Refrigerator Airflow Partition for Independent Storage Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators require auxiliary evaporators or complex units to independently control cooling and storage compartments, leading to increased production costs and complex control methods.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design with a partition plate and cool air control unit that directs cool air from a cool air generation compartment to both the cooling and storage compartments, using a main path and bypass path, and a damper to control air supply, allowing for independent temperature adjustment of each compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an auxiliary evaporator and auxiliary control unit are added to independently control the storage compartment, then independent temperature control capability is improved, but production cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The main evaporator is designed to serve dual purposes: cooling both the cooling compartment and the storage compartment through a single unit. The partition plate with integrated cool air paths enables the evaporator to distribute cooled air to both compartments without requiring separate evaporators, thus achieving independent temperature control while avoiding additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The partition plate is segmented into multiple functional paths: a first cool air path leading to the cooling compartment and a second cool air path leading to the storage compartment. This segmentation allows independent air flow control to each compartment while using a single evaporator system
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple complicated units are used to enable independent control, then independent control capability is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple evaporators and control units into a single integrated system. The main evaporator, partition plate with integrated paths, and control unit work together as one unified system to provide independent temperature control, thereby reducing production costs associated with multiple separate components
3Device complexity
If a single evaporator serves both compartments, then production cost and device complexity are reduced, but independent temperature control capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates dynamic control elements including adjustable dampers in each cool air path and a control unit that can independently regulate air flow to the cooling compartment and storage compartment. This dynamic control enables independent temperature adjustment despite using a single evaporator, maintaining adaptability while simplifying the overall system
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 operational efficiency and reliability in maintaining optimal temperatures for various cooling objects by simplifying the control method and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
cool air generated by a freezing cycle unit configured of compressors and heat exchangers
Implementation Method 2
a fan to supply cool air
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator and a control method for the same are provided. A refrigerator includes a body having a cooling compartment and a storage compartment provided in the cooling compartment to form a predetermined cooling space, a cool air generation compartment having a cooler and a fan to supply cool air, and a partition plate that partitions a predetermined space into the cooling compartment and the cool air generation compartment. The partition plate includes a main path to guide the cool air into the cooling compartment and a bypass path to guide the cool air into the storage compartment. A cool air controller is provided at the bypass path to control the cool air supplied to the storage compartment via the bypass path.