storage compartment, using bent portions to overlap and diffuse heat, and pressers to enhance heat transfer efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If gaskets are installed to prevent heat transfer and maintain low temperature, then temperature stability is improved, but dew condensation occurs on the exterior surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heating element as an intermediary component between the cold storage compartment and the warm external environment. This heater actively warms the exterior surface (mid-frame) to prevent dew condensation, mediating the thermal interaction between the cold interior and warm exterior.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the mid-frame surface by applying heat locally. By controlling the surface temperature of the mid-frame to be above the dew point, the patent prevents condensation while maintaining the cold temperature inside the storage compartment.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the mid-frame is heated to prevent dew condensation, then dew condensation is reduced, but heat may penetrate into the storage compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is positioned locally only at the mid-frame exterior surface where dew condensation occurs, rather than heating the entire refrigerator body. This localized heating prevents heat penetration into the storage compartment while still preventing condensation at the critical surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the refrigerator structure into distinct thermal zones: the cold storage compartment, the insulated wall, and the heated mid-frame surface. This segmentation allows independent thermal control of each zone, preventing heat transfer from the heated surface to the cold interior.
3Loss of energy
If extension frames are added to improve heat transfer efficiency, then heat transfer is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extension frames are merged with the existing mid-frame structure, forming an integrated assembly. The extension frames extend from the mid-frame to provide additional heat transfer pathways without requiring separate mounting structures or complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension frames add a spatial dimension to the heat transfer structure by extending outward from the mid-frame surface. This dimensional extension creates additional surface area and thermal pathways without complicating the basic frame 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
This solution increases energy efficiency, reduces heat penetration, and prevents dew condensation on the exterior of the refrigerator, improving both performance and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
a heater configured to heat the mid-frame and provided at the mid-frame
Implementation Method 2
a main body wall in which an insulating member is filled
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a mid-frame positioned on a front surface of the main body wall and a heater configured to heat the mid-frame and provided at the mid-frame. The mid-frame includes a front frame provided to cover at least a part of a front surface of the at least one inner box configured to form the main body wall, and an extension frame formed to extend rearward from the front frame and including an edge portion in which an end portion of the extension frame has a thickness greater than that of an adjacent extension frame.