Refrigerator Cold Storage Partitioning for Flexible Temperature Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators and freezers lack the ability to set temperature distribution in a flexible manner within the cold storage compartment, limiting user customization and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator and freezer design that divides the cold storage compartment into multiple sections using a variable positioning separating means, such as a partition wall, with adjustable cold air volume flow through flaps or fans, allowing for different temperature settings in each compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cold storage compartment is divided into multiple compartments with variable separating means and adjustable cold air flow, then temperature distribution flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cold storage compartment is divided into multiple independent compartments (first compartment and second compartment) separated by variable separating means. Each compartment can be independently controlled with separate cold air flow adjustment, allowing different temperature settings in each segment. This segmentation enables flexible temperature distribution while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The separating means is designed to be variable in position, allowing dynamic adjustment of compartment boundaries and cold air flow distribution. The system transitions from a static single-compartment design to a dynamic multi-compartment system where users can adjust the separating means position and cold air flow independently for each compartment, achieving adaptable temperature control.
2Measurement precision
If cold air volume flow is adjusted separately for different compartments, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each compartment is equipped with independent cold air flow adjustment capabilities through separate openings and controlling means. The first compartment has its own cold air opening and flow control, while the second compartment has separate control mechanisms. This local quality approach allows precise temperature control in each compartment without requiring complex centralized control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable separating means serves multiple functions: it divides the compartment space, controls cold air flow distribution between compartments, and can be adjusted to create different storage configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving precise temperature control.
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 flexible temperature control in compartments, allowing for operation at different temperatures based on user needs, improving temperature uniformity and efficiency by adjusting cold air flow dynamically.
Implementation Method 1
at least one evaporator for generating cold air in the cold air duct
Implementation Method 2
the cold storage compartment is divided into at least one first compartment and at least one second compartment by means of at least one separating means arranged to be variable in its position
Implementation Method 3
in the first and/or in the second opening there is at least one means for changing the cold air volume flow through the opening
Implementation Method 4
the means for changing the cold air volume flow are designed in the form of one or more flaps or the like and/or in the form of one or more fans
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a refrigerator and/or freezer with at least one refrigerated interior space in which at least one cold storage compartment (120) is located, the device having at least one cold air duct (500) and at least one evaporator for generating cold air in the cold air duct. wherein the cold air duct is connected to the cold storage compartment via at least one opening (O4), so that cold air can flow from the cold air duct into the cold storage compartment, the cold storage compartment being divided into at least a first and at least one a second compartment (122b) is divided, the first compartment (122a) being connected to the cold air duct via at least one first opening and the second compartment being connected to the cold air duct via at least one second opening, and wherein at least one Means (K1, K2) for changing the cold air volume flow through the opening is available.