Refrigerator and method and device for controlling refrigeration thereof

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Solution Overview

Problem

Refrigerators with ice machines experience low ice-making efficiency and high energy consumption due to the lack of synchronization between the refrigeration period of the refrigerating compartment and the ice-making period of the ice machine.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that control the refrigeration period of the refrigerating compartment to match the ice-making cycle of the ice machine by using a control valve to adjust the refrigeration cycle based on the current ice-making stage and temperature, delaying the refrigeration starting time to align with the heating-deicing stage of the ice machine.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the refrigerating compartment performs refrigeration at any time during ice-making, then the refrigeration function is maintained, but the ice-making efficiency decreases and energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveice-making efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of the refrigerating compartment's refrigeration operation based on the ice-making stage. The control valve dynamically adjusts the refrigeration cycle timing to coincide with the heating-deicing stage of the ice machine, transforming the static refrigeration operation into a dynamic, stage-adaptive process that resolves the contradiction between maintaining refrigeration function and improving ice-making efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies periodic action by synchronizing the refrigerating compartment's refrigeration cycles with the periodic heating-deicing stages of the ice machine. The refrigeration operation is activated during specific periodic intervals (heating-deicing stages) and deactivated during other intervals (ice-making stages), creating a rhythmic coordination that reduces energy consumption while maintaining both functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If the refrigeration cycle of the refrigerating compartment is independent of the ice-making cycle, then operational flexibility is maintained, but ice-making efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveice-making efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback control by using the ice-making stage detection as input to control the refrigeration cycle timing. The control system receives feedback about the current ice-making stage (through temperature sensors and stage detection) and adjusts the refrigeration operation accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that coordinates the two cycles without requiring complex centralized control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the control of the refrigeration system into independent controllable modules: the ice-making cycle control and the refrigerating compartment cycle control. By segmenting the control functions and allowing them to operate semi-independently with coordinated timing, the system achieves synchronization without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Improves ice-making efficiency and reduces energy consumption by synchronizing the refrigeration cycle with the ice-making cycle, thereby enhancing the ice-making process and minimizing energy usage.

Implementation Method 1

a refrigerating capillary tube adjacent to the refrigerating evaporator and an ice-making capillary tube adjacent to the ice-making evaporator; and a control valve for controlling the refrigerating capillary tube and the ice-making capillary tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

a refrigerating evaporator for refrigerating a refrigerating compartment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

an ice-making evaporator for making ice in an ice machine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS12104841B2Refrigerator and method and device for controlling refrigeration thereof

Publication Date: 2024.10.01 HEFEI MIDEA REFRIGERATOR CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed are a refrigerator and a method and device for controlling refrigeration of the refrigerator. A refrigeration system of the refrigerator includes a refrigerating evaporator for refrigerating a refrigerating compartment, an ice-making evaporator for making ice in an ice machine, a refrigerating capillary tube adjacent to the refrigerating evaporator and an ice-making capillary tube adjacent to the ice-making evaporator, and a control valve for controlling the refrigerating capillary tube and the ice-making capillary tube. The method includes recognizing a current ice-making stage of the ice machine, acquiring a current temperature of an ice-making compartment in the refrigerator, and controlling a connecting direction of the control valve according to the current ice-making stage and the current temperature.