Refrigerator Duct Layout to Prevent Cold Air Backflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
In refrigerators, the cooling efficiency is compromised due to air flowing backward through ducts with multiple flow paths when only one blower fan is operational, leading to reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A duct unit with a guide duct and blower fans configured to allow communication between flow paths, ensuring that cold air can be efficiently distributed between compartments without backflow, even when only one blower fan is operating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a duct with multiple flow paths is used to distribute cold air to multiple storage compartments, then cold air can be supplied to multiple compartments, but air may flow backward through the duct when only one blower fan is operational, reducing cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
A communication passage is introduced as an intermediary element between the first and second flow paths. This passage allows controlled air flow interaction between the paths, preventing backflow into inactive paths while maintaining the ability to distribute cold air to multiple compartments when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The duct system is segmented into distinct flow paths (first flow path for refrigerator compartment, second flow path for freezer compartment) with a communication passage providing selective connectivity. This segmentation allows independent control of each path while preventing harmful backflow
2Volume of stationary object
If the duct volume is reduced to improve space utilization, then the refrigerator structure becomes more compact, but the cold air flow distribution may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The communication passage introduces a third dimensional aspect to the dual-flow-path system by creating a vertical or lateral connection between the first and second flow paths. This allows compact duct design while maintaining effective cold air distribution through multi-directional flow capability
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 configuration prevents backflow and ensures smooth cold air supply to storage compartments, enhancing cooling efficiency and maintaining optimal temperatures in both the refrigerator and freezer compartments.
Implementation Method 1
a first blower fan sending the cold air to the first flow path, a second blower fan sending the cold air to the second flow path
Implementation Method 2
an evaporator for generating cold air
Implementation Method 3
the evaporator is heat-exchanged and generates the cold air in the storage compartment
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a refrigerator including: a body; a first storage compartment and a second storage compartment; a cold air generating unit; and a duct unit installed in front of the evaporator in the first storage compartment and including a first flow path on which the cold air is moved into the first storage compartment, a second flow path on which the cold air is moved into the second storage compartment, a first blower fan sending the cold air to the first flow path, a second blower fan sending the cold air to the second flow path, and a guide duct that partitions off the second flow path, wherein at least one cold air flowing portion is formed in the guide duct so that the first flow path and the second flow path are in communication with each other through the at least one cold air flowing portion.