Refrigerator Partition Airflow Control for Dual-Compartment Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators lack a flexible and efficient method to supply cold air to multiple compartments, limiting independent temperature control and space utilization within the storage compartments.
Innovation Solution
A detachable cold air supply device is integrated into the insulating partition of the refrigerator, featuring a case with an inlet and outlet for cold air flow, a damper unit to adjust airflow, and a heat wire to prevent frosting, allowing for independent temperature control of upper and lower storage compartments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional fixed cold air supply structure is used, then the refrigerator can supply cold air to storage compartments, but the structure lacks flexibility for independent temperature control and space utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The cold air supply device is segmented into separable components including a case, damper unit, and heat wire assembly that can be independently installed and maintained. The insulating partition itself is made separable from the storage compartment, allowing flexible configuration and access to the cold air supply components without disassembling the entire refrigerator structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper unit introduces dynamic control capability to the cold air supply system, allowing the airflow rate to be adjusted according to different storage compartment requirements. This dynamic adjustment enables independent temperature control for different compartments while using a single cold air source.
2Reliability
If cold air is supplied to multiple storage compartments, then cooling coverage is improved, but independent temperature control of each compartment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The damper unit is positioned locally within the cold air supply device to control airflow distribution to different storage compartments. This localized control mechanism allows each compartment to receive appropriate cold air流量 according to its specific temperature requirements, achieving independent temperature control without requiring separate cold air sources for each compartment.
3Volume of moving object
If the cold air supply device is integrated into the insulating partition, then space efficiency is improved, but access for maintenance and adjustment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating partition is designed as a separable component that can be removed from the storage compartment. This segmentation allows the cold air supply device integrated within the partition to be accessed for maintenance and adjustment by simply removing the partition, rather than disassembling the entire refrigerator or accessing through difficult-to-reach locations.
4Ease of operation
If a damper unit is added to adjust airflow rate, then independent temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damper unit is merged with the existing cold air supply device structure, integrating the airflow control function into the same housing and assembly. This merging approach allows temperature adjustment capability to be added without requiring a completely separate control system, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while still providing independent temperature control for different compartments.
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 configuration enhances interior space efficiency, allows for independent temperature control of compartments, and simplifies installation and maintenance by enabling easy access and adjustment of the cold air supply device.
Implementation Method 1
A heat wire may be arranged around the inlet.
Implementation Method 2
an evaporator provided at the rear side of the lower storage compartment to supply cold air into the lower storage compartment
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a cold air supply device received in an insulating partition that defines a storage compartment into upper and lower storage compartments. As cold air is supplied into the storage compartment below the insulating partition through the cold air supply device, the refrigerator has enhanced productivity and interior volume efficiency.