Refrigerator and method for controlling refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators do not effectively notify users when the filter is clogged, leading to inefficiencies in air filtration.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator system that includes a thermoelectric element with a heater and cooler, a fan for air circulation, a filter for foreign material removal, and a controller that adjusts reference rotation speeds based on fan speed to determine filter cleanliness and notify users when clogging occurs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fan operates continuously to circulate air through the filter, then air filtration is maintained, but the system cannot detect when the filter becomes clogged
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by monitoring the fan's rotation speed and comparing it against reference values. When the rotation speed deviates from the reference (indicating increased resistance from a clogged filter), the controller receives feedback about the filter's condition and notifies the user to clean or replace the filter.
2Measurement precision
If the system monitors fan rotation speed to detect filter clogging, then filter status can be determined, but false notifications may occur due to variations in operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the reference rotation speed values based on different operating conditions such as temperature settings and fan power levels. Multiple reference values are stored corresponding to different operational states, allowing the system to accurately determine filter clogging status regardless of varying operating conditions.
3Measurement precision
If multiple reference rotation speeds are stored for different operating conditions, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically selects the appropriate reference rotation speed value based on the current operating conditions without requiring manual intervention. The system self-adjusts by comparing actual fan speed against the pre-stored reference value that corresponds to the current temperature and fan power settings, simplifying the user experience while maintaining high detection accuracy.
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
Accurately determines filter clogging by updating reference rotation speeds, ensuring efficient air filtration and timely notification to users.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric cooling device that causes heating and cooling actions through the Peltier effect may be used. The thermoelectric element may have a heater formed on one side and a cooler formed on the other side, and when a current is applied to the thermoelectric element, the heater may cause a heating action and the cooler may cause a heat absorption action.
Implementation Method 2
a fan configured to operate to bring air from outside the main body to the heater to be heated by the heater and exhaust the heated air to outside the main body
Implementation Method 3
a filter configured to filter foreign materials from the air brought from outside the main body to the heater by operation of the fan
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator may include a main body forming a storeroom; a thermoelectric element including a heater and a cooler, the cooler configured to cool air inside the storeroom; a fan configured to operate to bring air from outside the main body to the heater to be heated by the heater and exhaust the heated air to outside the main body; a filter configured to filter foreign materials from the air brought from outside the main body to the heater by operation of the fan; and a controller configured to notify that the filter is clogged in response to a rotation speed of the fan being higher than a reference rotation speed.