Multi-duct assembly, refrigerator including the multi-duct assembly, and method of controlling the refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators lack the ability to adjust the opening state and size of cold air outlets, leading to unnecessary energy consumption and overcooling of storage cells, as all cold air outlets are constantly open regardless of the items stored or internal temperature of each cell.
Innovation Solution
A multi-duct assembly with a variable duct panel that can move upward or downward to adjust the opening state and size of cold air outlets, allowing for selective opening of specific outlets based on user selection or internal temperature, enabling intensive and automatic cooling modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If all cold air outlets are constantly open, then cooling coverage is maximized, but energy consumption increases and overcooling occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the cold air outlets adjustable rather than fixed. The variable duct panel can dynamically change the opening state and size of each cold air outlet based on real-time temperature feedback from storage cells. This allows the system to adapt cooling distribution to actual needs, providing full cooling coverage when required while reducing energy consumption when less cooling is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the opening state and size of cold air outlets based on temperature parameters. The controller adjusts the degree of opening of each outlet according to the temperature in corresponding storage cells, changing the flow parameters of cold air to match actual cooling demands, thereby avoiding unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining adequate cooling coverage.
2Temperature
If all cold air outlets are constantly open, then cooling is provided to all storage cells, but unnecessary cooling of individual cells occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling different opening states for different cold air outlets based on local temperature conditions in each storage cell. Each outlet can be independently adjusted according to the specific cooling needs of its corresponding storage cell, allowing some outlets to be fully open while others are partially closed or completely closed, thereby providing localized cooling quality control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements segmentation by dividing the cooling system into independent controllable units - each cold air outlet is associated with a specific storage cell and can be controlled independently. The variable duct panel separates the cooling channels, allowing the controller to manage each outlet separately based on temperature feedback from corresponding storage cells, avoiding unnecessary cooling energy loss.
3Use of energy by moving object
If cold air outlets are adjusted selectively, then energy efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the variable duct panel to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it controls the opening state of each cold air outlet, adjusts the size of openings, and responds to temperature feedback from multiple storage cells. This multi-functional design consolidates what could be multiple separate control mechanisms into a single integrated component, managing complexity while achieving energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using temperature sensors in each storage cell to provide real-time temperature information to the controller, which then adjusts the opening state of corresponding cold air outlets through the variable duct panel. This closed-loop feedback control system automates the adjustment process, reducing the need for complex manual control mechanisms while improving energy efficiency.
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 allows for targeted cooling of specific storage cells, reducing energy consumption and preventing overcooling by adjusting the cold air flow according to the needs of each cell, thereby optimizing cooling efficiency and saving energy.
Implementation Method 1
A refrigerant with a low pressure and low temperature, which flows through the evaporator, absorbs ambient heat and generates cold air while evaporating.
Implementation Method 2
A multi-duct assembly with a variable duct panel that can move upward or downward to adjust the opening state and size of cold air outlets
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a multi-duct assembly, a refrigerator which includes the multi-duct assembly, and a method of controlling the refrigerator. The multi-duct assembly has a new structure for overcoming limitations of a related art. The multi-duct assembly may adjust opening states and sizes of cold air outlets formed at a multi-duct panel by moving a variable duct panel disposed on a rear surface of the multi-duct panel upward or downward.