Refrigerator Adapter Box Sealing for Standard Plug Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing refrigeration devices face issues with the fitting accuracy of standard plugs, requiring costly reworking and time-consuming adjustments, and the challenge of preventing insulation foam from penetrating or being squeezed out between plugs and the outer shell.
Innovation Solution
An adapter box is designed to fit standard dimensions, using a snap lock mechanism for plug installation and a compressible sealing piece to prevent foam penetration, allowing for easy adaptation to different refrigeration devices without changing standard parts and ensuring a secure seal during foam filling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If standard plugs are used in different refrigeration devices, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but fitting accuracy deteriorates due to variations in outer shell strength and opening dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
An adapter box is introduced as an intermediary component between the standard plug and the opening in the outer shell. The adapter box has a first adaptation surface that interfaces with the standard plug and a second adaptation surface that interfaces with the opening in the outer shell, thereby mediating the connection and resolving the dimensional mismatch while allowing standard plugs to be used across different refrigeration devices
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into three separate components: the standard plug, the adapter box, and the opening in the outer shell. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the standard plug maintains its universal dimensions, the adapter box is customized to fit specific openings, and the outer shell maintains its structural integrity, thereby resolving the fitting accuracy issue while preserving manufacturing cost benefits
2Reliability
If individual plugs are secured with adhesive tape to prevent foam penetration, then insulation quality is improved, but assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged into the adapter box structure itself through the integrated sealing surface that contacts the inner shell. This eliminates the need for separate adhesive tape applications on individual plugs, as the adapter box provides a unified sealing interface that prevents foam penetration while simplifying the assembly process
3Ease of operation
If plugs are installed directly in the outer shell opening, then assembly is simplified, but foam penetration between plugs and opening occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A sealing element is introduced as a flexible barrier between the adapter box and the inner shell. This sealing element creates a foam-resistant barrier that prevents insulation foam from penetrating between the adapter box and the opening, while maintaining the simplified assembly approach of installing the adapter box as a single unit
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 adapter box enables seamless installation of standard plugs on various refrigeration devices, reducing manufacturing costs and eliminating the need for time-consuming adjustments, while effectively preventing foam from entering the electrical connections, thus ensuring a reliable and efficient insulation layer.
Implementation Method 1
a shaped piece made of a compressible material is provided, which is adapted to the contour of the shaft. This shaped piece can consist, for example, of a foam that is introduced into the shaft in a compressed state and, due to its elasticity, fits tightly against the inner wall of the shaft.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a refrigeration device comprising a device for attaching plugs (2, 14) for the electrical installation of said refrigeration device in an opening in the outer shell of said refrigeration device. According to the invention, an adaptor box (1) is provided in the opening, in which the plugs (2, 14) for the electric installation are fixed.