Refrigerator Damper Assembly for Selective Zone Air Flow Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigerator appliances require complex individual air supplies and multiple compartments to maintain different temperatures, leading to unnecessary complexity and unreliable air distribution.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator appliance with a damper assembly that selectively controls air flow through a plurality of ducts and compartments, allowing for customizable air supply to multiple cooling zones using a combination of doors and a cam gear mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple individual air supplies and compartments are used to maintain different temperatures in different zones, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerating compartment is divided into multiple cooling zones (first cooling zone, second cooling zone, third cooling zone) with dedicated air supply ducts and dampers for each zone, allowing independent temperature control while maintaining a simplified overall air supply architecture
Solution Approach 2:
Damper assemblies with movable doors are installed in each air supply duct to dynamically control the flow of cool air to different zones. The dampers can be adjusted to open or close air passages, enabling flexible and precise temperature control for each cooling zone without requiring separate static compartments
2Measurement precision
If multiple drawers, doors, and dividers are incorporated to define individual storage spaces, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple physical compartments (drawers, doors, dividers) into a single unified refrigerating compartment with internal air distribution systems. The damper assembly and duct system replace the need for separate physical barriers, simplifying the overall construction while maintaining zone-specific temperature control
3Measurement precision
If individual air inlets are positioned to supply air specifically to one area, then temperature control precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single cool air chamber serves multiple functions by supplying cool air to all cooling zones through the duct system. The damper assembly enables this universal air supply system to selectively direct air to different zones, making the system more reliable by eliminating the need for multiple separate air supply sources while maintaining precise temperature control
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 simplifies the air supply system by enabling selective air distribution to individual zones, reducing complexity and improving temperature control without the need for multiple compartments and complex air supply systems.
Implementation Method 1
a damper assembly selectively allowing air to pass through the plurality of ducts and the refrigerating compartment, the damper assembly comprising a plurality of doors, each door being movable between an open position and a closed position
Implementation Method 2
a refrigeration loop comprising a compressor, an evaporator provided in the air circulation duct, a condenser, and a refrigeration line connecting the compressor, the evaporator, and the condenser
Implementation Method 3
a refrigeration loop comprising a compressor, an evaporator provided in the air circulation duct, a condenser, and a refrigeration line connecting the compressor, the evaporator, and the condenser
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet forming a refrigerating compartment defining a plurality of cooling zones, an air circulation duct in fluid communication with the refrigerating compartment, an evaporator provided in the air circulation duct, and a damper assembly in fluid communication with the air circulation duct and the refrigerating compartment. The damper assembly includes a plurality of doors to selectively allow air to enter into selected cooling zones within the refrigerating compartment.