Refrigerator Door Ventilation Valve to Reduce Opening Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigeration appliance doors require significant force to open due to the creation of a small tunnel between the door seal and inner panel, which affects energy efficiency and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A ventilation valve with a base plate, elastic membrane, and cover element is integrated into the door, featuring a film hinge for connection, a protruding lip for membrane alignment, and a deep-drawn pocket for air guidance, allowing air to enter from below and reducing door-opening forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a small tunnel is created in the lower area of the door between the door seal and inner door panel for energy efficiency, then energy efficiency is improved, but door-opening force becomes too high
Solution Approach 1:
The door structure is segmented by introducing a ventilation valve with a base plate and cover element that create a separate air passage. This segmentation allows air to flow through the valve while maintaining the small tunnel size for energy efficiency, thereby reducing the pressure differential and door-opening force without compromising energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation valve acts as an intermediary element between the interior and exterior of the refrigeration compartment. It provides a controlled air passage that mediates the pressure balance, allowing air to equalize pressures while the small tunnel maintains the seal for energy efficiency. The elastic membrane within the valve serves as a dynamic intermediary that responds to pressure changes.
2Ease of operation
If a ventilation valve is added to reduce door-opening force, then door-opening ease is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate and cover element of the ventilation valve are merged into a single integrated component formed by one injection molding tool. This combining of parts simplifies the overall structure and reduces assembly steps, offsetting the complexity added by introducing the ventilation valve itself. The film hinge integrates the rotational connection function directly into the molded part.
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties are optimized by using an elastic membrane with specific elasticity characteristics that allow it to respond to pressure changes while maintaining structural integrity. The injection molding process parameters are optimized to create the integrated base plate and cover element with the film hinge, reducing manufacturing complexity while achieving the desired functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If the elastic membrane is pressed onto the base plate without proper alignment features, then manufacturing is simpler, but membrane positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protruding lips on the base plate and corresponding openings in the membrane create a self-aligning mechanism. When the membrane is placed over the base plate, the lips automatically guide and position the membrane correctly without requiring external alignment tools or complex positioning features. The elastic nature of the membrane allows it to flex into the correct position as it is pressed onto the lips.
4Volume of moving object
If the ventilation valve is installed in the door with a deep-drawn pocket, then installation space requirement is reduced, but sealing effectiveness may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic membrane serves as a flexible sealing element that adapts to the deep-drawn pocket geometry. Its elasticity allows it to maintain contact and sealing effectiveness within the constrained space of the pocket, compensating for any gaps or irregularities in the molded pocket structure. The membrane's flexibility enables reliable sealing without requiring additional sealing components that would increase installation space.
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 ventilation valve reduces door-opening forces, enhances user convenience, and can be manufactured with minimal installation space and technical effort, while maintaining energy efficiency and sealing effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
When the refrigeration appliance door is opened, a negative pressure is created inside the refrigeration compartment. The membrane is lifted by the negative pressure, so that air can flow through the released air opening.
Implementation Method 2
The ventilation valve has a base plate with an air opening, an elastic membrane for covering the air opening
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a refrigerator (100) having a refrigerator door (103) which comprises an inserted air-admission valve (101) for aerating a refrigerator compartment when the refrigerator door (103) is opened, wherein the air-admission valve (101) comprises a base plate (105) having an air opening, an elastic membrane (109) for covering the air opening, and a cover element (111), placed on the elastic membrane (109), in order to fasten the elastic membrane (109) to the base plate (105).