Refrigerator Model-Based Temperature Control for Multi-Zone Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators and freezers face challenges in achieving energetically optimal temperature regulation, especially under varying ambient conditions, due to complex energy consumption measurements and limited control over temperature distribution across compartments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of modeling means with input capabilities for users to set target temperature values or ranges, combined with a model-based control algorithm that allows for temperature regulation and display of temperature profiles, including areas without temperature sensors, using color gradients and symbols, enabling precise control of temperature stratification across compartments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are installed in every compartment to enable precise temperature control, then temperature regulation precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a modeling means as an intermediary that calculates temperatures in compartments without direct sensors by using temperature data from nearby compartments and thermal models. This mediator approach allows indirect temperature measurement, reducing the need for physical sensors in every compartment while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of temperature data by modeling and calculating temperatures in unmonitored compartments based on measurements from other compartments. This copying approach allows the system to estimate temperatures throughout the refrigerator without installing physical sensors everywhere, reducing device complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple temperature sensors are installed to monitor temperature distribution, then temperature control reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modeling means acts as a cost-effective intermediary that provides reliable temperature information for compartments without sensors by calculating based on thermal models and nearby sensor data, maintaining control reliability without the high cost of universal sensor installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes a single temperature sensor serve multiple functions by using its data not only for local temperature control but also as input for modeling temperatures in other compartments. This multi-functionality approach maintains system reliability while reducing the total number of sensors needed.
3Device complexity
If simple temperature control systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different temperature requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic temperature control by allowing the modeling means to adapt to different user requirements through the target value input. The system can dynamically adjust temperature distributions, create stratification patterns, and respond to varying ambient conditions while maintaining relatively simple hardware architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves adaptability by allowing users to input different target temperature values and ranges, which the modeling means then uses to adjust control parameters. This parameter-based approach enables flexible adaptation to different storage requirements without changing the physical structure or adding complex control hardware.
4Loss of information
If temperature sensors are placed throughout the cooled interior, then information about temperature distribution is improved, but loss of energy increases due to more components
Solution Approach 1:
The modeling means serves as an energy-efficient intermediary that provides complete temperature distribution information by calculating rather than physically measuring every point. This approach reduces energy consumption compared to maintaining and calibrating numerous sensors while still providing comprehensive temperature data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential temperature measurement data from physical sensors and uses modeling to derive the rest of the temperature distribution information. This extraction approach minimizes the energy required for physical sensing while maintaining complete information about temperature distribution through computational methods.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cooling and/or freezing appliance with a cooled interior, wherein at least one temperature or temperature distribution prevails in the cooled interior, wherein the appliance has modeling means which are configured in such a way that a modeling of the temperature or temperature distribution can be carried out, wherein the appliance has input means which are configured to enable a user to input a target value and/or target range of the temperature or temperature distribution.