Under counter type refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Under counter type refrigerators face limitations in storage compartment capacity due to the constraints of the machine room size, particularly when multiple evaporators are required for independent temperature control and freezing compartments, leading to reduced storage space.
Innovation Solution
A compact machine room design is implemented with a guide wall dividing the space into left and right sections for the compressor and condenser, allowing for different heights and improved air flow, along with an inclined condensation fan to enhance suction capacity, and the use of two evaporators for independent temperature control, while defrosting water is evaporated within the machine room.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple evaporators are installed to realize independent storage temperatures and freezing compartment, then temperature control capability is improved, but storage compartment capacity is reduced due to limited machine room space
Solution Approach 1:
The machine room height is utilized as an additional dimension to accommodate the evaporators and other components. By optimizing the vertical space utilization within the machine room, the patent enables installation of multiple evaporators for independent temperature control while preserving horizontal storage compartment capacity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the refrigerator height is decreased to fit under counter, then installation flexibility is improved, but storage compartment capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for the reduced overall height by optimizing the vertical arrangement of components within the constrained machine room space. Through careful dimensional planning and compact component layout, sufficient storage compartment capacity is maintained despite the under-counter height limitation.
3Volume of stationary object
If machine room size is reduced to increase storage compartment capacity, then storage space is improved, but heat dissipation capability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The machine room is divided into distinct functional zones: a component installation region for housing the compressor and condenser, and a heat dissipation region with dedicated air flow passages. This segmentation enables efficient heat dissipation within a compact machine room volume, thereby increasing storage compartment capacity without compromising thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
A guide wall is introduced as an intermediary structure to organize air flow patterns within the machine room. The guide wall directs air flow to ensure proper cooling of components while maintaining compact dimensions, enabling effective heat dissipation in a reduced machine room space.
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 increases storage compartment capacity without significantly reducing height, improves heat dissipation, and enhances user convenience with smart lighting, touch-open doors, and convertible temperature control.
Implementation Method 1
a heat dissipation passage of a machine room, through which air is suctioned from the front into and discharged from the machine room, is provided
Implementation Method 2
two or more evaporators configured to realize independent temperatures in a plurality of storage compartments
Implementation Method 3
a compressor and a condenser are respectively installed in the divided left and right spaces
Implementation Method 4
a compressor and a condenser are respectively installed in the divided left and right spaces to improve space efficiency of components
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An under counter type refrigerator may include one or more evaporators (131, 141) to control a temperature in one or more storage compartments, where a machine room (200, 200a) is lowered in height to increase a storage capacity of the storage compartment. A guide wall (230) separates an installation space into a first space (235) in which the condenser (240) is installed, and a second space (236) in which the condenser (240) is installed. A condensation fan (245, 245a) is installed at the guide wall (230).