Refrigerator Drawer Assembly for Rapid Cryogenic Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators take a long time to achieve cryogenic freezing within the storage space, limiting the variety and efficiency of food storage.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design that includes a drawer assembly with a thermoelectric module, where cool air from a heat exchange chamber is supplied and further cooled by the module, allowing for quick temperature reduction and direct cooling through a cooling plate, enhancing cryogenic freezing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a conventional refrigerator cooling system is used, then the storage space can be cooled, but it takes a very long time to achieve cryogenic freezing
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into two independent parts: a conventional evaporator for general cooling and a thermoelectric module for rapid cryogenic cooling. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function simultaneously, achieving both general cooling and rapid freezing without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
A heat exchange chamber acts as an intermediary between the evaporator and the drawer assembly. Cool air generated by the evaporator is stored in this chamber and then supplied to the drawer assembly, enabling rapid cooling without directly relying on the slow conventional cooling system.
2Productivity
If a thermoelectric module is used for rapid cooling, then cryogenic freezing can be achieved quickly, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoelectric module is integrated into the existing drawer assembly structure, merging the rapid cooling function with the storage compartment. The module utilizes the drawer's existing walls and structure as heat exchange surfaces, eliminating the need for separate cooling chambers or complex additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawer assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both a storage compartment and a heat exchange surface for the thermoelectric module. The drawer walls function as both structural elements and thermal conduction paths, reducing the need for dedicated cooling components.
3Temperature
If the thermoelectric module is operated continuously, then the drawer assembly can be maintained at cryogenic temperatures, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoelectric module operates periodically rather than continuously. It activates when rapid cooling is needed and stops when the target temperature is reached, with the control system monitoring temperature and regulating operation cycles to maintain cryogenic conditions efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
A control system with temperature sensors provides feedback to the thermoelectric module operation. The module adjusts its operation based on real-time temperature data, activating only when cooling is needed and modulating its operation to maintain optimal temperatures, thereby reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
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 solution enables rapid cooling of the drawer assembly to achieve cryogenic temperatures, improving food storage performance by allowing for the storage of a wider variety of foods at lower temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric module disposed in the drawer assembly, the thermoelectric module quickly cooling the inside of the drawer assembly
Implementation Method 2
a heat absorbing part including a heat absorbing-side heatsink and a heat absorbing-side blower fan which discharge the cool air into the drawer assembly
Implementation Method 3
a heat radiating part including a heat radiating-side heatsink and a heat radiating-side blower fan which discharge the radiated air into the heat exchange chamber
Implementation Method 4
heat generated by radiation of the thermoelectric module is discharged into the heat exchange chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator is provided. In the refrigerator, cool air within the heat exchange chamber is supplied into a drawer assembly disposed inside a storage space, and also the inside of the drawer assembly is cooled using a thermoelectric module to quickly cooling the inside of the drawer assembly. Thus, food storage performance may be improved.