Refrigerator Shelf Grating With Inclined Slats for Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerator shelves in coldwall designs face issues with refrigerated goods freezing to the evaporator wall due to low temperatures, and in no-frost models, space is underutilized due to the need for air circulation gaps, leading to poor air flow and inefficient cooling.
Innovation Solution
A shelf with an edge section designed as a grating, featuring inclined slats that deflect air flow and allow for air exchange, ensuring efficient space use and improved cooling by directing air flow differently across the compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a solid shelf is used to maximize storage space, then storage capacity is improved, but air circulation is blocked leading to poor cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf is divided into a solid main section for storage and a grating edge section with gaps for air circulation. This segmentation allows the shelf to simultaneously provide adequate storage space while maintaining necessary air flow paths for cooling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the shelf have different structures: the main section is solid to maximize storage, while the edge section is designed as a grating with inclined slats to facilitate air circulation. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between storage capacity and air flow.
2Volume of moving object
If the shelf edge is placed close to the rear wall to maximize space utilization, then storage space is improved, but air flow between the shelf and rear wall is blocked leading to poor cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The edge section is segmented into inclined slats that create vertical gaps, allowing air to circulate between the shelf and rear wall even when the shelf is positioned close to the wall, thus maintaining both space utilization and air flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined slats introduce a vertical dimension to air flow, allowing air to move upward and backward between the shelf and rear wall, rather than only horizontal flow, enabling effective cooling even with minimal clearance.
3Volume of moving object
If refrigerated goods are placed densely on the shelf to maximize storage, then storage capacity is improved, but air exchange through the grating is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined slats are pre-configured to deflect air flow laterally before it reaches the storage area, creating air exchange paths that are less susceptible to blockage by densely placed goods, thus maintaining air exchange capability even at high storage density.
4Ease of manufacture
If a closed solid shelf is used to simplify structure, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but air circulation capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf is segmented into a simple solid main section and a grating edge section with inclined slats. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity for the majority of the shelf while adding minimal complexity only where air circulation is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The grating edge section with inclined slats serves multiple functions: it provides air circulation, supports refrigerated goods, and can be integrated with the frame structure, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying overall manufacturing.
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 grating design prevents goods from blocking air flow, enhances air circulation, and allows for uniform cooling by deflecting air flow, thus optimizing space usage and cooling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The grate has inclined slats. Such slats can deflect an air flow passing through the grate in a lateral direction and thus ensure sufficient air flow through a compartment delimited by the shelf.
Implementation Method 2
The cooling air can be circulated statically or by means of a fan.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The shelf (1) for a refrigeration device comprises a closed main section (2) and a grid-like edge section (3).