A climatization container

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing climatization containers, such as refrigerators, suffer from uneven air circulation and energy inefficiency due to fans directing air horizontally, which can lead to localized over-cooling near the fan and obstruction of airflow by products on the bottom, requiring higher energy consumption to compensate.

Innovation Solution

Positioning the fan angled relative to the vertical direction to direct air towards the top wall and using a baffle to guide air over upper shelves, with a spaced bottom shelf to allow unimpeded airflow return, enhancing circulation efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the fan directs air horizontally in existing climatization containers, then the fan structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the air circulation becomes uneven and energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidfan positioning complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fan is repositioned from a horizontal air direction to an angled configuration that directs air towards the top wall, utilizing the vertical dimension to improve air circulation patterns. This dimensional change allows cooled air to flow over products on upper shelves first, then return along the bottom, creating more uniform cooling throughout the compartment while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

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

2Productivity

If products are placed on the bottom of the compartment, then storage capacity is maximized, but airflow obstruction occurs and cooling efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidstorage capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The air circulation pattern is designed with different flow characteristics at different locations: cooled air from the fan flows upward and forward over products on upper shelves, while return air flows along the bottom of the compartment. This localized quality differentiation allows products on the bottom to be cooled by returning air without obstructing the primary cooling airflow path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Temperature

If the fan directs air towards products near the fan, then cooling intensity near the fan is high, but temperature distribution becomes uneven across the compartment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature distribution uniformityVSAvoidcooling effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fan is positioned and angled to direct cooled air toward the top wall and over products on upper shelves first, before the air descends and flows forward to cool products on lower shelves and the bottom of the compartment. This preliminary action ensures that all products receive cooling in a systematic sequence, achieving uniform temperature distribution throughout the entire compartment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Achieves more even product cooling and reduces energy consumption by optimizing airflow distribution and minimizing airflow obstruction, resulting in improved energy efficiency and uniform temperature distribution.

Implementation Method 1

a fan for distribution of air within the climatization container; The fan is positioned proximal to a top wall of the compartment and angled relative to a vertical direction such that air expelled by the fan is directed towards the top wall of the compartment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3916321B1A climatization container
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP3916321B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3916321B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3916321B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A climatization container comprising a compartment for storage of products, at least one shelf to support the products and a fan for distribution of air within the climatization container. The compartment is defined by walls and closable by a door. The fan is positioned proximal to a top wall of the compartment and angled relative to a vertical direction such that air expelled by the fan is directed towards the top wall of the compartment.