Refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators lack the ability to independently control the temperature of specific compartments within the storage room, limiting the flexibility in maintaining optimal temperatures for various food types without compromising energy efficiency or utilizing space effectively.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a temperature-controlled room with separate cooling and heating systems, utilizing fans and heat exchangers to maintain independent temperatures within the compartment, eliminating the need for thermoelectric devices and positioning cooling/heating components outside the compartment for improved space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a temperature controlled room with independent temperature control is added inside the storage room, then the temperature control flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage room is segmented into a main storage room and a separate temperature controlled room. The temperature controlled room is further divided into a cooling zone (with cool air supplier and first fan) and a heating zone (with heating portion), allowing independent temperature control for different food storage needs without complicating the overall refrigerator system
Solution Approach 2:
A cool air supplier with a second fan acts as an intermediary device to supply cool air specifically to the temperature controlled room. This intermediary component enables precise temperature control in the temperature controlled room without requiring complex thermoelectric devices, by simply directing cooled air from the main cooling system
2Manufacturing precision
If cooling and heating components are positioned inside the temperature controlled room, then the temperature control precision is improved, but the space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heating portion is extracted from inside the temperature controlled room and positioned in the storage room below the temperature controlled room. The cool air supplier and first fan are positioned in the storage room to supply cool air to the temperature controlled room. This extraction of heating and cooling components from the temperature controlled room interior maintains temperature control precision while maximizing the usable space within the temperature controlled room
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate cooling systems are provided for the storage room and temperature controlled room, then the temperature control independence is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system for the temperature controlled room is merged with the main cooling system of the refrigerator. The cool air supplier receives cooled air from the main cooling system and redistributes it to the temperature controlled room using the second fan. This merged approach allows independent temperature control in the temperature controlled room without requiring a separate compressor or cooling cycle, thereby maintaining energy efficiency
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 provides a wide controllable temperature range, enhances energy efficiency, and optimizes space usage by allowing separate temperature settings for different food types, ensuring optimal storage conditions without the need for internal cooling/heating components.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger positioned inside the storage room and configured to generate cool air
Implementation Method 2
a heating portion configured to heat air to supply hot air to inside of the temperature controlled room
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a refrigerator including a temperature controlled room with improved utilization of space because no component for cooling or heating is positioned inside a temperature controlled room. The refrigerator includes a cabinet; a storage room provided inside the cabinet; a temperature controlled room positioned inside the storage room and being at inside temperature which is independent from inside temperature of the storage room; a cool air flow path guiding cool air generated inside the cabinet to inside of the storage room; a first fan positioned on the cool air flow path to supply the cool air to the storage room; a cool air supplier forming at least one portion of the cool air flow path and including a second fan to supply the cool air to the temperature controlled room; and a heating portion configured to heat air to supply hot air to inside of the temperature controlled room.