Refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerator cooling devices face issues with high power consumption for agitating assemblies, difficulty in starting due to high torque requirements, and vibration noise caused by the agitating assembly hitting the inner walls due to weight differences and manufacturing tolerances.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator cooling device with a driving assembly that includes a fan motor and an electromagnet to minimize power consumption, an anti-interference mechanism to prevent vibration noise, and a starting torque supply mechanism that utilizes user-applied force to initiate the agitating assembly's movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the power generator is positioned close to the rotary shaft of the agitating assembly, then the agitating assembly can be driven effectively, but large torque is required which results in high power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
A lever arm is introduced as an intermediary between the power generator and the agitating assembly. The lever arm amplifies the force generated by the power generator, allowing the agitating assembly to be driven effectively without requiring large torque from the power generator itself, thus reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The power generator is positioned at a location that utilizes the lever arm to create rotational motion. By changing the spatial arrangement and using the lever arm as a transmission mechanism, the system achieves effective driving with reduced power consumption.
2Force
If large torque is required for starting the agitating assembly, then the assembly can overcome initial resistance, but a large amount of power is consumed for starting
Solution Approach 1:
The lever arm serves as a mechanical intermediary that provides mechanical advantage during starting. By applying force through the lever arm, the system can overcome the initial resistance of the agitating assembly with minimal power consumption, eliminating the need for large starting torque.
3Productivity
If the agitating assembly is allowed to swing freely, then it can agitate beverages effectively, but it may hit the inner walls due to tolerance or inertia differences causing vibration noise and damage
Solution Approach 1:
A buffer member is positioned beforehand between the agitating assembly and the inner wall to provide cushioning. When the agitating assembly swings and approaches the inner wall, the buffer member absorbs the impact, preventing vibration noise and damage while allowing effective agitation within the available space.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer member acts as an intermediary between the agitating assembly and the inner wall. It mediates the interaction by providing a compliant interface that allows the agitating assembly to swing freely for effective agitation while preventing harmful contact with the inner wall.
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
The solution reduces power consumption for both swinging and starting the agitating assembly, prevents vibration noise and damage from weight-induced inertial differences, and efficiently cools beverages using cold air channels and ducts.
Implementation Method 1
an electro-magnetic power generator that includes an electromagnet and that is configured to generate a driving force that causes the agitating member to agitate the container holding the liquid
Implementation Method 2
a driving assembly that includes a fan motor
Data Source
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AI summary
A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a body having a storage chamber; a door selectively opening or closing the storage chamber; a cooling device including: a case (20) of which a front surface is open and mounted at a side in the storage chamber; an agitating assembly (50) that is swingably disposed in the case (20); a cover (60) that is rotatably mounted on the case to open or close the front surface of the case (20); and a driving assembly (40) that is mounted on the case (20) and an underside of the agitating assembly (50) to generates a driving force for swinging the agitating assembly (50); a refrigeration cycle for producing cold air to be supplied to the storage chamber and the cooling device; and an anti-interference mechanism (70) disposed at the agitating assembly and the case (20), wherein the anti-interference mechanism (70) is configured to prevent the agitating assembly (50) from hitting against an inner surface of the case (20) while the agitating assembly (50) swings.