Under-Counter Refrigerator Machine Room Layout for More Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Under counter type refrigerators face limitations in storage capacity due to the compact size required for installation, particularly when multiple compartments with independent temperatures are needed, as the machine room's height must be reduced, constraining the space for refrigeration components and evaporators.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a compact machine room with divided left and right sides for the compressor and condenser, a variable height layout to accommodate both components efficiently, and a suction passage system with an inclined condensation fan to enhance air flow, allowing for independent temperatures in multiple compartments and increased storage capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the refrigerator height is reduced for under counter installation, then the refrigerator can be installed under tables or sinks, but the machine room height is limited which reduces storage compartment capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional vertical stacking arrangement to a horizontal side-by-side arrangement of the compressor and condenser within the machine room. This dimensional reorganization allows both components to be accommodated in a lower profile configuration, maintaining adequate storage compartment capacity above while fitting under standard table or sink heights.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine room is divided into distinct left and right sides with a guide wall separating the compressor space from the condenser space. This segmentation allows for optimized spatial arrangement of components, enabling the compressor to be positioned on one side and the condenser on the other, both within the constrained vertical envelope required for under-counter installation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple evaporators are installed for independent storage temperatures in multiple compartments, then independent temperature control is achieved, but the machine room and evaporator installation space limit storage compartment capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the evaporators horizontally along the rear wall of the storage compartment rather than vertically stacking them. This horizontal arrangement in the depth dimension allows multiple evaporators to be installed for different storage compartments without excessively increasing the machine room height, preserving storage capacity in the vertical dimension.
3Volume of stationary object
If the machine room is compacted to increase storage capacity, then storage compartment capacity increases, but heat dissipation efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The machine room is segmented into separate zones for the compressor and condenser with a guide wall between them. This segmentation creates dedicated heat dissipation pathways for each component, allowing efficient thermal management within the compact machine room volume. The condenser has its own air intake and discharge passages that are optimized for heat rejection without interference from the compressor.
Solution Approach 2:
A guide wall acts as an intermediary structure between the compressor and condenser, organizing the heat dissipation flow paths. This intermediary element facilitates efficient air flow management, directing ambient air to the condenser for heat dissipation while maintaining the compact machine room configuration that maximizes storage capacity.
4Device complexity
If components are arranged to maximize space efficiency in the machine room, then component space efficiency improves, but air flow passages for heat dissipation become constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the depth dimension of the machine room to route air flow passages, rather than only relying on vertical or horizontal paths. Air intake passages are positioned at the front and discharge at the rear, creating efficient flow paths that maximize heat dissipation while minimizing the footprint and maintaining compact component arrangement.
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 increases storage compartment capacity while maintaining user convenience through improved air flow and efficient component placement, enabling independent temperature control in multiple compartments.
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
Data Source
AI summary
A under counter refrigerator includes a main body defining at least one of a first and second storage compartments, an evaporator to generate cool air to be supplied to the at least one of the first and second storage compartments, and a machine room provided at a lower portion of the main body to define an installation space in which a compressor and a condenser are provided. The machine room includes a suction portion provided in front of the main body to suction outside air into the machine room, a discharge portion provided in front of the main body to discharge the suctioned air in the machine room, a guide wall to separate the installation space into a first space in which the condenser is installed, and a second space in which the compressor is installed. A condensation fan is installed at the guide wall, the condenser is provided in a front portion of the first space, a defrosting water tray is provided at a rear of the condenser, and the condensation fan is disposed on one side of the defrost water tray.