Wall covering assembly with ventilation pattern and air curtain system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators face challenges in maintaining efficient air circulation and preventing condensation on door gaskets due to direct contact with cooled air, leading to reduced insulation effectiveness and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A wall covering assembly with a ventilated rear wall and duct assembly that creates an air curtain system, directing cooled air into the refrigerator cabinet while preventing it from contacting the door gaskets, thereby maintaining internal air circulation and reducing condensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooled air is directly introduced into the refrigerator cabinet, then cooling efficiency is improved, but condensation on door gaskets occurs leading to reduced insulation effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The rear wall is divided into multiple sections with different port configurations. First set of ports introduces cooled air into the cabinet interior, while second set of ports creates an air curtain at the door interface. This segmentation allows different regions of the rear wall to perform different functions: cooling the cabinet while protecting the door gaskets from direct cooled air contact that causes condensation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the rear wall are given different ventilation characteristics. The first set of ports is configured for optimal cooling air distribution into the cabinet, while the second set of ports is specifically positioned and sized to create an air curtain barrier at the door location. This local differentiation ensures that cooled air reaches the cabinet interior without directly contacting the door gaskets.
2Shape
If a wall covering assembly is added to conceal the air curtain system, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wall covering assembly is integrated with the rear wall structure itself rather than being a separate decorative overlay. The ventilated portion with port patterns is built into the wall covering assembly, combining aesthetic concealment with functional air distribution. This merging approach maintains structural simplicity while achieving both cosmetic and ventilation objectives.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall covering assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it conceals the air curtain system for aesthetic purposes, provides structural support for the port configurations, and facilitates air distribution through its integrated ventilated portion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 system enhances air retention within the refrigerator, reduces condensation on door gaskets, and improves energy efficiency by maintaining a consistent internal temperature.
Implementation Method 1
A wall covering assembly with a ventilated rear wall and duct assembly that creates an air curtain system, directing cooled air into the refrigerator cabinet while preventing it from contacting the door gaskets
Implementation Method 2
The first set of ports is configured to align with the access apertures of the duct assembly to introduce cooled air into the refrigerator cabinet through the rear wall of the wall covering assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a wall covering assembly having a top wall spaced-apart from a top wall of a liner, and a rear wall spaced-apart from a rear wall of the liner. The wall covering assembly includes a pattern of ports for providing outwardly directed cooled air to the refrigerator cabinet from a duct assembly. The duct assembly is configured to deliver cooled air through the ventilated portion of the wall covering assembly and also deliver cooled air to a front portion of the refrigerator cabinet via a downwardly directed air curtain. The air curtain disrupts the outward flow of air from the ventilated portion of the wall covering assembly before the cooled air reaches a gasket assembly disposed around the refrigerator doors. Angled venting slots disposed on the wall covering assembly direct air towards inner surfaces of the doors without disruption from the air curtain.