Hydrophilic structure for condensation management on the movable mullion of a refrigerator
US8926032B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 31, 2012 |
| Grant date | Jan 6, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 10, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25D21/14
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A refrigerator appliance that includes a freezer compartment, a refrigeration compartment having two doors, and a mullion having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The mullion is movably coupled to, and configured to swing behind, at least one of the doors when the two doors are moved to a closed position. The exterior surface of the mullion directs condensation toward a transfer point. The exterior surface may be configured with a hydrophilic surface to direct and control the condensation. The condensation may also be directed into a receptacle or a wicking structure arranged to facilitate evaporation of the unwanted condensate.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.