Whirlpool Corporation
Modular design for manual or electrical control of refrigerator drawer temperature

Abstract:

Flexible system and method of temperature control options for an enclosed space in a refrigerator appliance. A surface at or near the enclosable space includes a universal receiver. Different temperature control modules complementarily fit into the receiver. The manufacturer or user selects between modules of different types for different temperature control features. One module can be simply mechanical adjustment which is mechanically translated to a damper. Another option would be an electronic or electrical interface for the user that would send a signal to a controller that would electrically actuator damper control for temperature control in the enclosed space.