Refrigerator Cooling Air Duct Layout for Ice and Water Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of separate cooling air flow passages in refrigerators increases the thickness of the refrigerator's walls, reduces storage space, and deteriorates energy efficiency due to increased cooling air loss, especially when separate rooms for refrigerating and freezing are used with built-in ice making and water dispensing units.
Innovation Solution
A simplified cooling air flow passage that integrates the ice making unit and water tank into a single unit, using a connecting duct to guide cooling air from the ice making chamber to the water storage tank, eliminating the need for separate passages and reducing the overall length of the cooling air flow path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate cooling air flow passages are used for ice making unit and water dispenser, then each unit can be independently cooled, but the structure becomes complicated and wall thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cooling air flow passages for the ice making unit and water dispenser into a single integrated passage system. The passage is configured to distribute cooling air to both units simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate passages and reducing structural complexity while maintaining independent cooling functionality for each unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling air flow passage is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides cooling air to both the ice making unit and the water dispenser through a single integrated structure. This multi-functional passage reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall refrigerator wall structure.
2Reliability
If separate cooling air flow passages are used, then each unit has dedicated cooling, but the refrigerator's wall thickness increases and storage space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the cooling passages into a single integrated structure, the patent reduces the total space required for cooling infrastructure. This allows for thinner refrigerator walls and increased internal storage space while maintaining dedicated cooling delivery to both the ice making unit and water dispenser.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate cooling air flow passages are used, then each unit can operate independently, but cooling air loss increases and energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated passage system allows cooling air to be distributed to both units through a unified flow path, reducing the total surface area exposed to the refrigerator interior and minimizing cooling air loss. The design maintains the ability to independently control cooling to each unit while improving overall energy efficiency.
4Reliability
If separate cooling air flow passages are used in refrigerators with separate refrigerating and freezing rooms, then each unit can be cooled appropriately, but the problems of reduced storage space and increased cooling air loss become severe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a unified cooling passage system that efficiently distributes cooling air from the freezing room to both the ice making unit and water dispenser. This integrated approach minimizes the space consumed by cooling infrastructure and reduces cooling air loss, thereby maximizing the available storage volume in the refrigerator.
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 solution enhances energy efficiency, reduces the refrigerator's size, simplifies its structure, and lowers manufacturing costs by allowing simultaneous operation of the ice making and water dispensing units with improved cooling air management, minimizing air loss and quickening water cooling.
Implementation Method 1
a connecting duct for connecting the ice making chamber with the water storage tank, so that the cooling air from the ice making chamber may be guided to the water storage tank
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling air flow passage of a refrigerator is provided. The cooling air not only flows through the passage so as to make ice in an ice making chamber but is also sent so as to cool water in a water storage tank. Therefore, the cooling air flow passage of the refrigerator and the overall structure of the refrigerator are simplified, which increases the efficiency of the refrigerator and reduces the manufacturing cost.