refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators face challenges in easily mounting cooling devices externally after thermal-insulating material formation and in preventing deformation of thermoelectric element frames during engagement, as well as in isolating the storage chamber from the cooling passage.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design featuring an inner casing with a passage forming portion, an outer casing, a middle plate with a foam space for thermal-insulating material, an installation bracket for the thermoelectric module, and a fan assembly within the storage chamber, where the middle plate covers the inner casing's top and rear surfaces, and the thermoelectric module is mounted outside the foam space to prevent deformation and chamber passage communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the thermal-insulating material is formed inside the cabinet before assembling the cooling device, then the insulation performance is improved, but the ease of mounting the cooling device deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cabinet is divided into multiple assembly stages: first the inner cabinet and middle plate are assembled to define the foam space, then the thermal-insulating material is formed, and finally the cooling device is mounted on the installation bracket that protrudes into the foam space. This segmentation allows insulation to be formed before cooling device installation without compromising mounting accessibility.
2Volume of moving object
If the thermoelectric module is mounted inside the foam space, then the space utilization is improved, but the frame deformation during engagement occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The installation bracket acts as an intermediary component that extends from the outer cabinet into the foam space. The thermoelectric module is mounted on this bracket rather than directly inside the foam space, allowing the module to be positioned in the optimal location while the bracket absorbs engagement forces and prevents frame deformation.
3Productivity
If the cooling passage is connected to the storage chamber, then the cooling efficiency is improved, but the communication between storage chamber and cooling passage causes unwanted heat transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling passage is extracted from direct connection to the storage chamber. Instead of having the cooling passage open to the storage chamber, the cooling device cools air that is then circulated into the storage chamber through controlled pathways, preventing unwanted direct heat transfer while maintaining cooling 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
Enables easy external mounting of cooling devices, prevents deformation of thermoelectric element frames, and maintains isolation between the storage chamber and cooling passage, enhancing the refrigerator's efficiency and aesthetic integration with surrounding furniture.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling device (50) mounted on the installation bracket (60) and outside the foam space (117), the cooling device (50) including a thermoelectric element (520)
Implementation Method 2
a foam space (117) defined between the middle plate (150) and the inner casing (110) to accommodate a thermal-insulating material
Implementation Method 3
a fan assembly (700) installed on the inner casing (110) in the storage chamber (111) and having a cooling fan (750)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A refrigerator includes: an inner casing having a storage chamber defined therein; a passage forming portion provided on the inner casing to define a cooling passage; a middle plate disposed outside the inner casing, wherein a foam space is defined between the middle plate and the inner casing to accommodate a thermal-insulating material; an installation bracket fixed to the middle plate and contacting an end of the passage forming portion; a thermoelectric module mounted on the installation bracket and outside the foam space, wherein thermoelectric module has a thermoelectric element; and a fan assembly installed on the inner casing in the storage chamber and having a cooling fan.