Refrigerator Post-Cool Fan Operation Based on Temperature Setpoint

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional refrigerator appliances run the fan after a cooling cycle for a static predetermined time or based on measured temperatures, leading to inconsistent results and potential over or underutilization of fan operation.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that determines a dynamic post-cool fan time based on a temperature setpoint of the compartment to optimize fan operation after the cooling cycle, using a controller to adjust the fan operation accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the fan is run for a static predetermined time after the cooling cycle, then the control method is simple, but the fan operation is not optimized for different temperature setpoints leading to inconsistent results

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidfan operation consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static predetermined fan run time to a dynamic post-cool fan time that varies based on the temperature setpoint. The controller calculates different fan operation durations according to the specific temperature requirements, making the system adaptive rather than fixed. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining operational simplicity while achieving consistent, optimized results across different temperature setpoints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of fan operation time from a fixed value to a variable determined by the temperature setpoint. The controller adjusts the post-cool fan time based on the relationship between temperature setpoint and required cooling duration, thereby optimizing fan operation for each specific temperature requirement while maintaining a straightforward control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the fan is run based on measured temperatures, then the control is adaptive, but the results are inconsistent and the fan may run too long or not long enough

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature-based control adaptabilityVSAvoidfan operation consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by using the temperature setpoint as the basis for determining post-cool fan time. The controller receives the temperature setpoint information and uses it to calculate the appropriate fan operation duration, creating a closed-loop control system. This ensures consistent and reliable fan operation adapted to different temperature requirements, resolving the inconsistency issue while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If the fan runs for a fixed predetermined time, then the control logic is simple, but the energy consumption is not optimized leading to potential overutilization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol logic complexityVSAvoidfan energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes energy consumption by changing the fan operation time parameter from a fixed predetermined value to a dynamic value based on the temperature setpoint. The controller calculates the minimum necessary fan run time required to achieve the desired temperature, preventing both overutilization and underutilization of the fan while maintaining relatively simple control logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enhances the efficiency and consistency of air circulation within refrigerator compartments by optimizing fan operation based on compartment temperature, ensuring appropriate duration post-cooling.

Implementation Method 1

A sealed system of the refrigerator appliance provides a flow of air to cool the chilled chamber... during a cooling cycle in which refrigerant is flowed to an evaporator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

the fan may continue to run, such as for frost management, further cooling of the chilled chamber... operating the fan to motivate a flow of air between the evaporator and a compartment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentUS20260002723A1Refrigerator appliance post-cool fan operation

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A method of operating a refrigerator appliance includes operating a compressor of the refrigerator appliance to flow a refrigerant to an evaporator of the refrigerator appliance. The method also includes operating a fan to motivate a flow of air between the evaporator and a compartment of the refrigerator appliance while operating the compressor to flow the refrigerant to the evaporator. The compartment is thereby cooled. The method further includes stopping the flow of refrigerant to the evaporator. The method also includes determining a post-cool fan time based on a temperature setpoint of the compartment of the refrigerator appliance. The method further includes operating the fan for the determined post-cool fan time after stopping the flow of refrigerant to the evaporator.