A cooling apparatus condenser, and a cooling apparatus including the same

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Solution Overview

Problem

The conventional mounting of compressor and condenser in refrigerators is complex, increasing manufacturing time and costs due to separate components, and exposes the compressor to accidental impacts.

Innovation Solution

A condenser with a horizontally lying portion that serves as a lower plate to support the compressor, eliminating the need for a separate metal support and allowing for a preassembled cooling system module, while protecting the compressor area and facilitating defrost water evaporation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If separate components (compressor, condenser, mounting brackets) are used for mounting the cooling system, then the system is easier to manufacture individually, but the assembly complexity and manufacturing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the condenser and compressor support functions into a single integrated condenser assembly. The condenser serves dual purposes: heat dissipation and structural support for the compressor, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets and reducing the total number of parts in the cooling system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The condenser is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a thermal management component (dissipating heat from the refrigerant) and as a structural support element (holding the compressor in place). This universal design reduces component count and simplifies the overall system architecture.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate parts (metal support, brackets, condenser, compressor) are used, then each part can be optimized independently, but the parts number and inventory management complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the support function into the condenser structure itself, creating a unified component that reduces the parts number from four separate items (metal support, brackets, condenser, compressor) to a more integrated assembly, thereby simplifying inventory management while maintaining design flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the compressor is mounted separately with exposed mounting area, then access and maintenance are easier, but the compressor becomes vulnerable to accidental impacts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidobject-affected harmful factors
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the compressor mounting directly into the condenser structure, which provides structural protection to the compressor while maintaining accessibility. The unified design reduces the exposed mounting area that would be vulnerable to impacts, while the condenser's position and structure facilitate maintenance access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of repair

If traditional separate mounting structure is used, then the compressor can be easily replaced, but the assembly time and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of repairVSAvoidloss of time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the mounting function into the condenser assembly, which actually simplifies replacement procedures. The integrated design means fewer separate components to handle during installation or repair, reducing assembly time while maintaining ease of replacement through the unified structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Simplifies refrigerator assembly, reduces production costs, and protects the compressor from impacts, while enabling efficient heat dissipation for defrost water evaporation.

Implementation Method 1

the cooling agent releases heat, that is dissipated by the condenser and released to the environment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat dissipation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 2

causing it to change phase and pass from the gaseous to the liquid one

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 3

the cooling agent evaporates, subtracting heat from the atmosphere within the refrigerator compartment and thus cooling the interior thereof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 4

the cooling agent evaporates, subtracting heat from the atmosphere

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat absorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 5

the cooling agent is first compressed by the compressor, which raises the cooling agent pressure (and temperature)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP2136168B1A cooling apparatus condenser, and a cooling apparatus including the same
Publication Date: 2020.01.15 ELECTROLUX HOME PROD CORP NV
  • EP2136168B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2136168B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A cooling apparatus comprising: a cabinet (100) defining a compartment for the storage of products to be cooled; and a cooling system coupled to the cabinet for cooling an interior atmosphere of the compartment. The cooling system comprises at least one condenser (130) and at least one compressor (125). The condenser comprises at least a first condenser portion (150) adapted to define a support surface for the at least one compressor, and the compressor is supported by and attached to said first condenser portion. The first condenser portion is mounted below a bottom of the cabinet. The condenser may comprise a second condenser portion (145) forming an angle, particularly of 90°, with the first condenser portion. The second condenser portion is mounted parallelly to a rear vertical wall of the cabinet.