Removable Top Cooling Module for Refrigerator Ice Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerator designs lack a modular and efficient cooling system that allows for easy installation, maintenance, and integration of an ice maker with effective ice and air distribution to various compartments.
Innovation Solution
A removable cooling module with a housing and cooling unit positioned on the refrigerator's top wall, featuring an ice maker, ice bin, and airflow interface, which conveys ice and cool air to both refrigerating and freezing compartments through ducts and apertures, ensuring efficient temperature control and ice dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional integrated cooling system is used, then the refrigerator structure is simple, but the ease of installation and maintenance of the ice maker is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into a removable cooling module that can be separated from the main refrigerator body. This module contains the ice maker, evaporator, and associated components, allowing it to be easily removed for maintenance or replacement without disassembling the entire refrigerator. The module interfaces with the refrigerator through standardized connections for electrical power, refrigerant lines, and air ducts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate ice maker is added to the refrigerator, then the ice dispensing capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ice maker is merged with the cooling system's evaporator unit into a single integrated module. The evaporator serves dual purposes: cooling the refrigerator compartments and freezing water to produce ice. This consolidation adds ice dispensing capability while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity by sharing common components such as the refrigerant circulation system and control electronics.
3Ease of repair
If a modular cooling module is implemented, then the ease of maintenance is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into a modular unit that can be manufactured as a complete assembly and then installed as a single component in the refrigerator. This segmentation simplifies maintenance by allowing the entire module to be replaced rather than repaired, but it does increase manufacturing complexity as the module must be pre-assembled and tested before final integration.
4Productivity
If ice storage and conveyance mechanisms are added, then the ice dispensing efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ice conveyance system utilizes gravity as the primary driving force, with ice automatically sliding from the evaporator through a chute into a storage bin and then to the dispensing location. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex mechanical conveyance mechanisms such as motors, belts, or pumps, thereby improving ice dispensing efficiency while keeping the system simple.
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 a modular, efficient cooling system that enhances ice storage and dispensing capabilities while maintaining temperature control across compartments, offering easy installation and maintenance options.
Implementation Method 1
a first cool air aperture that conveys cool air to a freezing compartment of the refrigerator and a separate second cool air aperture that conveys cool air to a refrigerating compartment
Implementation Method 2
An ice maker is coupled to the cooling unit. An ice bin is disposed in the housing and is adapted to receive and store ice from the ice maker
Data Source
AI summary
A removable cooling module for a refrigerator includes a cooling unit positioned in a housing and removably coupled with a top wall of the refrigerator. An ice maker is coupled to the cooling unit. An ice bin is disposed in the housing and is adapted to receive and store ice from the ice maker. A duct is in communication with the cooling unit and is adapted to convey ice from the removable cooling module to an ice dispenser.