Shared evaporator system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerators with multiple cooling zones face challenges in independently controlling temperature across different ranges, leading to inefficiencies in maintaining optimal conditions for both fresh and frozen foods.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design incorporating multiple compartments with separate temperature control systems, including evaporators, fans, and ducts, where a controller manages refrigerant flow and fan operation based on temperature settings in each compartment to maintain precise temperature ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single evaporator is used for multiple compartments, then device complexity is reduced, but temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single evaporator is segmented into multiple independent coil sections (first evaporator coil, second evaporator coil, third evaporator coil) that can be independently controlled. Each coil section serves a specific compartment, allowing precise temperature control for each zone while maintaining a unified evaporator structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate temperature control systems are implemented for each compartment, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control functions are merged into a single controller that manages refrigerant flow to different evaporator coils and controls multiple fans. This unified control approach enables precise temperature control for each compartment while avoiding the complexity of completely separate control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts refrigerant flow distribution to different evaporator coils based on the cooling demands of each compartment. The controller can vary the operation of each fan and refrigerant valve independently, providing adaptive temperature control that responds to changing conditions in each zone.
3Productivity
If independent fan control is implemented for each compartment, then air circulation efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fan control functions are merged into a single controller that manages first fan, second fan, and third fan based on temperature sensor feedback from each compartment. This enables independent optimization of air circulation in each zone while using a unified control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature sensors in each compartment provide feedback to the controller, which adjusts fan operation accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures optimal air circulation efficiency in each compartment by dynamically adjusting fan speed based on actual temperature conditions.
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
This design allows for independent control of temperature in each compartment, ensuring optimal storage conditions for fresh and frozen foods while optimizing energy use and air circulation.
Implementation Method 1
a first evaporator coil mounted in the first enclosed space... a second evaporator coil mounted in the second enclosed space
Implementation Method 2
The first fan is configured to receive air from the first duct and to move the received air into the first enclosed space when on
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes an evaporator, a first fan, a first duct, a first return duct, a second fan, a second duct, and a second return duct. A first temperature sensor measures a first temperature in a first enclosed space. A second temperature sensor measures a second temperature in a second enclosed space. The first duct is mounted between the evaporator and the first enclosed space to receive air from the first duct and move it into the first enclosed space. The first return duct is mounted between the first enclosed space and the evaporator. The second duct is mounted between the evaporator and the second enclosed space to receive air from the second duct and move it into the second enclosed space. The second return duct is mounted between the second enclosed space and the evaporator. A refrigerator controller controls the evaporator and independent operation of both fans.