refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators using thermoelectric elements for cooling often face challenges in effectively cooling storage compartments, with issues related to assembly ease, coupling strength, and durability of the thermoelectric modules, as well as reliable seating within insulating walls.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design incorporating a thermoelectric module with a cooling sink and heat sink coupled by a coupling member, seated on an insulating wall, and connected via a module frame, with insulation between the sinks to enhance heat exchange and module stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a thermoelectric element is used to cool the storage compartment, then cooling function is achieved, but cooling efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cooling sink as an intermediary component between the thermoelectric element and the storage compartment. The cooling sink has a larger surface area that directly contacts the storage compartment, while the thermoelectric element contacts only part of the cooling sink. This intermediary structure enables more effective heat transfer from the storage compartment to the thermoelectric element, resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the thermoelectric module structure is simplified, then assembly ease is improved, but coupling strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coupling function with the structural support function by designing the coupling member to simultaneously connect the cooling sink and heat sink while providing pressing force. The coupling member integrates multiple functions (connection, pressing, structural support) into a single component, achieving both ease of assembly and sufficient coupling strength without requiring additional separate components.
3Ease of manufacture
If the thermoelectric module is seated on the insulating wall, then installation is achieved, but seating reliability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by designing the coupling member to pre-compress the thermoelectric element between the cooling sink and heat sink before final installation. This pre-compression ensures firm contact and reliable heat transfer pathways are established in advance, improving seating reliability while maintaining installation ease through a straightforward seating process.
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 design improves cooling efficiency, enhances assembly ease, increases coupling strength, and ensures durable seating of the thermoelectric module within the insulating wall, resulting in effective compartment cooling.
Implementation Method 1
The refrigerator may use a thermoelectric element as the cold air supply device, the thermoelectric element generating heating and cooling by means of the Peltier effect. The Peltier effect is a phenomenon in which the flow of heat is induced by the flow of electric current.
Implementation Method 2
a cooling sink in contact with the heat-absorbing surface and configured to exchange heat with the heat-absorbing surface
Implementation Method 3
a heat sink in contact with the heat-generating surface and configured to exchange heat with the heat-generating surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A refrigerator may include a body including an insulating wall having a hole, a compartment in the body, and a thermoelectric module in the hole and configured to cool the compartment the thermoelectric module includes a thermoelectric element including: a heat-absorbing surface on a first side facing and configured to absorb heat from the compartment, a heat-generating surface on a second side, opposite the first side, and configured to receive heat from the heat-absorbing surface and discharge the received heat, a cooling sink in contact with the heat-absorbing surface and configured to exchange heat with the heat-absorbing surface, a heat sink in contact with the heat-generating surface and configured to exchange heat with the heat-generating surface, and a coupling member coupling the cooling sink and heat sink so that the cooling sink is pressed against the heat-absorbing surface and the heat sink is pressed against the heat-generating surface.