Refrigerator having a switchable chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators with switchable chambers lack optimal temperature control mechanisms, leading to inefficient cooling and temperature regulation across different chambers.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design incorporating a switchable chamber fan, freezing chamber fan, damper, and path switching device, which control the flow of cold air and refrigerant to maintain optimal temperatures in the switchable, freezing, and refrigerating chambers by adjusting fan speeds and damper positions based on temperature satisfaction/dissatisfaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single fan is used to cool multiple chambers, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temperature control precision across different chambers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single fan system into multiple independent fans (refrigerating chamber fan and freezing chamber fan), allowing each fan to independently control air circulation in its respective chamber. This segmentation enables precise temperature control for each chamber while maintaining reasonable device complexity through modular design.
2Ease of operation
If fixed fan speeds are used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to different temperature requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements variable speed control for both the refrigerating chamber fan and freezing chamber fan, allowing the rotation speeds to be dynamically adjusted based on temperature feedback. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to adapt to different temperature requirements while maintaining ease of operation through automatic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device receives temperature information from both chambers and uses this feedback to automatically adjust the rotation speeds of the fans. This feedback mechanism ensures optimal temperature control and adaptability without requiring manual intervention, maintaining ease of operation.
3Measurement precision
If independent temperature control for each chamber is implemented, then the temperature control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control of multiple chambers into a single integrated control device that manages both the refrigerating chamber fan and freezing chamber fan. This merging approach maintains temperature control precision for each chamber while reducing overall system complexity by using a unified control system rather than separate independent controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device performs multiple functions: it monitors temperatures in both chambers, determines rotation speeds for both fans, and coordinates their operation. This multi-functional universal controller achieves precise temperature control while minimizing device complexity through consolidation.
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 enables precise temperature control across chambers, ensuring rapid cooling and minimizing temperature imbalances, thereby improving the overall cooling efficiency and user satisfaction.
Implementation Method 1
a switchable chamber evaporator configured to cool the switchable chamber
Implementation Method 2
a freezing chamber evaporator connected with the switchable chamber evaporator through an evaporator connection path to cool the freezing chamber
Implementation Method 3
a switchable chamber fan configured to blow cold air to the switchable chamber evaporator and to blow the cold air to the switchable chamber and to the duct
Implementation Method 4
a switchable chamber capillary tube connected with the switchable chamber evaporator
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a main body, a damper, a compressor, a condenser, a switchable chamber evaporator, a freezing chamber evaporator, a switchable chamber capillary tube, a bypass capillary tube, a path switching device, a switchable chamber fan, a freezing chamber fan, and a controller. The controller rotates the switchable chamber fan and the freezing chamber fan at different speeds according to satisfaction of a temperature of the switchable chamber, dissatisfaction of the temperature of the switchable chamber, satisfaction of a temperature of the freezing chamber, dissatisfaction of the temperature of the freezing chamber, satisfaction of a temperature of the refrigerating chamber and dissatisfaction of the temperature of the refrigerating chamber.