Multipath Refrigerator Air Supply With Linked Mechanical Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators face issues with uneven temperature distribution and increased energy consumption due to random cold air flow and the structural complexity of electrical air dampers in branching air supply devices, which fail to precisely control air flow to storage compartments.
Innovation Solution
A branching air supply device with a rotatable adjustment member and baffle mechanism, linked by a transmission lever and gear system, allows for precise control of air inlet and outlet openings to block or expose air flow passages as needed, preventing overcooling and simplifying the control mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an electrical air damper is used to control cold air inlet and outlets, then the air flow can be controlled to storage compartments, but the structural complexity of the branching air supply device increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical air damper from the branching air supply device, removing the complex controlled valve structure and its control system. The air flow control function is achieved through a simplified mechanical linkage system with rotating members that directly adjust air inlet and outlet openings without requiring electrical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating member automatically controls both the air inlet opening and air outlet openings through a mechanical linkage system. When the rotating member rotates to a specific position, it simultaneously adjusts the openings in a coordinated manner without requiring separate control mechanisms, making the system self-regulating and reducing overall complexity.
2Ease of operation
If an electrical air damper is used to control cold air inlet and outlets, then the air flow can be controlled to storage compartments, but the power consumption of the refrigerator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the electrical air damper and its motor drive system from the branching air supply device. The air flow control is achieved through a purely mechanical rotating member that adjusts openings without consuming electrical power, thereby eliminating the power consumption associated with electrical actuators and control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical linkage system passively translates the rotation of the rotating member into coordinated opening adjustments without requiring external power input. The system uses the rotational motion itself to control both air inlet and outlet openings, eliminating the need for powered actuators and reducing overall power consumption.
3Loss of energy
If the branching air supply device is turned off, then energy saving is achieved, but the electrical air damper cannot be completely closed due to angle limitations, causing overcooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the air flow control into separate adjustable components: the rotating member controls the air inlet opening, while linkage mechanisms control the air outlet openings. This segmentation allows each component to be independently adjusted to achieve complete closure of all openings when the device is turned off, ensuring reliable shutdown without the angle limitations of a single damper.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating member and linkage system provide dynamic, multi-position control capability. The rotating member can rotate to various angles to achieve different opening configurations, including complete closure of both air inlet and air outlets. This dynamic adjustment mechanism ensures that when shutdown is required, all openings can be completely closed to prevent overcooling and energy waste.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a refrigerator (1) and a multipath air supply apparatus (10) for the refrigerator (1). The multipath air supply apparatus (10) for the refrigerator (1) comprises: a housing (100) having an air inlet and a plurality of air outlets; an adjustment member (200) rotatably disposed in the housing (100) to completely or partially shield or completely expose each air outlet at different rotation positions, thereby adjusting respective air outlet areas of the plurality of air outlets; a baffle (300) rotatably mounted at the air inlet; and a linkage device (400) configured to transfer the rotational motion of the adjustment member (200) to the baffle (300), so that the baffle (300) moves to open or close the air inlet. In addition, also provided is a refrigerator (1) having the multipath air supply apparatus (10). When a storage compartment does not need cold air, the air inlet of the multipath air supply apparatus (10) can be completely closed to block an airflow passage for providing cold air for the storage compartment, thereby preventing the storage compartment from being overcooled and reducing energy consumption. Moreover, the use of the linkage device (400) implements easier and more accurate control of the multipath air supply apparatus (10).