Refrigerator Drain Cap Flip Vent for Easier Door Opening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The introduction of hot air from the machinery chamber into the evaporator in refrigerators increases the inner load and power consumption, and existing solutions, such as using a cap member on the drain tube outlet, can make it difficult to open the refrigerator door due to negative pressure.
Innovation Solution
A drain pipe system with a flip member integrated into the drain cap that is bendable and can open an air passage when the door is opened, minimizing hot air introduction and alleviating pressure differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a cap member is installed on the drain tube outlet to prevent hot air introduction, then hot air introduction is reduced, but refrigerator door opening becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The drain cap is designed with a movable flip member that can dynamically change its position between closed and open states. The flip member rotates around a rotation axis, transitioning from an initial position blocking the passage to a final position opening it, allowing the system to adapt between preventing hot air introduction and facilitating door opening
Solution Approach 2:
The flip member is pre-positioned to block the passage during normal operation, preventing hot air from the machinery chamber from being drawn into the evaporation chamber. When door opening is needed, the pressure difference automatically triggers the flip member to rotate and open the passage, counteracting the negative pressure that makes door opening difficult
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 design effectively reduces hot air introduction into the evaporator, allowing for easier door opening by creating an air passage and balancing pressure inside and outside the refrigerator.
Implementation Method 1
when a refrigerator door is opened, a flip member is rotated to open an air passage, thereby removing a pressure difference between the inside and outside of a refrigerator
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a refrigerator, which includes a drain pan, a drain pipe, and a drain cap. The drain pan is disposed under an evaporator, and includes a drain port through which defrosted water is discharged. The drain pipe is coupled to the drain port. The drain cap is installed inside of the drain pipe. A flip member disposed inside of the drain cap is integrally formed with the drain cap and is bendable.