Refrigerator Storage Compartment Airflow for Precise Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerator storage compartments lack efficient temperature control and air management systems, which can lead to suboptimal storage conditions for perishable items, especially in multi-temperature environments like fresh food and freezer compartments.
Innovation Solution
A storage compartment assembly within the refrigerator that includes a housing with air handlers capable of controlling air flow across a range of temperatures, featuring a cold air pathway and return air pathway, along with air flow controlling devices and a fan, to maintain precise temperature conditions within the storage container, and a user input panel connected to an electronic control device for user-defined temperature settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a storage compartment assembly is positioned between opposing interior sides of a refrigerator compartment, then it can be selectively operated independently, but it may interfere with door operation and space utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The storage compartment assembly is segmented from the main refrigerator compartment, allowing it to be selectively operated independently while maintaining spatial separation that prevents interference with door operation. The assembly includes a storage container that can be accessed and removed independently from the main compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage compartment assembly is positioned in the depth dimension of the refrigerator compartment, between opposing interior sides, rather than occupying lateral space that would interfere with door swing. This dimensional placement allows independent operation without compromising door accessibility.
2Measurement precision
If air flow control components are added to the storage compartment assembly, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air flow control system in the housing serves multiple functions: it controls temperature within the storage container, manages air circulation between compartments, and integrates with the refrigerator's existing climate control system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The air flow control components are nested within the housing structure of the storage compartment assembly, which itself is nested within the refrigerator compartment. This nested arrangement consolidates multiple functions into integrated structures, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precise temperature control capability.
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 precise temperature control within the storage container, allowing for the storage of items at desired temperatures, whether lower, higher, or matching the fresh food compartment temperature, thereby maintaining food quality and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a fan, to move air through the air handler and the storage container
Implementation Method 2
controlling the movement of air through the storage container of the storage compartment assembly, including the movement of air having a temperature that ranges from a temperature below the temperature of the refrigerator compartment to a temperature above the temperature of the refrigerator compartment
Data Source
AI summary
A storage compartment assembly is located within the interior of a compartment of a refrigerator such as a fresh food compartment of a refrigerator. The storage compartment assembly includes a storage container the temperature of which can be controlled independently of the temperature in the fresh food compartment. At least one of the sides of the storage container can be spaced away from a respective interior side of the refrigerator compartment and a housing located in the space between the side of the storage container and the interior side of the refrigerator compartment. The housing can contain components that are configured to function in the operation of the refrigerator, including the storage compartment assembly. The refrigerator can comprise a bottom-mount refrigerator and the fresh food compartment can be provided with double-doors for closing and opening the interior of the fresh food compartment.