Refrigerator Compressor Control for Snooze and Quick Chill
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration devices lack user-friendly control options for managing compressor operation, such as silencing the device temporarily or rapidly cooling contents, which are not easily achievable without unplugging the appliance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a control system with user-selectable modes, including a 'snooze' function to turn off the compressor for a set period and a 'quick chill' function to keep it continuously on, using discrete logic, hybrid circuits, microcontrollers, and user input through control panels, remote controls, or network interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the compressor operates continuously to maintain temperature, then cooling performance is improved, but user convenience deteriorates due to inability to temporarily silence the device
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically switches between different operational modes (thermostat control, snooze mode, quick chill mode) based on user needs. The compressor operation transitions from continuous cycling in thermostat mode to continuous off in snooze mode, or continuous on in quick chill mode, providing adaptive flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the compressor by introducing predetermined time periods for different modes. In snooze mode, the compressor remains off for a predetermined period regardless of temperature. In quick chill mode, the compressor operates continuously for a predetermined period. This parameter change enables temporary deviation from normal thermostat control.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the compressor cycles on and off to save energy, then energy efficiency is improved, but cooling speed deteriorates when rapid cooling is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action in two ways: (1) Normal thermostat control uses periodic on/off cycling for energy efficiency. (2) Quick chill mode uses continuous periodic operation for a predetermined period to achieve rapid cooling, temporarily sacrificing energy efficiency for speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts compressor operation based on the selected mode. In quick chill mode, the compressor operates continuously without cycling, providing maximum cooling speed. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize for either energy efficiency or cooling speed depending on user needs.
3Speed
If the compressor runs continuously for rapid cooling, then cooling speed is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
In quick chill mode, the system applies excessive action by running the compressor continuously beyond what normal thermostat control would require. This partial or excessive operation achieves rapid cooling but increases energy consumption temporarily. The predetermined time limit prevents excessive energy waste while achieving the cooling goal.
4Ease of operation
If the compressor is turned off temporarily to silence the device, then user convenience is improved, but temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The snooze mode is designed as a preliminary temporary action for specific situations (e.g., nighttime silence). The system预先 establishes that temperature control will be suspended for a predetermined period, allowing users to anticipate and plan for this temporary precision loss in exchange for convenience.
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
Enables users to silence the refrigerator temporarily or rapidly cool contents without constant on/off cycles, enhancing user control and convenience in maintaining desired temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
A temperature detector 18 such as a thermistor is located in the interior of the refrigeration device and provides a signal that is representative of the interior temperature to the power controller 16
Implementation Method 2
The liquid is then circulated to the coils 14, where it is allowed to expand to a gaseous state, thus removing heat from the coils and the surrounding atmosphere
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration device may provide a snooze feature, in which the compressor of the refrigeration device is turned off for a predetermined period of time in response to a user command. The refrigeration device may also provide a quick chill feature, in which the compressor of the refrigeration device is turned on for a predetermined period of time in response to a user command. User commands for controlling the operation of the refrigeration device may be provide through a control panel, a remote control or a network interface.