Refrigerating and freezing device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refrigerators have unified temperature control, which is not optimal for different types of food, leading to accelerated deterioration and shortened fresh-keeping periods for foods stored at inappropriate temperatures.

Innovation Solution

A refrigerating and freezing device with independent temperature control for each layer, allowing adjustment of temperatures to 2°C, 5°C, and 10°C, using an air path system and gear generation device to create optimal storage environments for various foods, guided by display control panels and adjustment buttons.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If unified temperature control is adopted in the refrigerating compartment, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to different food storage requirements deteriorates and food fresh-keeping period is shortened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control operationVSAvoidadaptability to different food storage requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The refrigerating compartment is divided into multiple storage spaces (first storage space, second storage space, third storage space) with independent temperature control. Each storage space has its own air supply port, air return port, and temperature control capability, allowing different temperature settings for different food types while maintaining manageable operation through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If unified temperature control is adopted, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of temperature distribution across different layers deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control system complexityVSAvoidtemperature distribution precision across layers
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature control system is segmented into independent zones with separate air supply and return paths for each storage space. This segmentation enables precise temperature control in each layer without requiring a single complex centralized system, achieving both simplicity and precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each storage space is equipped with local temperature control capabilities including dedicated air supply ports, air return ports, and independent temperature adjustment. This local quality approach ensures precise temperature distribution across different layers while keeping the overall system relatively simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If independent temperature control for each storage space is implemented, then the adaptability to different food requirements is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent temperature control capabilityVSAvoidair path system and control device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air path system is segmented into independent circulation paths for each storage space, with each path having its own air supply port, air return port, and control device. This segmentation enables independent temperature control for adaptability while the modular structure keeps the overall complexity manageable through standardized components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control devices and air path components are designed with universality, where similar components are reused across different storage spaces. This multi-functionality approach allows independent temperature control for each space while reducing overall complexity through component standardization and reuse

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Measurement precision

If independent temperature control is implemented, then the precision of temperature control for each layer is improved, but the use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control precision for each layerVSAvoidenergy consumption of temperature control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The air supply ports and air return ports are designed to enable partial circulation, where only the necessary portions of the refrigerating compartment are actively cooled at any given time. This partial action approach maintains high temperature control precision for each layer while reducing overall energy consumption by avoiding excessive cooling of entire spaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 precise temperature control, prolonging the fresh-keeping period of foods, reducing energy consumption, and ensuring optimal storage conditions, making it more convenient for users while minimizing food waste.

Implementation Method 1

an air path system, provided with at least two air supply ports, at least two first air return ports and an on-off control device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 2

a cooling chamber, configured to accommodate an evaporator of the refrigerating and freezing device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat Exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP3951291B1Refrigerating and freezing device
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 QINDAO HAIER REFRIGERATOR CO LTD
  • EP3951291B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3951291B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3951291B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A refrigerating and freezing device, comprising: a first storage compartment which is divided into at least two storage spaces; a cooling chamber; an air path system which is provided with at least two air supply ports, at least two first air return ports and an on-off control device, each air supply port communicating with the cooling chamber and one storage space, each first air return port communicating with one storage space and the cooling chamber, and the on-off control device controlling airflow from the cooling chamber to flow towards one or more of the at least two air supply outlets so as to control all or part of the airflow to flow towards a corresponding storage space; and a gear generation device which is configured to generate at least two gear instruction groups, each gear instruction group comprising a plurality of gear instructions and correspondingly controlling one storage space, wherein each gear instruction comprises control information that causes the corresponding storage space to be at a target temperature so that the refrigerating and freezing device controls the on-off control device according to each gear instruction so as to control the temperature within the corresponding storage space.