Refrigerator Airflow Path Design to Reduce Compressor Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compressor refrigerators in recreational vehicles generate significant operating noise, which is undesirable for occupants sleeping nearby, highlighting a need for effective noise reduction solutions.
Innovation Solution
The refrigerator incorporates a noise reduction arrangement with a plurality of walls defining an airflow path, including external and internal walls oriented orthogonally and constructed of reflective materials, along with a noise absorption material, to increase soundwave path length and reduce operational noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a compressor refrigerator is used to achieve lower temperatures and more consistent cooling, then cooling performance is improved, but operating noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the noise-generating compressor into a separate, enclosed space within the refrigerator cabinet. The compressor is isolated from the living space by dedicated walls and insulation, removing the harmful noise source from the occupants' environment while preserving the cooling function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary elements including insulating walls, sound-absorbing materials, and thermal insulation layers between the compressor and the external environment. These intermediaries block noise transmission while allowing heat transfer for cooling operation.
2Reliability
If the compressor motor is made more powerful to improve cooling consistency, then cooling reliability is improved, but noise generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The powerful compressor is extracted and isolated in a dedicated compartment with sound-blocking walls. This allows the use of high-power motors for reliable cooling without exposing occupants to the resulting noise, as the compressor is physically separated from the living space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses cost-effective sound-absorbing materials and standard insulation within the compressor enclosure to achieve noise reduction. These relatively simple, inexpensive materials effectively dampen the noise from the powerful compressor without requiring complex engineering solutions.
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 effectively minimizes operational noise by increasing the soundwave path length through the airflow path, providing a quieter operating environment for vehicle occupants.
Implementation Method 1
the walls defining the airflow path include a noise absorbing material
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator has a component subassembly incorporating a plurality of refrigeration components along an airflow path that extends between an inlet for colder air and an outlet for warmer air. The refrigerator further includes a noise reduction arrangement for reducing an operating noise of the refrigerator having a plurality of walls defining the airflow path. The walls include a noise absorbing material. The plurality of walls includes a plurality of external walls and a plurality of internal walls. The plurality of external walls defines an outer perimeter of the component subassembly and are oriented generally orthogonal to one another. The internal walls of the plurality of internal walls may be skewed relative to the external walls of the plurality of external walls. At least some of the walls of the plurality walls may be load-bearing walls.