Module refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular refrigerators lack the flexibility to change the position of sub-cabinets once installed, limiting user customization and potentially affecting temperature distribution due to fixed duct positions.
Innovation Solution
A modular refrigerator design with a main cabinet and sub-cabinets that allow for flexible positioning, featuring multiple connection and branch ducts to accommodate sub-cabinets on any side of the main cabinet, along with adjustable damper-controlled air flow and sealed connections to maintain even temperature distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed duct position is used for supplying cold air from the main cabinet to the sub-cabinet, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates because the sub-cabinet position cannot be changed once installed
Solution Approach 1:
The duct system is divided into multiple connection ducts (first connection duct for right side, second connection duct for upper side, third connection duct for left side) that can be selectively connected based on the sub-cabinet position. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different configurations without requiring a completely different duct system for each position.
Solution Approach 2:
The main duct is designed to serve multiple functions by incorporating multiple connection ducts that can connect to sub-cabinets at different positions (right side, upper side, left side). This multi-functional design allows a single duct system to handle various sub-cabinet configurations, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connection ducts and branch ducts are added to enable flexible sub-cabinet positioning, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The duct system incorporates movable or adjustable connection mechanisms that allow the connection between the main cabinet and sub-cabinet to be dynamically changed. The branch duct with selectable connection points enables the system to adapt its configuration based on the sub-cabinet position, providing flexibility without requiring completely separate duct systems for each position.
Solution Approach 2:
The branch duct is designed to contain or integrate multiple connection pathways within a single structural element. The first branch duct, second branch duct, and third branch duct are nested or integrated into the main duct structure, allowing multiple connection options to be housed within a compact configuration that minimizes overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sub-cabinet position is changed after installation, then the adaptability is improved, but the temperature distribution may deteriorate due to fixed duct positions
Solution Approach 1:
The cold air supply system is segmented into multiple independent connection ducts, each optimized for supplying cold air to specific positions (right side, upper side, left side). When the sub-cabinet is repositioned, the corresponding connection duct can be selectively activated to maintain proper cold air flow and temperature distribution appropriate for the new position.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changes in the operational parameters of the duct system by selectively activating different connection ducts based on the sub-cabinet position. This parameter change ensures that the cold air flow rate and distribution characteristics are optimized for each specific configuration, maintaining uniform temperature distribution regardless of the sub-cabinet position.
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
Enables customizable sub-cabinet placement while ensuring consistent cold air supply and distribution, maintaining uniform temperature across all compartments regardless of sub-cabinet positioning.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling unit configured to generate cold air
Implementation Method 2
adjustable damper-controlled air flow
Data Source
AI summary
A modular refrigerator including a main cabinet, and a sub-cabinet selectively coupleable to a right side, an upper side, and a left side, of the main cabinet. The main cabinet includes a cooling unit, a first connection duct for cold air generated by the cooling unit to flow toward the right side, a second connection duct for the cold air to flow toward the upper side, and a third connection duct for the cold air to flow toward the left side. The sub-cabinet includes a first branch duct that, when the sub-cabinet is coupled to the right side, communicates with the first connection duct, a second branch duct that, when the sub-cabinet is coupled to the upper side, communicates with the second connection duct, and a third branch duct that, when the sub-cabinet is coupled to the left side, communicates with third connection duct.