Refrigerator having drawer type door

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional refrigerator deodorizer installations are complex, occupy valuable storage space, and do not effectively circulate cool air to remove odors from all compartments, leading to incomplete odor removal and reduced space utilization.

Innovation Solution

A refrigerator design with a deodorizing case integrated into the drawer, where the deodorizing member is positioned on the inner surface of the storage room and the lower end part is in the cool air circulating flow path, minimizing installation space and enhancing odor removal performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the deodorizing unit and deodorizing case are mounted in the door, storage space, or storage room in a complicated assembly structure, then the deodorizer can be installed, but the number of parts increases and assembly time becomes longer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeodorizer installationVSAvoidassembly structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The deodorizing case is integrated directly into the drawer structure, merging the deodorizing function with the storage compartment. This eliminates the need for separate deodorizing units and complex assembly structures, while maintaining effective odor removal capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The drawer structure serves multiple functions: it provides storage space and simultaneously houses the deodorizing case. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining both storage and deodorizing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the deodorizing unit and deodorizing case protrude from the wall surface, then the deodorizer can be installed, but the storage room space is occupied and space utilization decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeodorizer installationVSAvoidstorage room space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The deodorizing case is nested within the drawer structure rather than protruding outward. This nested design allows the deodorizing function to be incorporated into the existing drawer volume without encroaching on the storage room space, maximizing space utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The deodorizing case is positioned in the lower portion of the drawer structure, utilizing vertical space that would otherwise be unused. This dimensional arrangement allows deodorizer installation without reducing the horizontal storage capacity of the drawer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If the deodorizer is installed in the inner part of one storage chamber, then the deodorizer can be mounted, but cool air with odor is circulated to other storage chambers and odor diffuses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeodorizer mountingVSAvoidodor diffusion
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The deodorizing function is extracted from the enclosed storage chamber environment and positioned in the drawer where it can directly interact with cool air flow. This extraction allows the deodorizer to treat air before it circulates to other chambers, preventing odor diffusion rather than treating it after circulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The drawer structure acts as an intermediary between the storage chamber and other refrigerator compartments. By placing the deodorizer in this intermediate position, it can filter and treat the cool air before it reaches other storage chambers, blocking odor diffusion at the source.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The design improves deodorizing performance by ensuring direct contact between cool air and the deodorizing member, reduces storage space occupation, and allows for easy installation and replacement of the deodorizing member, while preventing it from deviating or being damaged.

Implementation Method 1

a deodorizer is mounted in the deodorizing case by being received thereinto, wherein the deodorizer removes an odor of the storage chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

the lower end part is provided in cool air circulating flow path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3764045B1Refrigerator having drawer type door
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3764045B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3764045B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3764045B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a refrigerator comprising: a cabinet (100) having storage chamber (3) being open to the front side of the cabinet (100); a drawer (200) provided with a front panel (210) and a storage room (220) provided at a rear side of the front panel (210), the drawer (200) is provided for opening and closing the storage chamber (3); a deodorizing case (264) including an upper end part (268) provided on an inner surface of the storage room (220), and a lower end part (278) provided on an outer surface of the storage room; and a deodorizing member (260) provided inside the deodorizing case (264) to remove an odor of the storage chamber (3).