refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators with thermoelectric cooling devices face challenges in maintaining high cooling efficiency while preventing overheating and damage due to thermoelectric element overheating.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a blocking portion in the heat dissipation sink to block current supply to the thermoelectric element when temperatures exceed a predetermined threshold, coupled with temperature sensors to detect and manage overheating, and a heat exchanger to enhance cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the thermoelectric element operates continuously to maintain cooling, then cooling efficiency is improved, but overheating and damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking portion is pre-configured in the heat dissipation sink to automatically block current when temperature reaches a critical threshold, preventing overheating before damage occurs. This preliminary protective action allows continuous operation while ensuring safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking portion creates a temperature-based feedback mechanism where the heat dissipation sink's temperature directly controls current flow to the thermoelectric element. When temperature exceeds the threshold, current is automatically blocked, providing real-time thermal management.
2Reliability
If the blocking portion blocks current to prevent overheating, then device safety is improved, but cooling function is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking portion enables periodic operation by automatically blocking and unblocking current based on temperature cycles. When temperature rises above the threshold, current is blocked; when it cools down, current resumes, creating a periodic on-off pattern that prevents overheating while maintaining average cooling performance.
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
Prevents overheating and damage to the thermoelectric cooling device, maintaining high cooling efficiency and extending the device's lifespan by effectively managing temperature thresholds.
Implementation Method 1
A thermoelectric cooling device that performs heating and cooling functions through the Peltier effect may be used as the cold air supply device for the refrigerator. The thermoelectric element includes a heating portion formed on one side and a heat absorbing portion formed on the other side, and when a current is applied to the thermoelectric element, heat generation may occur in the heating portion and heat absorption may occur in the heat absorbing portion.
Implementation Method 2
a heat dissipation sink configured to absorb heat from the heating portion and emit the absorbed heat
Implementation Method 3
a blocking portion disposed in the heat dissipation sink to block a current from being supplied to the thermoelectric element based on a temperature of the heat dissipation sink exceeding a predetermined temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator may include a main body; a storage compartment inside the main body; a thermoelectric module (TM) configured to cool the compartment and including: a thermoelectric element (TE) including a heating portion (HP) and a heat absorbing portion (HAP), a heat dissipation sink (HDS); and a blocking portion configured to block a current from being supplied to the thermoelectric element based on a temperature of the heat dissipation sink exceeding a predetermined temperature.