Movable Refrigerator Partition With Adjustable Airflow Baffle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators lack an efficient mechanism to dynamically adjust the air distribution between compartments, such as fresh-food and freezer compartments, which can lead to uneven cooling and energy inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A movable partition member with an air channel and adjustable baffle directs air flow between compartments, controlled by a flow control device and controller, allowing for customizable air distribution based on the partition's position, ensuring optimal cooling in both compartments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed partition member is used to divide the storage compartment, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability of compartment volume adjustment is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The partition member is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to slide between a first position and a second position to adjust the volumes of the first and second compartments. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to different storage requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition member is divided into multiple sections including a first partition section, a second partition section, and a baffle member. This segmentation allows each component to perform specific functions independently, facilitating both volume adjustment and air flow control without requiring complete structural redesign.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a movable partition member is used to adjust compartment volumes, then the adaptability is improved, but the air distribution control becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The baffle member is designed to be rotatable within the partition member, allowing dynamic adjustment of air flow direction. This rotational capability enables precise control over air distribution to different compartments while the partition member itself provides stable volume definition, combining both adaptability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The air channel extending through the partition member acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates controlled air flow between compartments. The baffle member within this channel mediates the distribution of air, ensuring reliable air supply to each compartment regardless of the partition position.
3Productivity
If air channels are provided in the partition member for air distribution, then the cooling efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The partition member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it divides the storage compartment into separate volumes, provides structural support, contains air channels for cooling, and incorporates a rotatable baffle for air flow control. This multi-functionality improves cooling efficiency without requiring separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The air channels are integrated directly into the partition member structure rather than being separate components. The baffle member is combined with the partition sections to form a unified assembly, reducing the number of separate parts while maintaining effective air distribution capabilities.
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 enables precise control over air distribution, maintaining consistent cooling across varying compartment volumes, enhancing energy efficiency and user-configurable storage configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The partition member comprises a baffle member that is adjustable to adjustably direct air passing through the air channel
Implementation Method 2
an evaporator unit for cooling air within the storage compartment
Implementation Method 3
an air duct providing fluid communication between the evaporator unit and the storage compartment
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining a storage compartment and a door movably coupled to the cabinet for providing selective access to at least a portion of the storage compartment. The refrigerator includes an evaporator unit and an air duct providing fluid communication between the evaporator unit and the storage compartment. The refrigerator includes a partition member coupled to the cabinet that divides the storage compartment into a first compartment having a first volume and a second compartment having a second volume. The partition member is movable between a first position and a second position to adjust the first and second volumes. The partition member can include an air channel extending through the partition member that is in fluid communication with at least one of the first and second compartments. The partition member can include a baffle member that is adjustable to adjustably direct air passing through the air channel.