Special Refrigerator Compartment Airflow Layout for Humidity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators with humidity and temperature-controlled compartments face issues with air flow from axially and radially movable valves causing cold air to enter cavities between compartment walls, leading to increased humidity control challenges and food drying.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an air directing rib on the evaporator lid and a protrusion to direct cold air efficiently into a channel surrounding the special compartment, minimizing air losses and using a damping element to prevent noise and wear, while a pivoted connection and actuation means allow controlled air entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If axially and radially movable valves control the flow of air directed to the compartment walls for changing the temperature of the compartment, then the temperature control is improved, but the humidity levels deteriorate causing drying of the foods
Solution Approach 1:
An air directing rib is introduced as an intermediary element between the evaporator and the special compartment. This rib redirects the cold air flow through a channel that surrounds the special compartment, preventing direct air loss while maintaining temperature control effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The air flow path is segmented into different zones: a primary channel that surrounds the special compartment and a secondary path that avoids direct exposure. This segmentation allows temperature regulation without the harmful direct air contact that causes drying.
2Temperature
If cold air enters into the compartment due to movable valves, then the refrigeration effect is achieved, but air losses occur reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The air directing rib acts as a mediator that guides cold air through a controlled channel surrounding the special compartment. This intermediary structure prevents uncontrolled air loss while maintaining the necessary refrigeration effect in the compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of directing air directly into the compartment volume, the air flow is redirected into a surrounding channel dimension. This dimensional change allows heat exchange without direct air infiltration, reducing energy loss.
3Ease of operation
If the valve is moved to control air flow through slits, then the air flow control is improved, but noise and wear are generated due to friction
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the valve directly contact and friction against the slit opening mechanism, the design inverts the approach by using the valve to control a flexible damping element. This reverses the friction problem, eliminating direct mechanical wear and noise between rigid components.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible damping element is introduced as a thin film component that replaces rigid sliding contacts. This flexible element reduces friction and prevents noise generation while maintaining effective air flow control through the slits.
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 configuration enhances refrigeration efficiency by reducing cold air losses and maintaining optimal humidity levels, preventing food drying and improving overall performance.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporator that is disposed on the wall and that provides the refrigeration of the body
Implementation Method 2
a wall that insulates the body from the outside environment; a special compartment that is disposed inside the body and that is thermally insulated from the body
Implementation Method 3
an air directing rib that is disposed on the frame or the evaporator lid and that easily directs the air received from the evaporator to the channel surrounding the special compartment
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a refrigerator (1) comprising a body (2) wherein the foodstuffs and beverages to be cooled are placed; a fresh food compartment (15) and a special compartment (3), both disposed inside the body (2); a wall (4) that insulates the interior of the body (2) from the outside environment; an evaporator (5) that is disposed on the wall (4) inside the body (2) and that provides the refrigeration of the body (2); an evaporator lid (6) that is disposed in front of the evaporator (5); more than one opening (7) that is arranged on the evaporator lid (6) and that faces the special compartment (3); a valve (8) mounted on the evaporator lid (6) so as to cover the front of the opening (7); a frame (9) that is disposed over the valve (8) so that the valve (8) remains between the frame (9) and the evaporator lid (6), and at least one slit (10) that is arranged on the valve (8) and that opens/closes the openings (7) by sliding when the valve (8) is moved on the frame (9) and the evaporator lid (6).