Refrigerator Thermoelectric Module Mounting for Post-Foam Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators face challenges in easily mounting cooling devices after thermal-insulating materials are formed, and there is a risk of deformation of the frame accommodating thermoelectric elements during engagement, which can lead to communication between the storage chamber and cooling passages.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design that includes an inner casing with a passage forming portion, a middle plate with a foam space for thermal-insulating material, an installation bracket for the thermoelectric module, and a fan assembly, allowing for external mounting of the cooling device without interfering with the thermal-insulating material and preventing deformation of the frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the thermal-insulating material is formed inside the cabinet before assembling the cooling device, then the insulation structure is complete and aesthetically integrated, but the cooling device cannot be easily mounted from the outside
Solution Approach 1:
The cabinet structure is segmented into distinct components: the inner cabinet with pre-formed thermal insulation, the outer cabinet, and a separate cooling device assembly with mounting bracket. This segmentation allows the cooling device to be independently assembled and mounted from the outside without disrupting the pre-formed thermal insulation structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal-insulating material is pre-formed inside the inner cabinet before the cooling device is assembled. The mounting bracket is also pre-installed on the inner cabinet, creating preparation that enables subsequent easy attachment of the cooling device from the outside without requiring disassembly or disruption of the insulation.
2Reliability
If the frame accommodating the thermoelectric element is engaged with the mounting bracket, then the cooling device is securely fixed, but the frame may deform during engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket incorporates localized reinforcement structures and optimized engagement features at specific contact points with the frame. This local quality enhancement provides targeted support during engagement, distributing forces to prevent frame deformation while maintaining secure fixation of the cooling device.
3Device complexity
If the passage forming portion is integrated into the inner casing, then the cooling passage structure is simplified, but the storage chamber may communicate with the cooling passage
Solution Approach 1:
The passage forming portion acts as an intermediary structure that creates the cooling passage while maintaining isolation from the storage chamber. It features integrated sealing elements that mediate between the need for a simple passage structure and the requirement to prevent communication between the storage chamber and cooling passage, ensuring both structural simplicity and reliable sealing.
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 easy installation of the cooling device after thermal-insulating material formation, prevents deformation of the frame, and maintains separation between the storage chamber and cooling passages, enhancing the refrigerator's cooling efficiency and aesthetic integration with surrounding furniture.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric module mounted on the installation bracket and outside the foam space, wherein the thermoelectric module has a thermoelectric element
Implementation Method 2
a foam space is defined between the middle plate and the inner casing to accommodate a thermal-insulating material
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes an inner casing that defines a storage chamber and a cooling passage, a middle plate that is disposed outside the inner casing and that defines a foam space between the middle plate and the inner casing to accommodate a thermal-insulating material, an installation bracket that is fixed to the middle plate and that contacts the inner casing, a thermoelectric module mounted on the installation bracket and outside the foam space, and a fan assembly that is installed on the inner casing in the storage chamber and that includes a cooling fan.