Refrigeration and/or freezer device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-zone refrigerators and freezers require numerous additional components, leading to increased costs and reduced interior space due to their complexity and size, particularly in small wine cabinets, resulting in a significant loss of usable volume.
Innovation Solution
A simplified design featuring a single air duct with a fan, evaporator, and air flap, allowing for independent temperature control of zones by regulating air flow and heating, utilizing a single-circuit refrigeration system with a compact evaporator and optional heater, to maintain temperature zones without substantial loss of volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-circuit refrigeration system or multiple evaporators are used to achieve independent temperature control in multiple zones, then temperature control capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple refrigeration circuits into a single circuit with one evaporator that serves multiple temperature zones. The air duct system distributes cooled air to different zones with independent control, eliminating the need for separate evaporators and refrigeration circuits for each zone, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining independent temperature control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single evaporator and refrigeration circuit are designed to serve multiple functions by cooling air that is then distributed to different temperature zones through the air duct system. This universal component performs the cooling function for all zones, replacing the need for zone-specific evaporators and circuits.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple evaporators and complex air distribution systems are installed to achieve multi-zone temperature control, then temperature control capability is improved, but available interior space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple evaporators into a single evaporator and integrating the air distribution system, the patent reduces the total volume occupied by cooling components. This allows more usable interior space while maintaining multi-zone temperature control through the streamlined air duct system with independent flaps.
3Device complexity
If a single evaporator and air duct system are used for multi-zone cooling, then device complexity and space usage are improved, but temperature control precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The air duct system is segmented into multiple independent branches with individual control flaps for each temperature zone. This allows precise control of air distribution to each zone independently, maintaining temperature control accuracy despite using a single evaporator. Each zone can be controlled separately through its own flap mechanism.
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 solution enables a resource- and space-saving implementation of multi-zone refrigerators and wine cabinets with independent temperature control, ensuring efficient air circulation and homogeneous temperature distribution while minimizing the loss of usable volume compared to prior art devices.
Implementation Method 1
a fan (1) designed and arranged to transport air from the first temperature zone into the air duct (4)
Implementation Method 2
exactly one evaporator (2) arranged in or on the air duct (4), designed to cool the air in the air duct
Implementation Method 3
exactly one evaporator (2) arranged in or on the air duct (4), designed to cool the air in the air duct
Implementation Method 4
an air damper (6) arranged on the air duct (4), designed and arranged to open or close an air inlet from the air duct (4) into the lower zone (5)
Implementation Method 5
a heater (8) arranged in the second temperature zone (5), designed and arranged to heat the second temperature zone (5)
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a refrigerator and/or freezer with a cooled interior and an air duct, wherein the cooled interior has at least a first and a second temperature zone, wherein the air duct is designed and arranged such that, depending on the operating state of the refrigerator and/or freezer, no air can flow out of the air duct into exactly one, preferably the second, temperature zone, or into at least one temperature zone.