Household appliance device and method for operating a household appliance device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household refrigerators face inefficiencies in air exchange and temperature stratification, leading to suboptimal cooling performance and increased complexity in design.
Innovation Solution
A household refrigerator design featuring an inner container with an air exchange unit that includes two fluidically parallel flow channels connected to the interior, an inner panel unit that separates sections of the interior, and an air exchange unit integrated with the inner panel to enhance air circulation and temperature stratification, while minimizing complexity and improving useful space efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a centrally located air exchange unit is used in the inner container, then the air exchange function is provided, but the design complexity increases and useful space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The air exchange unit is divided into multiple flow channels (at least two) that run substantially parallel to each other. This segmentation allows the air exchange function to be distributed across multiple simpler channels rather than requiring a single complex centralized structure, thereby reducing design complexity while maintaining the air exchange function.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow channels are arranged to run substantially parallel to each other in a planar configuration rather than vertically stacked or centrally concentrated. This dimensional arrangement reduces the elevation profile and integrates the air exchange unit more smoothly with the inner panel, reducing design complexity and improving space utilization.
2Productivity
If an air exchange unit with multiple flow channels is used, then air circulation is improved, but the elevation relative to the back panel increases reducing useful space
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channels are arranged to run substantially parallel to each other in a horizontal or near-horizontal plane rather than vertically stacked. This planar arrangement maintains effective air circulation pathways while minimizing the elevation of the air exchange unit relative to the back panel, thereby preserving useful space in the vertical dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow channels are positioned and configured to provide localized air exchange at multiple points along the parallel pathways. This distributed arrangement ensures effective air circulation throughout the interior space without requiring a tall centralized structure, thus maintaining low elevation and maximizing useful space.
3Ease of manufacture
If the air exchange unit is integrated with the inner panel, then assembly is simplified, but the inner panel structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The air exchange unit is integrated directly with the inner panel as a unified structure. The flow channels are formed as part of the inner panel assembly, eliminating the need for separate air exchange components and simplifying the assembly process while the modular integration keeps the structural complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner panel serves multiple functions: it provides the structural back panel of the inner container and simultaneously houses the air exchange unit with its flow channels. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and simplifies assembly while the standardized design keeps the structural complexity controlled.
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 cooling efficiency, reduces contamination, and simplifies maintenance and assembly, while providing a cost-effective and aesthetically inconspicuous air exchange system that enhances air circulation and temperature stratification within the refrigerator.
Implementation Method 1
an air exchange unit which directs air flow and which defines at least two flow channels, which run fluidically substantially parallel, at least in certain sections
Data Source
AI summary
The efficiency of a household appliance device, in particular of a household refrigerator device, is improved. An inner container has at least one inner panel that delimits an interior at least partially. An air exchange unit is formed with at least two flow channels that run substantially parallel and that are in fluidic communication with the interior.