Refrigerator Fan-Motor Assembly with Nested Case to Reduce Hub Gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator fan-motor assemblies experience noise due to vibrations from permanent magnets and suffer from reduced motor output and increased axial length due to the formation of gaps between the hub and case, as well as interference from printed circuit boards, leading to inefficiencies and increased component count during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A fan-motor assembly design with a cylindrical case and support plate that reduces the gap between the hub and case, incorporates coupling rods with melted ends for secure coupling, and features a printed circuit board integrated within the case to prevent slack and disconnection, while maintaining a compact size and minimizing vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a coupling portion is formed at the outside of the case to accommodate the motor in the hub, then the motor can be installed in the hub, but a gap between the inner surface of the hub and outer surface of the case is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The case is divided into two separate bodies (first body and second body) that are coupled together. The coupling rods extend through the stator to connect these two bodies, allowing the motor to be accommodated in the hub while maintaining a reduced gap between the hub inner surface and case outer surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling rods are nested through the stator structure, passing through the stator core and connecting the first and second bodies of the case. This nesting approach allows the coupling mechanism to be integrated within the existing motor structure without increasing the external gap.
2Volume of moving object
If the size of the case is reduced to fit in the hub, then the motor can be accommodated, but the real size of the motor is reduced, which results in lowering the output of the motor
Solution Approach 1:
The motor components (stator and rotor) are arranged in an axial dimension rather than radial arrangement. The stator is positioned axially within the case, and the rotor extends axially with its permanent magnets arranged along the axial direction, maximizing the use of available space without reducing the effective motor size.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor is designed with permanent magnets that can be positioned at different axial locations, allowing for optimized magnetic field distribution and motor output. The axial arrangement of magnetic poles enables dynamic optimization of the motor's performance characteristics.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a printed circuit board is installed in the fan-motor assembly, then control functions are added, but the axial length of the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The printed circuit board is merged with the case structure, being disposed within the internal space of the case rather than as a separate external component. This integration allows the control board to be accommodated without increasing the overall axial length of the fan-motor assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The case serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the motor, accommodates the printed circuit board for control functions, and maintains the reduced gap configuration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate housing structures.
4Ease of manufacture
If the printed circuit board is installed with slack, then installation is easier, but electric disconnection of the control circuit occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The printed circuit board is pre-fixed to the case at specific locations before final assembly. This preliminary fixation ensures proper positioning and eliminates slack that could lead to electrical disconnection, while still allowing for relatively easy installation through the standardized fixing structure.
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 design enhances motor output, reduces noise, and decreases the axial length of the fan-motor assembly, preventing output reduction and assembly complexities, thereby improving efficiency and reducing the number of components and assembly time.
Implementation Method 1
a motor including a stator and a rotor, the motor located in a case, the case having a cylindrical shape and being disposed in the hub, the stator being disposed in the case, and the rotor having a rotational shaft coupled to the hub and being rotatably disposed in the stator
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a refrigerator including a refrigerator main body having a storage chamber; a cool air circulation passage along which cool air of the storage chamber circulates; and a fan-motor assembly circulating the cool air, wherein the fan-motor assembly comprises: a fan including a hub and a plurality of blades, the hub having a first accommodation space and the plurality of blades being disposed outside the hub; a motor including a stator and a rotor, the motor located in a case, the case having a cylindrical shape and being disposed in the hub, the stator being disposed in the case, and the rotor having a rotational shaft coupled to the hub and being rotatably disposed in the stator; and a support plate that is coupled to the case and that is configured to support the fan and the motor. Accordingly, a gap between the hub and the case can be reduced and a size of the motor in the case can be increased, thereby improving an output of the motor.