Refrigerator and method of controlling the same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current refrigerator control methods result in large temperature fluctuations, leading to reduced food freshness and increased power consumption, as well as the risk of overcooling due to repeated compressor operation and excessive cool air supply.

Innovation Solution

A refrigerator system with a temperature sensor and controller that adjusts the cool air supply based on temperature differences to maintain a constant storage compartment temperature, using a compressor, fan, and damper to optimize cooling output and reduce power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the compressor is repeatedly driven and stopped to maintain temperature, then the storage compartment can return to set temperature after deviations, but power consumption increases due to repeated startup

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage compartment temperature stabilityVSAvoidcompressor power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The controller performs preliminary cooling by operating the compressor and fan before the storage compartment temperature reaches the upper limit temperature, thereby preventing temperature deviation and reducing the need for repeated compressor startup

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The fan operates continuously to circulate air between the storage compartment and freezing compartment, maintaining temperature stability without requiring repeated compressor startup, thus reducing power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Speed

If the storage compartment damper is fully opened to supply cool air, then the storage compartment temperature can be reduced quickly, but overcooling occurs due to excessive cool air supply

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature recovery speedVSAvoidstorage compartment temperature control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The damper opening degree is dynamically adjusted based on the temperature difference between the storage compartment and freezing compartment, allowing flexible control of cool air supply to prevent overcooling while maintaining quick temperature recovery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller continuously monitors the storage compartment temperature and adjusts the damper opening degree accordingly, reducing the damper opening when the temperature difference is small to prevent overcooling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If the compressor is operated continuously to maintain constant temperature, then food freshness is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature consistencyVSAvoidcompressor energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The compressor operates periodically rather than continuously, being activated only when the storage compartment temperature approaches the upper limit or when temperature deviation is detected, thereby maintaining temperature consistency while reducing energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling system utilizes the freezing compartment as a cold source, allowing the storage compartment to maintain temperature through passive heat exchange and periodic active cooling, reducing overall system energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 solution maintains a consistent storage compartment temperature, enhancing food freshness, reducing power consumption by minimizing compressor startup costs, and allowing rapid return to set temperature when deviations occur.

Implementation Method 1

a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of the storage compartment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature sensing:

Implementation Method 2

a cool air supply means configured to operate to supply cool air to the storage compartment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS11662135B2Refrigerator and method of controlling the same

Publication Date: 2023.05.30 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator includes a cabinet including a storage compartment, a cool air supply means configured to operate to supply cool air to the storage compartment, a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of the storage compartment, and a controller configured to control an output of the cool air supply means based on a difference between a set temperature and a current temperature sensed by the temperature sensor and increase or decrease in temperature of the storage compartment sensed by the temperature sensor at a predetermined time interval.