Compressor-Mounted Condensate Tray Structure for Faster Evaporation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing refrigeration devices have a limited contact surface between the condensate collection container and the compressor, which restricts the effective evaporation of collected condensate due to horizontal installation constraints, leading to inefficient heat transfer and stability issues during assembly and disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A condensate collection container with a side wall that protrudes to form a hood-like structure around the compressor, providing a closed cavity for enhanced heat absorption and a form-fitting design that increases the contact surface area for improved heat transfer, while also being resistant to lateral forces and allowing tool-free assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the condensate collection container is pushed onto the compressor in the horizontal installation direction, then the assembly is simplified, but the contact surface area between the container and compressor is limited, reducing heat transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The container bottom is extended in the vertical dimension by adding a side wall that protrudes upward from the bottom surface. This transforms the originally two-dimensional contact interface into a three-dimensional structure, increasing the contact surface area with the compressor while maintaining the horizontal assembly direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The container bottom is segmented into two functional parts: the base portion for receiving condensate and the protruding side wall portion for heat exchange. This segmentation allows the side wall to specifically engage with the compressor surface, maximizing thermal contact while the base maintains its collection function.
2Area of stationary object
If the container bottom is shaped to match the compressor contour, then the contact surface area is increased, but the container becomes more complex and requires additional fastening measures
Solution Approach 1:
The side wall is designed with local form-fitting geometry that matches the compressor contour in the region where thermal contact is needed. The rest of the container maintains a simpler geometry for manufacturability. This localized adaptation achieves high contact surface area without requiring the entire container to be complex.
3Reliability
If the container is securely fixed to the compressor, then stability during operation is improved, but assembly and disassembly require more complex fastening elements
Solution Approach 1:
The protruding side wall structure serves dual functions: it provides structural rigidity to prevent lateral displacement during operation, and it enables simple horizontal engagement with the compressor during assembly. The geometry itself provides the stabilization function without requiring separate fastening components.
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 enhanced contact surface area and design improve evaporation efficiency, increase dimensional stability, and simplify assembly and disassembly, reducing the need for complex fastening elements and enhancing resistance to lateral forces.
Implementation Method 1
the waste heat from the compressor can be used to evaporate the condensation water collected in it
Implementation Method 2
the waste heat from the compressor can be used to evaporate the condensation water collected in it
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a refrigeration device, in particular a domestic refrigeration device comprising a compressor (9) that is connected in a refrigeration circuit and a condensation collection container (17) that collects the condensation formed during the operation of the refrigeration device, the base (19) of said container sitting on an upper face of the compressor (9). According to the invention, the base (19) of the condensation collection container (17) is designed with a lateral wall (21) that extends downwards and surrounds the sides of the compressor (9).