Refrigerator and / or freezer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators and freezers require a large amount of installation space due to multiple air duct control units, restricting usable space while maintaining effective air distribution.
Innovation Solution
A common air flow control unit with a single drive is used to manage airflow from multiple air ducts, allowing for adjustable airflow distribution by varying the position of the control unit, reducing the need for additional drives and saving space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple air duct control units with individual drives are used, then reliable air distribution is achieved, but installation space increases and usable space decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple air duct control functions into a single control unit that can manage airflow from multiple air ducts simultaneously. This consolidation reduces the number of separate drives needed while maintaining the ability to control each air duct's airflow independently, thereby saving installation space without compromising air distribution reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The single air flow control unit is designed with multi-functional capability to control airflow from multiple different air ducts. This universal control mechanism can redirect air from various sources to different destinations, replacing the need for multiple specialized control units and drives, thus increasing usable space while preserving functional reliability
2Ease of operation
If multiple drives are installed for air duct control, then precise airflow control is achieved, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple drive functions into a single drive mechanism that controls a unified air flow control unit. This consolidated approach maintains precise airflow control capability while reducing the total number of drives and associated components, thereby simplifying the overall device structure and reducing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The single drive unit is designed with universal control capability to manipulate airflow from multiple air ducts through different positions and configurations. This multi-functional drive can achieve the same level of operational precision as multiple individual drives would provide, while significantly reducing device complexity and cost
3Ease of operation
If multiple drives are used for air duct actuation, then individual air duct control is achieved, but noise emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple air duct actuation functions into a single air flow control unit actuated by one drive. This consolidation reduces the number of moving parts and mechanical components that generate noise, thereby lowering overall noise emissions while maintaining the ability to control each air duct's airflow individually through the unified control mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A cooling and/or freezing appliance with at least one cooled interior and with at least one area within the cooled interior, and with a first and a second air duct, each having an air outlet arranged such that air can be introduced into the said area through this outlet, wherein a common airflow control unit is provided which is in flow communication with the air ducts in such a way that air flows from the air outlet(s) through the airflow control unit into the area, wherein the airflow control unit comprises exactly one actuator (20) and is designed so that it can be adjusted to different positions by means of the actuator, wherein the airflow control unit is designed so that the air flowing into the area from the air ducts can be controlled depending on the position of the airflow control unit.