Refrigerator Fan Assembly Structure to Reduce Backflow and Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior fan assemblies in refrigerators experience increased air-flow resistance and noise due to the collision of spokes with air flow and backflow through the gap between the frame and housing, leading to reduced air-flow rates and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The fan assembly is designed with spokes oriented parallel to the air flow direction and a protrusion to prevent backflow, reducing collision and air-flow resistance, and incorporating anti-vibration members to stabilize the fan assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the fan assembly uses conventional spokes that collide with air flow, then the structure is simple, but the air-flow resistance increases and noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by orienting the spokes at specific non-symmetric angles relative to the air flow direction. The spokes are arranged at angles of 45 degrees, 135 degrees, 225 degrees, and 315 degrees, creating an asymmetric pattern that allows air to flow between and along the spokes rather than colliding directly with them, thereby reducing air-flow resistance and noise while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dimensional aspect by considering the three-dimensional orientation of spokes relative to air flow. Instead of flat radial spokes, the spokes are inclined at specific angles in the axial direction, creating a three-dimensional arrangement that allows air to pass through the fan assembly more efficiently, reducing resistance and noise
2Device complexity
If the fan assembly allows air flow through the gap between frame and housing, then the structure is simple, but backflow occurs and air-flow rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic backflow path by introducing a baffle that blocks the gap between the frame and housing. This baffle removes the unwanted air flow path while maintaining the simple overall frame structure, preventing backflow and ensuring that air flows only through the intended path, thereby maintaining high air-flow rate
Solution Approach 2:
The baffle acts as an intermediary element between the frame and housing. It mediates the air flow by blocking the direct path that would cause backflow, while still allowing the frame structure to remain simple and easy to manufacture. The baffle is a straightforward component that effectively prevents backflow without complicating the overall assembly
3Temperature
If the fan assembly operates with high air-flow rate, then heat dissipation is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the spoke arrangement, specifically the angles at which spokes are oriented relative to the air flow. By optimizing these angles to 45, 135, 225, and 315 degrees, the patent achieves a parameter optimization that reduces air-flow resistance, allowing high air-flow rates to be achieved with lower power consumption while maintaining effective heat dissipation
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 enhances air-flow rates, reduces noise, and decreases power consumption by minimizing backflow and air-flow resistance, resulting in improved heat dissipation and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A fan orifice or fan assembly may be provided in the machine compartment of the refrigerator and may allow a forced air flow that cools the compressor and condenser
Implementation Method 2
The fan assembly may enable the forced air flow to dissipate heat of the refrigeration cycle, especially heat from the condenser
Data Source
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AI summary
A fan assembly and a refrigerator including a fan assembly may prevent a backward flow of air and include an orientation of a spoke that is configured to be in parallel with a direction of a fan outlet flow. The fan assembly may include a fan including a hub and blades; a motor to rotate the hub; an outer housing or housing that accommodates the fan therein; a support frame or frame including an annular body or frame body provided in and coupled to the housing, a bracket centrally positioned in the frame body that fixes the motor, and spokes extending between and coupled to the frame body and the bracket; anti-vibration members arranged along and fixed to the frame body, wherein the anti-vibration members connect the frame body to the housing; and a protrusion protruding outward from and along an outer circumferential face of the frame body to prevent a backflow of air from the fan.