Variable climate zone wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration appliances lack a secure and flexible solution for the electrical wiring of adjustable temperature drawers, which are prone to damage and interference when moving between extended and retracted positions, compromising their functionality and durability.
Innovation Solution
The refrigeration appliance incorporates a support structure with a frame that secures the electric wire cable via ties or straps, allowing it to move freely within the adjustable temperature compartment, and uses a method of routing the cable through a slot in the liner to prevent restraint and protect it from foam during insulation, ensuring secure and flexible wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electric wire cable is secured rigidly to prevent movement, then the cable is protected from damage, but the cable cannot bend freely when the drawer moves between extended and retracted positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible cable management system that allows the electric wire cable to bend and move freely as the drawer transitions between extended and retracted positions. The cable is routed through a flexible pathway rather than being rigidly fixed, enabling it to adapt to the drawer's movement while remaining protected from damage through proper routing and spacing from moving parts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the electric wire cable is allowed to move freely, then the cable can accommodate drawer movement, but the cable becomes vulnerable to damage and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary cable management structure that mediates between the need for cable freedom of movement and the need for protection. The cable is routed through a designated pathway that allows movement while providing protection from damage by keeping the cable away from sharp edges, moving parts, and potential interference sources within the drawer assembly.
3Reliability
If the cable is routed through the liner during foam insulation, then the cable is protected from foam damage, but the cable may become restrained and unable to move freely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cable routing into distinct zones: a protected zone where the cable is shielded from foam insulation damage, and a flexible zone where the cable is allowed to move freely. The cable management system creates separate pathways that accommodate both protection requirements during manufacturing and operational flexibility requirements, ensuring the cable remains unrestrained after insulation completion.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a refrigeration appliance including a main electrical board that controls operation of the refrigeration appliance and an adjustable temperature compartment for storing food items at a user-selectable target temperature. The adjustable temperature compartment includes a user interface connected to the main electrical board by an electric wire cable and enabling selection of user-selectable target temperature. A first end of the electric wire cable includes a removable connector connected to the user interface. The second end of the electric wire cable is connected to the main electrical board. A method for manufacturing a refrigeration appliance with an adjustable temperature compartment is also provided.