Single-Piece Refrigerator Liner With Integrated Partition Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household refrigeration apparatuses with two storage compartments at different cooling temperatures face challenges in production complexity, assembly, maintenance, and cleaning due to the need for a horizontal partition with multiple coupling elements, which also leads to dust and dirt accumulation in hard-to-reach areas.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration apparatus with a single-piece plastic liner defining both compartments and a partition, featuring a duct system with connector elements for air flow between compartments, a fan for forced air circulation, and an evaporator for cooling, simplifying production, assembly, and cleaning by eliminating complex coupling areas and dust accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a horizontal partition with guiding and engaging elements is used to separate compartments, then the refrigeration apparatus can achieve functional separation of storage compartments, but the production and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall is integrated directly into the single-piece plastic liner, merging the compartment separation function with the liner structure itself. This eliminates the need for separate guiding and engaging elements, thereby reducing production and assembly complexity while maintaining functional separation of storage compartments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple coupling elements are used to attach the horizontal partition, then the compartment separation is achieved, but the number of maintenance operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall is integrated into the single-piece plastic liner as a unified structure, eliminating multiple coupling elements. This integration reduces maintenance operations since there are no separate components requiring individual attention, while still achieving effective compartment separation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a horizontal partition with edges is installed between compartments, then the structural separation is achieved, but dust and dirt accumulation occurs in hard-to-reach areas
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall is seamlessly integrated into the single-piece plastic liner, eliminating gaps and edges between separate components. This seamless integration prevents dust and dirt accumulation in hard-to-reach areas while maintaining structural separation between compartments.
Solution Approach 2:
The design converts the potential harm of edges and gaps (which accumulate dirt) into a benefit by creating a smooth, continuous surface that is easy to clean. The integrated partition eliminates the very features that cause dust accumulation, turning a potential problem area into a maintenance-friendly surface.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex coupling areas are created for the horizontal partition, then the compartment division is achieved, but the cleaning difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall is integrated into the single-piece plastic liner, eliminating complex coupling areas. This creates a smooth, continuous surface without gaps or crevices, making the entire interior surface easy to clean while maintaining effective compartment division.
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 solution simplifies production and assembly, enhances cleaning ease, and optimizes storage space by using a single-piece plastic liner with integrated ducts and connector elements, reducing maintenance needs and dust accumulation, while maintaining effective temperature control between compartments.
Implementation Method 1
at least one evaporator arranged to cool down the forced air flow before its emission into said second compartment
Implementation Method 2
at least one fan arranged to generate a forced air flow circulating from said first compartment to said second compartment through said at least one duct
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention is related to a refrigeration apparatus (10) comprising: a first compartment (13) and a second compartment (14), said first and second compartments (13, 14) being separated from one another by a partition wall (15), said first and second compartments (13, 14) and said partition wall (15) being defined by a single-piece plastic liner (12), said inner storage cabinet (12) being provided with at least one duct (21) and one air passage (22) that allows the passage of air between said first compartment (13) and said second compartment (14); at least one fan (27) arranged to generate a forced air flow circulating between said first compartment (13) and said second compartment (14); at least one evaporator (28) arranged to cool down said forced air flow before its emission into said second compartment (14). The invention is also related to a method for producing such a refrigeration apparatus.