refrigerator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refrigerators face challenges in miniaturization due to the need for a separate machine room for the refrigeration cycle and a control module, which complicates maintenance and space utilization.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves installing a control module at a position close to the entrance of the machine room, allowing it to be easily removed and installed without obstructing air flow, and configuring the control module to be slidably received in the machine room without a separate fastener.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of stationary object

If the control module is installed deep inside the machine room close to the rear of the refrigerator, then the machine room space is maximized, but the control module becomes difficult to maintain and requires complete removal of the refrigerator from built-in furniture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachine room spaceVSAvoidcontrol module maintainability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The control module is segmented as a separate, removable unit that can be independently accessed. The front cover can be removed to expose the control module, allowing maintenance without removing the entire refrigerator from built-in furniture, thus resolving the contradiction between space utilization and maintainability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control module is extracted from the deep interior of the machine room and repositioned closer to the front. This extraction allows the control module to be accessed by simply removing the front cover, eliminating the need to completely remove the refrigerator for maintenance while still utilizing machine room space efficiently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If the control module is installed on the side wall of the machine room using separate fasteners, then the control module is securely fixed, but the maintenance process becomes complex requiring fastener removal and circuit board exposure issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol module fixationVSAvoidcontrol module maintenance complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The control module is extracted from the side wall installation configuration and repositioned on the bottom surface of the machine room. This extraction eliminates the need for separate fasteners and allows the entire control module to be removed as one unit for maintenance, simplifying the repair process while maintaining secure installation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of fixing the control module to the side wall and accessing it by removing fasteners, the control module is inverted to the bottom surface of the machine room where it can be accessed by removing the front cover. This inversion simplifies the maintenance process and improves circuit board visibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the control module is installed standing on the side wall, then the control module is stable, but the circuit board is not immediately visible and requires additional disassembly for maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol module stabilityVSAvoidcircuit board accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The control module is repositioned from a vertical side wall installation to a horizontal bottom surface installation. This dimensional change allows the circuit board to face upward toward the front cover, making it immediately visible and accessible when the front cover is removed, while maintaining stability through the bottom mounting surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This configuration enhances maintainability by allowing the control module to be accessed and repaired without removing the entire refrigerator, improves space utilization by integrating the control module within the machine room, and facilitates efficient air flow for cooling.

Implementation Method 1

a compressor for compressing the refrigerant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

a condenser for releasing heat from the refrigerant to the surrounding air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 3

condensing the refrigerant gas into liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 4

an evaporator for absorbing heat from the storage space air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 5

evaporating the refrigerant liquid into gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 6

a heat dissipation fan for facilitating heat exchange

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS20250060145A1refrigerator

Publication Date: 2025.02.20 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A refrigerator includes a storage space defined in a cabinet and a machine room arranged under the storage space. To implement a cooling system, a compressor, a condenser, and a heat dissipation fan are included in the machine room. In addition, a control module is provided in the machine room to face an outlet of the machine room. The control module is installed at a position close to the entrance of the machine room and configured to be separated frontward from the machine room, and thus accessibility to the control module can be enhanced.