Refrigerator including thermoelectric module and method of controlling thermoelectric module by refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators using thermoelectric modules are prone to performance loss due to defects in individual internal elements, leading to ineffective temperature maintenance in storage chambers.
Innovation Solution
The thermoelectric module is designed with internal elements grouped into multiple parallel connections, allowing continued operation even if one element fails, and a control system to adjust voltage and monitor current to maintain performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If internal elements of the thermoelectric module are connected in series, then the manufacturing precision and simplicity are improved, but the reliability deteriorates because one defective element causes the entire module to fail
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoelectric module divides internal elements into multiple independent groups (first group, second group, etc.), where each group can operate independently. This segmentation allows the module to maintain functionality even when some groups fail, directly resolving the reliability issue while managing complexity through organized modular structure
Solution Approach 2:
The parallel connection structure is designed in advance to compensate for potential element failures. By creating redundant pathways before failures occur, the system ensures that defective elements do not cause complete module failure, embodying the beforehand cushioning principle
2Reliability
If internal elements are divided into multiple parallel groups, then the reliability is improved against element failures, but the device complexity increases due to additional connection structures
Solution Approach 1:
The power line structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides electrical connection for all element groups during normal operation and automatically redirects current through alternative pathways when failures occur. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate failure-compensation mechanisms, managing complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple element groups are merged into a single parallel configuration that shares common power lines and control structures. This merging approach achieves redundancy and fault tolerance without requiring completely separate systems, thereby improving reliability while controlling the increase in device complexity
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 ensures that the refrigerator maintains effective cooling despite individual element failures, preventing spoilage of stored food and reducing the need for immediate maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric module configured to cool down the at least one storage chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a main body including at least one storage chamber, doors provided to open or close the at least one storage chamber, a thermoelectric module for cooling down the at least one storage chamber, and at least one processor configured to control the thermoelectric module, where the thermoelectric module includes internal elements classified into a plurality of groups, the internal elements in each of the plurality of groups are connected to each other in series, and the plurality of groups are connected in parallel with each other to a power line connected to the thermoelectric module.