Ventilation door device for refrigerator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator ventilation door devices are unstable, prone to gear stalling and noise, and suffer from tooth-breaking issues, leading to inaccurate temperature control and reduced freshness of stored food.
Innovation Solution
A ventilation door device with a blocking plate assembly driven by a stepper motor and a teeth missing gear mechanism, featuring a sector gear and micro switch for precise control, ensuring smooth operation and sealing, and a heater for frost prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a multi-stage gear transmission mechanism is used to close the ventilation door, then the door closing accuracy is improved, but the stalling time is too long causing gear tooth-breaking and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the multi-stage gear transmission mechanism from the system. Instead of using multiple gears with complex stalling processes, the invention directly drives the blocking plate to close, removing the source of tooth-breaking and excessive stalling time while maintaining closing accuracy through direct actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical gear transmission system with a direct driving mechanism. The blocking plate is driven directly to rotate and close the opening portion without intermediate gear stages, eliminating the mechanical complexity that causes tooth-breaking and prolonged stalling.
2Manufacturing precision
If a multi-stage gear transmission mechanism is used to close the ventilation door, then the door closing accuracy is improved, but noise is generated during the stalling process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the multi-stage gear transmission mechanism that generates noise during stalling. By using direct driving, the source of mechanical noise is removed while closing accuracy is maintained through precise control of the blocking plate's rotation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the ventilation door is left open for temperature adjustment, then dynamic temperature control is achieved, but frost accumulation occurs causing the door to freeze
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by heating the blocking plate before it closes to the open position. The heating element pre-warms the blocking plate to prevent frost accumulation during the subsequent open position operation, allowing dynamic temperature adjustment without freezing issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by using the heating element to counteract frost accumulation before it becomes a problem. The blocking plate is heated in advance to prevent ice formation, eliminating the harmful effect of frost while maintaining adaptability for temperature control.
4Strength
If the blocking plate is made robust to prevent tooth-breaking, then gear strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex multi-stage gear transmission mechanism entirely. By using direct driving of the blocking plate, the need for robust gears is removed, and device complexity is significantly reduced while maintaining or improving overall system reliability.
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
Ensures continuous and dynamic temperature adjustment, reduces noise and gear stalling, and prevents freezing, thereby maintaining optimal storage conditions for food freshness.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic component disposed on the blocking plate, when the blocking plate assembly is in the closed position, the elastic component abuts the frame and elastically deforms to seal the opening portion
Implementation Method 2
a heater installed to the end plate and at least partially surrounding the opening portion
Implementation Method 3
activating a heater to melt frost
Data Source
AI summary
A ventilation door device for a refrigerator comprises: a frame, having an end plate provided with an opening portion, and having a blocking plate assembly rotatably mounted on the end plate, wherein the blocking plate assembly can rotate between a closed position in which the opening portion is completely closed and an open position in which the opening portion is completely open; a housing, engaging with the frame, wherein a driving chamber is formed between the housing and the frame; and a driving module, wherein the driving module is at least partially held in the driving chamber, and drives the blocking plate assembly to rotate. The frame has a housing engagement portion located on a side edge of the end plate and extending substantially perpendicular to the end plate. The housing is connected to the housing engagement portion of the frame. The blocking plate assembly comprises a blocking plate mounted on the end plate and an elastic component provided on the blocking plate. When the blocking plate assembly is in the closed position, the elastic component abuts the frame and deforms elastically to seal the opening portion. The end plate of the frame has a sealing portion arranged around the opening portion and protruding from the end plate. When the blocking plate assembly is in the closed position, the elastic component abuts the sealing portion of the frame.