refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators have complex structures and high costs due to multiple air dampers, with limited control precision and stability issues from motor vibration affecting the adjustment of air supply, which complicates maintaining optimal air flow for food freshness.
Innovation Solution
A branched air supply device with a gear and gear ring mechanism reduces motor vibration, allowing precise control of air flow through adjustable air outlets and inlets, enabling multiple states of air supply with a simple structure, and reducing overall thickness for increased storage space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple air dampers are used to control air supply, then the control precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple air outlets (first, second, and third air outlets) that can be independently controlled. Each air outlet can be selectively opened or closed to achieve different air supply states, replacing the need for complex continuous adjustment dampers with discrete controllable openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment member is designed to be rotatable, dynamically changing the opening state of different air outlets as it rotates. This single dynamic component replaces multiple static damper structures, achieving variable air supply control through rotational movement that exposes or blocks different air outlets sequentially.
2Device complexity
If a single air damper is used to simplify the structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control precision and versatility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The air supply system is segmented into multiple independent air outlets (first, second, third air outlets) instead of a single control point. This segmentation allows the system to achieve multiple air supply states (0-3 outlets open) using a single adjustment member, enhancing versatility while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single adjustment member performs multiple functions: it can block all air outlets, partially block to expose one air outlet, partially block to expose two air outlets, or completely expose all air outlets. This multi-functional component replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized dampers for different air supply modes.
3Speed
If motor is directly connected to adjustment member, then the response speed is improved, but the vibration impact on rotation stability increases
Solution Approach 1:
A transmission mechanism comprising a gear and gear ring is introduced as an intermediary between the motor and adjustment member. This intermediate mechanism transmits motor rotation to the adjustment member while filtering out high-frequency vibrations, ensuring stable rotational positioning without sacrificing response speed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the air supply duct thickness is increased to accommodate complex damping mechanisms, then the control functionality is improved, but the storage space decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple air outlet control functions are merged into a single adjustment member that rotates to control all air outlets simultaneously. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate damper mechanisms that would require additional space, achieving comprehensive air supply control within a compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment member serves as a universal control component for all air outlets, replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized dampers. This multi-functionality reduces the overall space required for air supply control mechanisms, increasing storage space while maintaining full control versatility.
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
The solution provides precise control over air supply, reduces vibration-related issues, and simplifies the structure, resulting in improved air flow management and increased storage capacity while maintaining food freshness effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a gear, mounted on an output shaft of the motor; and a gear ring, comprising an annular convex rib that extends out from the other surface of the turntable portion and is coaxial with the turntable portion and a plurality of gear teeth that extend externally out from an outer circumferential surface of the annular convex rib and are disposed at an interval in a circumferential direction of the annular convex rib, where the gear is engaged with the gear ring, to transfer a rotational movement output by the motor to the adjustment member at a reduced speed
Data Source
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AI summary
A refrigerator comprises: a refrigerator compartment (200) comprising a storage compartment (211) and a ventilation channel (221) limited therein, wherein the ventilation channel (221) is configured to provide a cold air to inside of the storage compartment (211); and a ventilation control device (300), arranged in the ventilation channel (221). The ventilation control device (300) comprises: a housing (40) comprising at least one air inlet (421) and a plurality of air outlets; and an adjustment member (50) configured to adjust respective areas of the plurality of air outlets, through which air is output, by being controlled to completely block, partially block, or completely open each of the air outlets, so as to adjust an air volume of the air output to the storage compartment (211) via the ventilation channel (221).