Refrigerator air control baffle assembly with deicing mechanism
US6769263B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 30, 2003 |
| Grant date | Aug 3, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 30, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25D2400/06
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A baffle assembly for an air control device that eliminates the accumulation of ice by utilizing the heat generated by solenoid coils during normal operation. The invention employs one or two solenoid coils attached to a fixed plate, or mounted in a frame that is attached to a fixed plate. An armature, located inside the solenoid coils, is connected to a movable plate, which rests on top of the fixed plate. Energizing a solenoid coil moves the armature, which moves the movable plate relative to the fixed plate. Apertures in the plates are provided to control air flow through the plates. The armature and one or both of the plates are constructed of thermoconductive material, resulting in the conduction of heat generated by the solenoid coils to the plates in order to melt any accumulated ice.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.