Wall covering assembly with ventilated portion and air curtain system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators face issues with air leakage and condensation on gasket surfaces due to direct contact with cooled air, leading to reduced efficiency and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration device incorporating a wall covering assembly with a ventilated rear wall and duct assembly that creates an air curtain, directing cooled air downward to prevent direct contact with the gasket surfaces, thereby maintaining cold air inside and reducing condensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooled air is directly supplied to the refrigerator cabinet, then cooling efficiency is improved, but condensation on gasket surfaces occurs and energy is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The air supply system is segmented into multiple zones: a first air supply opening provides cooled air to the upper portion of the cabinet, while a second air supply opening (concealed by the wall covering assembly) provides cooled air to the lower portion. This segmentation allows different air flow paths to be controlled independently, preventing direct contact of cooled air with the gasket surface while maintaining cooling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall covering assembly acts as an intermediary structure that conceals the second air supply opening and duct assembly. It includes a ventilated portion with patterned appearance that allows cooled air to be supplied to the lower cabinet portion without directly exposing the air supply mechanism, and without allowing cooled air to contact the gasket surface.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If air curtain system is implemented to prevent cooled air contact with gasket, then condensation is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air curtain function is merged with the existing wall covering assembly and air supply system. The second air supply opening is integrated into the wall covering assembly structure, and the duct assembly is concealed within the same housing area. This merging eliminates the need for separate air curtain components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the air curtain effect that prevents cooled air contact with the gasket.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall covering assembly serves multiple functions: it provides aesthetic coverage for the air supply system, conceals the second air supply opening and duct assembly, supplies cooled air to the lower cabinet portion through its ventilated portion, and creates an air curtain effect to prevent condensation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, simplifying the overall system.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If wall covering assembly is spaced apart from liner to form cavity, then air curtain effect is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The duct assembly is nested within the housing area formed by the wall covering assembly and the refrigerator cabinet. The second air supply opening is nested within the wall covering assembly's ventilated portion. This nesting arrangement allows the air curtain system to be integrated into the existing structure without requiring separate manufacturing steps or additional space, simplifying manufacturing while achieving the air leakage prevention effect.
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 air curtain effectively retains cooled air within the refrigerator, reducing energy consumption and minimizing condensation on gasket surfaces, enhancing the overall efficiency and performance of the refrigeration system.
Implementation Method 1
A duct assembly includes an upright portion disposed in the first portion of the cavity and a lateral portion disposed in the second portion of the cavity
Implementation Method 2
The rear wall of the wall covering assembly includes a ventilated portion for providing outwardly directed air to the refrigerator cabinet
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a liner and a wall covering assembly to create a false wall within a refrigerator cabinet. The wall covering assembly includes a top wall spaced-apart from a top wall of the liner, and a rear wall spaced-apart from a rear wall of the liner. The rear wall of the wall covering assembly includes a ventilated portion for providing outwardly directed air to the refrigerator cabinet. A duct assembly is disposed between the wall covering assembly and the liner and is configured to deliver air through the ventilated portion of the wall covering assembly and also deliver air in the form of a downwardly directed air curtain at the front portion of the refrigerator cabinet. The air curtain disrupts the outward flow of air from the ventilated portion of the wall covering assembly at the front portion of the refrigerator cabinet.