Refrigerator Ventilation Scroll Structure for Condensate Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ventilation devices in refrigerators face issues with water condensation and efficiency due to condensate accumulation, which can lead to ice formation, noise, and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A ventilation device design featuring a ventilation fan with a scroll and ducts, where the annular rim is inclined to prevent condensate accumulation, and a drainage channel is positioned to facilitate gravity-driven drainage, ensuring efficient air flow and preventing air leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the ventilation device operates in a cold environment, then cold air is supplied to the storage compartment, but water condensation accumulates and forms ice
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful condensation water into a beneficial drainage flow by designing the scroll structure with an inclined inner circumferential surface. The condensation water that naturally forms in the cold environment is guided by gravity along the inclined surface toward the drainage channel, transforming from a harmful substance causing ice formation into a controlled flow that is efficiently removed through the drainage system.
2Productivity
If the ventilation fan operates continuously, then air circulation is maintained, but noise increases due to condensate accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the condensate accumulation problem from the ventilation system by providing a dedicated drainage channel separate from the air circulation path. The scroll structure with its inclined inner circumferential surface directs condensation water away from the fan blades and air flow channels, removing the source of noise generation while maintaining continuous air circulation efficiency.
3Device complexity
If the scroll structure is designed with a vertical inner circumferential surface, then structural simplicity is maintained, but condensate accumulates in the groove
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry into the scroll structure by inclining the inner circumferential surface rather than maintaining a vertical orientation. This asymmetric design creates a gravitational gradient that naturally directs condensation water toward the drainage channel, improving drainage reliability while maintaining relatively simple structural implementation.
4Reliability
If the drainage channel is positioned away from the fan, then air leakage is prevented, but condensate drainage efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the spatial conflict between air flow stability and condensate drainage efficiency by utilizing the vertical dimension and gravitational force. The inclined inner circumferential surface of the scroll creates a downward slope that guides condensate water vertically toward the drainage channel, allowing efficient drainage without requiring the channel to be positioned close to the fan, thus maintaining air flow stability.
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 effectively prevents ice formation and maintains efficiency by ensuring condensate does not accumulate, reducing noise and enhancing reliability by directing condensate away from critical components.
Implementation Method 1
a drainage channel allowing draining of water which may be formed by condensation
Data Source
AI summary
A ventilation device of a refrigerator is configured to prevent freezing of condensed water. The condensed water does not accumulate at the corresponding portion, and hence formation of ice is prevented. The generation of noise and the change of the efficiency of the ventilation fan do not occur, and the risk of ice contacting the shroud of the ventilation fan is reduced and reliability may be improved.