Reconfigurable Refrigerator Bin Interface for Targeted Cooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators lack the ability to provide targeted and reconfigurable temperature control within the same cabinet, as the forced air/condenser cooling system is limited in routing cooling air to multiple sub-areas, making it difficult to customize temperature settings for different types of food or to create subfreezing temperatures outside the freezer compartment.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator system with independently temperature-controlled enclosures that can be placed in various positions within the cabinet, utilizing a liquid cooling subsystem with quick connections for flexible placement and adjustable temperature control, allowing for custom configuration and reconfiguration of temperature settings without the need to route cooling air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If forced air/condenser cooling is used to cool entire compartments, then cooling coverage is comprehensive, but temperature control precision for specific areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerator cabinet is divided into multiple independently temperature-controlled zones using movable enclosures (bins) that can be positioned at different locations. Each enclosure has its own temperature control subsystem, allowing specific areas to be cooled to different temperatures than the main compartment. This segmentation enables precise temperature control for different food types without requiring a completely complex multi-compartement cooling system.
Solution Approach 2:
A liquid cooling subsystem with quick-connect hoses serves as an intermediary between the main condenser and the movable enclosures. The liquid coolant circulates through tubes connected to each enclosure, transferring thermal energy without requiring direct routing of cooling air to each location. This intermediary liquid cooling system simplifies the overall complexity compared to routing multiple air streams.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cooling air is routed to multiple sub-areas, then targeted temperature control is improved, but device complexity and routing requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a liquid (hydraulic) cooling system instead of pneumatic (air) cooling to transport thermal energy to multiple sub-areas. Liquid coolant circulates through flexible hoses with quick-connect couplings, allowing easy routing to different enclosure positions without complex rigid ductwork. This hydraulic approach provides high adaptability for targeted cooling while maintaining simpler system architecture compared to multi-zone air routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosures are designed to be movable and reconfigurable within the cabinet, allowing users to dynamically change the positions and configurations of temperature-controlled zones. The liquid cooling system accommodates this dynamic reconfiguration through flexible hoses that can be quickly connected and disconnected at different locations, providing versatility without requiring permanent complex routing infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional forced air cooling is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but reconfigurability and custom temperature control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid cooling subsystem with quick-connect hoses serves multiple functions: it can cool multiple different enclosures simultaneously, each enclosure can be positioned at various locations, and the system can operate with different enclosure configurations. This universal cooling approach provides high reconfigurability while keeping the overall system complexity manageable through standardized quick-connect interfaces and a single condenser unit.
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
Enables targeted and customizable temperature control in various locations within the refrigerator, allowing for specific temperature settings for different types of food, such as meats, cheeses, or ice production, without the limitations of conventional cooling systems, enhancing user flexibility and appliance functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid cooling subsystem with quick connections for flexible placement and adjustable temperature control
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator may include a refrigerator cabinet in at least one enclosure that can be mounted in different locations within the cabinet. The enclosure also can have targeted, independently controlled temperature provided to it. This allows the refrigerator to be highly customizable and reconfigurable according to desire or need. For example, an ice maker ice bin can be mounted in different positions within the cabinet, including door mount, refrigerated food compartment mount or freezer mount. Alternatively, specialized enclosures for such things as can chilling, milk chilling, meat chilling, or even thawing can be placed in multiple locations in the cabinet according to need or desire.