Console Refrigerator Joint System for Removable Vehicle Integration

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle cooling systems, whether OEM or aftermarket, lack removability and integration with vehicle compartments, resulting in non-integrated and aesthetically undesirable appearances.

Innovation Solution

A removable console refrigerator with integrated cooling mechanisms that can be seamlessly installed in vehicle compartments, featuring a joint system for secure attachment and a tray to cover gaps, allowing for both active and passive cooling, and compatibility with vehicle power sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a non-OEM cooler is installed in a vehicle, then cooling functionality is provided, but the appearance becomes non-integrated and aesthetically undesirable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling functionalityVSAvoidappearance integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The refrigerator is divided into separable components including a refrigerator housing, a console, and a joint system with locking tabs. This segmentation allows the unit to be installed as an integrated console refrigerator providing OEM appearance, or disassembled for portable use, thus resolving the contradiction between integrated appearance and functional versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The joint system incorporates removable locking tabs that can be engaged or disengaged to transition between fixed integrated installation and removable portable configuration. This dynamic capability allows the same device to adapt between providing OEM appearance when installed and portable functionality when removed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Shape

If an OEM cooling facility is integrated into the vehicle, then appearance is maintained, but the system is not removable for external use

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveOEM appearanceVSAvoidremovability

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The refrigerator is divided into separable components including a refrigerator housing, a console, and a joint system with locking tabs. This segmentation allows the unit to be installed as an integrated console refrigerator providing OEM appearance, or disassembled for portable use, thus resolving the contradiction between integrated appearance and portable functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The joint system incorporates removable locking tabs that can be engaged or disengaged to transition between fixed integrated installation and removable portable configuration. This dynamic capability allows the same device to adapt between providing OEM appearance when installed and portable functionality when removed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a removable joint system is implemented, then portability is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidjoint system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The joint system is segmented into discrete, simple components: locking tabs on the refrigerator housing and corresponding receiving features on the console. This segmentation enables easy assembly and disassembly without complex mechanisms, achieving portability while minimizing added complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The joint system incorporates removable locking tabs that can be engaged or disengaged to transition between fixed integrated installation and removable portable configuration. This dynamic capability allows the same device to adapt between providing OEM appearance when installed and portable functionality when removed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Provides an integrated cooling solution that maintains an OEM appearance while being removable for versatile use outside the vehicle, ensuring effective temperature control and power availability.

Implementation Method 1

The cooling mechanicals may comprise a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

cooling mechanicals which remove heat from the refrigerator housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 3

The cooling mechanicals may comprise a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 4

The cooling mechanicals may comprise a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 5

The joint may comprise an interference fit between two or more parts. The two or more parts may comprise the console refrigerator and the compartment of the vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInterference fit:

Data Source

PatentUS12584684B2Refrigerator

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 DOMETIC APPLIANCES

AI summary

Present embodiments provide a console refrigerator for use in a vehicle. More specifically, but without limitation, present embodiments provide a console refrigerator which may be easily integrated into a vehicle compartment or console for cooling of various items including, but not limited to, food, drink, or medicine.