Vertical Wall Air Channels for Uniform Refrigerator Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigeration appliances with a storage space divided by a horizontal panel face challenges in achieving uniform temperature distribution, leading to significant temperature differences between compartments, which reduces usable volume and requires costly, customized panel designs for different models.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration appliance design featuring a thermally-insulating housing divided by a horizontal panel into upper and lower parts, with a vertical wall containing air channels for efficient air exchange between compartments, allowing for space-saving air channel placement and use of the same model across various housing widths, along with strategically placed air openings and insulating materials to minimize temperature gradients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a cold air channel is guided inside the horizontal panel to equalize temperature, then temperature uniformity is improved, but usable storage volume is reduced and production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the air channel from a horizontal orientation in the panel to a vertical orientation in the partition wall. This dimensional change allows the air channel to extend vertically between the upper and lower parts, delivering cold air to multiple levels simultaneously without occupying horizontal storage space. The vertical wall configuration enables effective temperature equalization while preserving maximum usable volume in the storage space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the air distribution system into separate vertical air channels within the partition wall, with each channel serving specific compartments. This segmentation allows independent air distribution to different storage areas, improving temperature uniformity in each zone without requiring a single large horizontal channel that would consume valuable storage volume.
2Temperature
If customized horizontal panels are produced for different housing widths to achieve effective temperature equalization, then temperature uniformity is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to small batch production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the vertical partition wall with standardized dimensions and air channel configurations that can be used across different housing widths. The vertical wall module serves multiple functions: it divides compartments, provides structural support, and integrates air distribution channels. This universal design allows the same partition wall component to be manufactured in large quantities for various appliance models, significantly reducing production costs through economies of scale while maintaining effective temperature equalization.
3Volume of stationary object
If the horizontal panel is made flat to minimize volume loss, then usable storage volume is improved, but temperature equalization effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by moving the air channel from the horizontal plane to the vertical dimension. The vertical air channels in the partition wall extend through the height of the compartments, delivering cold air to upper and lower parts effectively without requiring a thick horizontal panel. This maintains a flat panel design that preserves storage volume while achieving temperature equalization through vertical air distribution.
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 enhances temperature uniformity within compartments, increases usable storage space, and allows for cost-effective mass production of the vertical wall, enabling efficient operation and temperature control between compartments.
Implementation Method 1
an air channel for exchanging air between an evaporator chamber and at least one first compartment extends in said vertical wall
Implementation Method 2
a storage space surrounded by a thermally-insulating housing
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration appliance, particularly a domestic refrigeration appliance, has a storage space surrounded by a thermally-insulating housing. The storage space is divided by at least one horizontal panel into an upper part and a lower part. One of the parts is divided by at least one vertical wall into two adjacent compartments. An air channel for exchanging air between an evaporator chamber and at least one first compartment extends in the vertical wall.