refrigerator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Refrigerator doors with moving electromagnetic wave shields face challenges in maintaining a grounded connection due to repeated bending and extension of wiring, leading to potential electromagnetic wave leakage.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates an electromagnetic wave shield with a mesh structure and comb-shaped parts, embedded in the door and wall, which are grounded through proximity rather than direct wiring, ensuring effective shielding without the need for continuous electrical connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If wiring is provided to ground the electromagnetic wave shield on the moving door, then the shielding function is improved, but the wiring reliability deteriorates due to repeated bending and extension

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic wave leakageVSAvoidwiring connection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wiring connection system with an electromagnetic field-based grounding system. The electromagnetic wave shield on the moving door is grounded through electromagnetic coupling with the grounded electromagnetic wave shield on the stationary wall, eliminating the need for physical wiring that would be subject to bending and extension fatigue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The stationary grounded electromagnetic wave shield on the wall acts as an intermediary between the power source and the moving electromagnetic wave shield on the door. This intermediary enables electromagnetic coupling to ground the moving shield without requiring direct physical wiring connection, thus solving the reliability problem while maintaining shielding effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the electromagnetic wave shield is provided on the moving door, then the shielding coverage is improved, but the ease of wiring deteriorates due to the moving nature of the door

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic wave leakageVSAvoidwiring installation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the mechanical wiring installation process by using electromagnetic coupling for grounding. The electromagnetic wave shield on the moving door is grounded through its electromagnetic interaction with the stationary grounded shield on the wall, removing the need for complex movable wiring installation and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If direct wiring is used to ground the electromagnetic wave shield, then the grounding effectiveness is improved, but the adaptability to moving structures deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrounding effectivenessVSAvoidadaptability to moving door structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the rigid mechanical wiring grounding system with a flexible electromagnetic field-based grounding system. The electromagnetic coupling between the stationary grounded shield and the moving shield on the door maintains grounding effectiveness while adapting to the door's movement, providing both reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 electromagnetic wave leakage by maintaining an effective shielding function even when direct wiring is difficult, ensuring efficient heating and reducing energy loss while maintaining the integrity of the electric field within the thawing compartment.

Implementation Method 1

it is necessary to take measures to prevent the electromagnetic waves from leaking outside. In order to prevent the electromagnetic waves from leaking to outside, it is common to provide an electromagnetic wave shield and ground the electromagnetic wave shield.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Implementation Method 2

a heating chamber that uses microwaves to heat a stored object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric heating: Dielectric Heating

Implementation Method 3

PTL 2 discloses a high frequency heater that thaws a stored object using high frequency waves in a HF to VHF band instead of microwaves. Unlike microwaves, the high frequency waves in the HF to VHF band have high rectilinearity, and form an electric field between two electrodes to heat the stored object.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic heating: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3783283B1refrigerator

Publication Date: 2023.09.27 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

A refrigerator according to the present disclosure includes at least one storage chamber and uses an electromagnetic wave to heat a stored object inside the storage chamber. A first electromagnetic wave shield is provided on a door of the storage chamber, and a second electromagnetic wave shield is provided on a housing part of the refrigerator that is in contact with the door while the door is closed. This makes it possible to provide a structure capable of exhibiting a function as an electromagnetic wave shield even for a refrigerator door in which wiring to a grounding part is difficult.