Refrigerator Storage Container Coupling for Cold Air Loss Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerators experience increased cold air loss and condensation due to frequent door openings, particularly when auxiliary doors are used, leading to higher energy consumption and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A connection support device is integrated into the refrigerator design, allowing the storage container to be selectively supported by the door or the refrigerator body, minimizing cold air loss by controlling the connection between the storage container and the door through latch devices and guide support mechanisms, and reducing condensation through strategic sealing and heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the storage container is always connected to the door, then user convenience is improved by allowing access without fully opening compartments, but cold air loss increases when the door is opened
Solution Approach 1:
The connection support device transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic selective connection. The storage container can be dynamically connected to either the door or the refrigerator body based on operational needs, allowing the system to adapt between convenience mode (connected to door) and energy-saving mode (connected to body), thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the connection parameter (attachment position) between two states: attached to the door for convenience, or attached to the refrigerator body for energy efficiency. This parameter change allows the system to optimize between the two conflicting requirements of user convenience and cold air loss prevention.
2Ease of operation
If auxiliary doors are used for frequent access, then ease of operation is improved, but cold air loss and condensation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection support device acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables partial access functionality. By allowing the storage container to remain connected to the door, it provides convenient access similar to auxiliary doors, while the selective connection capability prevents excessive door opening that would cause condensation and cold air loss, thus mediating between ease of operation and harmful condensation effects.
3Loss of energy
If the storage container is fixed to the refrigerator body, then cold air loss is minimized, but user convenience is reduced by requiring full compartment opening
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic connection options rather than a fixed attachment. Users can select the door connection mode for convenient access without fully opening the compartment, or the refrigerator body connection mode for energy efficiency, thus resolving the contradiction between minimizing cold air loss and maintaining user convenience.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator including a storage container that may be selectively coupled to a refrigerator body or to a door by a storage container support device is provided. The refrigerator may include a refrigerator body having a storage compartment formed therein, a rotatable door to open or close the storage compartment, a gasket provided between the door and the refrigerator body, a storage container that may be selectively coupled to the door or to the refrigerator body, a storage container support device provided at the door, the refrigerator body or the storage container to allow the storage container to be selectively coupled to and supported by the refrigerator body or the door, and a control device provided in the door to selectively control operation of the storage container support device from an exterior of the door.