Pivotable Fridge Partition for Rapid Bottle Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refrigeration devices lack the ability to quickly and easily convert between a state that allows for rapid cooling of bottles and a state where the cooling means do not occupy space when not in use, limiting their versatility for other purposes.

Innovation Solution

A refrigeration compartment with a pivotable dividing wall that can separate the interior into two sub-areas with different volumes, allowing for a higher cooling capacity in the smaller volume area, which can be used for quick cooling of bottles, and can be converted back to a unified state for normal storage by pivoting the partition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a separate rapid cooling compartment is provided in the refrigeration device, then rapid cooling capability is improved, but the device occupies space and reduces versatility when not in use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverapid cooling capabilityVSAvoidversatility for other purposes
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The refrigeration compartment is segmented into a larger storage area and a smaller rapid cooling area using a partition. This partition can be positioned to create a compact rapid cooling zone when needed, or removed entirely to maximize storage space for other purposes, thus resolving the contradiction between rapid cooling capability and versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The partition is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing the rapid cooling compartment size to be dynamically adjusted. When rapid cooling is needed, the partition creates a smaller volume zone that receives concentrated cold air flow. When not in use, the partition can be repositioned or removed to eliminate the dedicated rapid cooling space, maintaining full versatility for other storage purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If a partition is used to separate the refrigeration compartment into sub-areas, then cooling capacity in the smaller area is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling capacity in smaller areaVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The partition is a simple structural element that divides the refrigeration compartment into two zones without requiring complex mechanisms. It can be a removable panel or a slideable divider, adding minimal structural complexity while effectively creating a smaller volume area that receives concentrated cold air flow for enhanced cooling capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The partition incorporates simple movable features such as slides or removable connections, allowing easy repositioning without complex control systems. This dynamic capability enables the partition to adapt between creating a rapid cooling zone and being removed for full storage capacity, achieving enhanced cooling in the smaller area while maintaining low device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables efficient rapid cooling of bottles in a smaller area while maintaining the ability to use the compartment for other purposes by providing a higher cooling capacity in the smaller volume sub-area without additional control measures, utilizing the existing cooling supply.

Implementation Method 1

the interior of which is defined, for example, by a floor and an at least partially surrounding wall, can optionally be divided into at least two sub-areas with different volumes by means of a partition, whereby a higher cooling capacity is available in the sub-area with the smaller volume

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVolume differentiation:

Implementation Method 2

the interior of this refrigeration compartment is cooled by a flow of cold air generated by the refrigeration appliance and introduced into this interior

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCold air flow: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP2556312B1Refrigeration device having a rapid cooling compartment
Publication Date: 2016.05.11 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP2556312B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a refrigeration device having at least one cooling compartment (1) for receiving products to be cooled, wherein the inner area of said cooling compartment (1) is cooled by a cold air stream (L) generated and introduced by the refrigeration device. Moreover, the inner area of the cooling compartment (1) can optionally be divided by means of a partition (4) into at least two sub-areas (A, B) having different volumes, whereby a greater cooling capacity is available in the sub-area (B) having the smaller volume without any change to the introduced cold air stream (L).