Refrigeration device for containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing container refrigeration apparatus casing is prone to torsional deformation due to external forces during transportation, as its side plates and extension parts are separate members, making it difficult to withstand such forces effectively.

Innovation Solution

The casing is reinforced by integrating continuous column members and second side plates from the upper end to the lower end, which counteract external forces and enhance the structural integrity, while intermediate resin members with low thermal conductivity are used between the metal casings to prevent heat transfer and reduce load on the fastening points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If side plates and side plate extension parts are made as separate members, then ease of manufacture is improved, but strength against torsional deformation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidstrength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the side plates and side plate extension parts into a single integrated side plate structure. This integration creates a continuous load path that effectively resists torsional deformation forces applied to the casing during container transportation, while still allowing for practical manufacturing through techniques like stamping or bending single-piece metal sheets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Strength

If metal casings are used, then strength is improved, but heat transfer from external to internal casing deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestrengthVSAvoidheat transfer
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediate resin member as a mediator between the external metal casing and the internal metal casing. This resin layer acts as a thermal barrier that blocks heat transfer from the external environment through the casing structure to the internal storage space, while the metal casings maintain their structural strength and rigidity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If continuous column members and side plates are integrated, then strength against external forces is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestrengthVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the integrated side plate structure to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural strength against external forces, defines the casing geometry, and works in conjunction with the column members to resist torsional deformation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

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

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

This configuration significantly increases the casing's strength against torsional deformation and external forces, while maintaining thermal insulation and reducing costs by using metal materials, and preventing heat transfer from the external to the internal casing.

Implementation Method 1

intermediate resin members with low thermal conductivity are used between the metal casings to prevent heat transfer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP4015948B1Refrigeration device for containers
Publication Date: 2023.11.29 DAIKIN INDUSTRIES LTD
  • EP4015948B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4015948B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4015948B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Left and right edge portions of an external casing (12) of a container refrigeration apparatus each include a column member (50) that is continuous from the upper end to the lower end of a casing (11). Left and right edge portions of an internal casing (13) each include a side plate (41) that is continuous from the upper end to the lower end of the casing (11). The column members (50) of the external casing (12) and the associated side plates (41) of the internal casing (13) are fixed together, thereby increasing the strength of the casing (11) including the external casing (12) and the internal casing (13).