Air cooler arrangement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air cooler arrangements are inefficient in terms of energy usage, maintenance, and structural complexity, particularly due to reliance on central drives and V-belt systems, which restrict their application and increase costs, and lack effective defrosting mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

An air cooler arrangement with two superimposed levels in an insulating housing, featuring a vacuum chamber, deflection chamber, and radially conveying fans with direct electric drive, a thermally insulating flow guide flap, and modular fan design for easy maintenance, allowing for efficient air cooling and defrosting with reduced structural requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a central drive with V-belt drive and frequency converter is used, then the fans can be driven, but the maintenance complexity increases and service life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefan drive capabilityVSAvoiddrive system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the complex central drive system with V-belts and frequency converters. Instead, each fan is equipped with its own simple direct-drive motor, eliminating the need for belts, pulleys, and complex control systems while maintaining fan drive capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical V-belt drive system with direct electric motor drives on each fan. This substitution eliminates mechanical transmission components, reducing maintenance needs and increasing reliability while preserving the ability to drive fans effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Temperature

If the air cooler arrangement is designed for vertical air flow, then it can cool air, but the application is restricted to very high rooms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair cooling capabilityVSAvoidapplication flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the air flow direction dynamic and adjustable through movable guide flaps. The system can switch between vertical and horizontal air flow modes, allowing adaptation to different room heights and application scenarios while maintaining effective air cooling capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the air cooler to perform multiple functions by enabling both vertical and horizontal air flow configurations. This multi-functionality allows the same device to be applied in various room types and heights, significantly increasing adaptability and versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If an enclosed construction with integrated defrosting is implemented, then the structure is compact, but the structural effort and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrationVSAvoidmanufacturing effort and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the housing into modular sections with standardized components. The defrosting system is integrated as a separate functional module rather than a complex enclosed structure, reducing manufacturing effort and cost while maintaining compact dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Duration of action of stationary object

If the fans are mounted vertically on a vertical axis, then the service life is extended, but the overall length and space requirement increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefan service lifeVSAvoidoverall length
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the mounting orientation of fans from vertical to inclined or horizontal positions. This dimensional change allows the fans to maintain their extended service life characteristics while reducing the overall length and space requirements of the air cooler arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 solution enables energy-efficient air cooling with reduced maintenance needs, longer fan lifespan, and cost-effective operation by minimizing structural complexity and eliminating the need for complex drive systems, while allowing for efficient defrosting and improved air distribution with large throw distances.

Implementation Method 1

a cooler (8) through which the air to be cooled flows

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

several axially aspirating and radially conveying fans are arranged in the upper level of the overpressure chamber, the fans sucking in the cooled air from the deflection chamber of the lower level and conveying it radially into the overpressure chamber of the upper level

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAxial suction and radial conveyance: Fan

Implementation Method 3

two superimposed levels of air routing in an insulating housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP2626642B1Air cooler arrangement
Publication Date: 2019.11.13 THERMOFIN GMBH
  • EP2626642B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2626642B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2626642B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The air cooler assembly (1) comprises two planes, which are lying superimposed in an insulation housing (2), and a negative pressure chamber (5) and a deflection chamber, which are arranged one behind the other in the lower level. A flow guide vane (3) is provided, which is formed horizontally in an operating position and is positioned vertically in a melting position.