Refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Built-in type refrigerators face challenges in effectively cooling large volumes and individually controlling temperatures across multiple spaces, leading to inefficiencies in insulation, space loss, and oversizing of refrigeration cycles, which affect safety and environmental compliance.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a roll bond evaporator with a dedicated heat-exchange space, insulation members, and a cold air supply module, along with a radiation layer and side ducts to enhance insulation and air flow, while maintaining independent refrigeration cycles for each compartment, and a water supply system integrated within the side ducts to prevent space loss and improve assembly workability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single refrigeration cycle is used to cool multiple spaces, then the refrigerator structure is simplified, but the refrigeration cycle becomes oversized and cannot effectively cool large volume spaces while complying with safety and environmental regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single refrigeration cycle into multiple independent cycles, with each cycle equipped with its own evaporator and control system. This segmentation allows each refrigeration cycle to be appropriately sized for its specific compartment, improving cooling effectiveness and enabling individual temperature control while maintaining overall system functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fin-type evaporators are disposed in the refrigerator, then individual temperature control of each space is enabled, but the storage space is reduced due to the evaporators and their associated components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the evaporator with the insulation structure by integrating the evaporator into the insulation member. This combination eliminates the need for separate evaporator housings and associated components, thereby maintaining individual temperature control capability while minimizing the space occupied by cooling components and maximizing storage space.
3Loss of energy
If the insulation thickness is increased to prevent cold air loss, then insulation performance is improved, but the storage space within the refrigerator is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different insulation strategies to different locations based on their specific thermal loss characteristics. High insulation thickness is applied only to areas with significant thermal loss, while other areas use thinner insulation or alternative thermal management approaches. This localized approach minimizes overall insulation material usage while effectively preventing cold air loss, thereby preserving storage space.
4Ease of operation
If a water path is disposed between the outer case and inner case to supply water, then water supply is achieved, but insulation performance at that portion is weakened and assembly workability is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the water supply path within the insulation member structure, allowing the water path to be embedded in the insulation material. This nesting approach enables water supply functionality while maintaining continuous insulation coverage, preventing thermal bridging, and preserving both insulation performance and assembly workability.
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 improves insulation performance, minimizes storage space loss, enhances cooling efficiency, and allows for independent temperature control of compartments, while maintaining safety and environmental compliance.
Implementation Method 1
refrigerators cool the inside of the storage space by using cool air generated by being heat-exchanged with a refrigerant circulated through a refrigeration cycle
Implementation Method 2
a first insulation member disposed on a rear surface of the rear plate; a second insulation member spaced apart from the first insulation member and disposed on a front surface of the inner case
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a cabinet, an evaporator, an evaporator cover module, and a cold air supply module configured to communicate with the evaporator cover module. The evaporator cover module includes a rear plate that has a planar shape and that defines the surface of the storage space, a first insulation member located at a rear surface of the rear plate, and a second insulation member spaced apart from the first insulation member and located at a front surface of the inner case. The first insulation member and the second insulation member define a heat-exchange space configured to accommodate the evaporator between the first insulation member and the second insulation member.