Refrigerator comprising transparent door with attached film heater
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dew formation on transparent refrigerator doors due to temperature differences is a challenge, especially in refrigerators with IoT capabilities and transparent doors, which affects visibility and requires effective dew prevention solutions.
Innovation Solution
A film heater with a heating-element heating wire is attached to the edge of the transparent door, controlled by a humidity sensor and processor to adjust energy supply based on humidity levels, and arranged in zigzag patterns for efficient dew prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a transparent door is used in the refrigerator, then visibility and aesthetic appeal are improved, but dew formation occurs due to temperature differences
Solution Approach 1:
The film heater is attached to the transparent door to preemptively counteract dew formation by heating the door surface. The heater is positioned within 1mm to 7mm from the end of the door edge, creating a temperature gradient that prevents condensation before it occurs on the visible surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element is strategically positioned only at the edge portion of the transparent door (within 1mm to 7mm from the end), rather than heating the entire door. This localized heating approach addresses dew formation at the critical edge area while maintaining visibility and energy efficiency.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a film heater is attached to the transparent door to prevent dew, then dew prevention is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The film heater is positioned only within 1mm to 7mm from the end of the transparent door edge, providing localized heating rather than heating the entire door surface. This reduces energy consumption while effectively preventing dew formation at the critical edge area where temperature differences are most pronounced.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of heating the entire transparent door surface, the invention applies partial heating only to the edge portion within a specific distance (1mm to 7mm) from the end. This partial action is sufficient to prevent dew formation on the visible surface while minimizing energy consumption.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the heating element is positioned close to the door edge for effective dew prevention, then dew prevention efficiency is improved, but risk of damage to the door increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is positioned locally within 1mm to 7mm from the end of the transparent door edge, concentrating heat application where it is most needed for dew prevention. This localized positioning maintains door integrity by avoiding excessive heat exposure to the entire door structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes the positioning parameter of the heating element within a specific range (1mm to 7mm from the door edge). This parameter optimization balances dew prevention efficiency with door safety, preventing both condensation and potential thermal damage.
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 film heater effectively prevents dew formation on transparent doors by optimizing heat distribution and energy use, maintaining visibility and enhancing the refrigerator's aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
a heating-element heating wire configured to emit heat
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator including: a main body including a storage compartment; a door coupled to the main body and configured to open and close the storage compartment, at least a portion of the door being transparent; and a film heater attached to the door. The film heater includes a heating-element heating wire configured to emit heat, and the heating-element heating wire is within 1 mm to 7 mm from an end of the film heater.