Refrigerator with a thermoelectrically powered rapid freeze compartment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators face challenges in maintaining a cryogenic temperature in the deep-freezing portion without compromising storage space or durability, as traditional methods require additional flow paths that complicate the structure and reduce storage efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design that incorporates a stepped flow path on the inner surface of the housing, with a basket coupled to the deep-freezing portion door, creating a gap for cold air circulation without the need for additional flow paths, ensuring efficient air movement and preventing cold air leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If an additional flow path is defined inside the deep-freezing portion to circulate cold air, then cold air circulation is improved, but storage space is reduced and structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the flow path definition from the interior space of the deep-freezing portion and relocates it to the inner surface of the housing. By forming the flow path as a stepped structure on the housing surface rather than inside the storage compartment, cold air circulation is maintained while preserving the internal storage volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path is transformed from a three-dimensional internal channel occupying storage space into a two-dimensional stepped pattern on the housing inner surface. This dimensional reduction allows the flow path to function without encroaching on the storage volume inside the deep-freezing portion.
2Temperature
If an additional flow path is defined inside the deep-freezing portion to circulate cold air, then cold air circulation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path structure is merged with the housing itself by forming steps directly on the inner surface of the housing. This integration eliminates the need for separate flow path components or additional structural elements, reducing device complexity while maintaining cold air circulation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing inner surface serves dual functions: it provides the structural boundary of the deep-freezing portion and simultaneously defines the flow path for cold air circulation through its stepped configuration. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
3Volume of stationary object
If the basket is positioned close to the housing to maximize storage space, then storage capacity is improved, but cold air leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The stepped flow path structure acts as an intermediary between the basket and the housing inner surface. It creates a controlled gap that allows cold air to circulate and prevents direct contact between the basket and housing, thereby preventing cold air leakage while maximizing storage space utilization.
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
This design enhances the deep-freezing portion's inner space utilization, maintains cryogenic temperatures, and simplifies manufacturing and maintenance by eliminating complex structures, while preventing cold air leakage and improving durability.
Implementation Method 1
there has been an attempt to lower the temperature of the deep-freezing portion to a cryogenic temperature using a thermoelectric module (TEM)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a refrigerator having a separate deep-freezing space which is partitioned inside a storage space of the refrigerator. Provided is a refrigerator having a flow path which allows cold air to circulate inside a deep-freezing chamber. According to an embodiment disclosed in the present document, a flow path portion is formed on one part of the inner surface of the housing which forms the inner space of the deep-freezing chamber. The flow path portion is formed in a stepped shape on the inner surface of the housing.