Cooling machine, reefer container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling machines for reefer containers face issues with dirt accumulation around fastening means and joints between the back-plate and fan grille, leading to potential bacterial growth and increased cleaning complexity, as well as higher weight and risk of damage to cargo due to sharp edges and materials.
Innovation Solution
An integrated fan grille is formed directly into a one-piece back-plate made from materials like fiberglass or plastic, with a mesh structure that can vary in density and orientation to minimize edges and joints, reducing weight and facilitating easier cleaning while preventing accidental contact with fan blades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate stainless steel grille is mounted on the back-plate using fasteners, then the fan opening is protected and adequate strength is achieved, but dirt accumulates around fastening means and joints leading to bacterial growth and increased cleaning complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The grille is merged with the back-plate to form an integrated one-piece structure, eliminating separate fastening means and joints where dirt could accumulate. This integration removes the cleaning complexity associated with multiple components while maintaining the protective function of the fan opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The back-plate is designed with integrated grille structures that segment the surface into functional zones (grille areas and smooth back-plate areas) within a single piece, allowing different regions to serve different purposes while avoiding the need for separate components and fasteners.
2Reliability
If a separate stainless steel grille is mounted on the back-plate, then the fan opening is protected, but the overall weight of the back-plate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The back-plate is made from composite materials such as fiberglass or fiber-reinforced plastic that provide adequate strength and protection while being lighter than traditional stainless steel constructions. The integrated design allows these composite materials to be used effectively without requiring additional fastening hardware.
3Reliability
If a separate stainless steel grille is mounted on the back-plate, then the fan opening is protected, but the risk of damage to cargo increases due to sharp edges and fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the grille with the back-plate into a single integrated structure, all separate fasteners, joints, and potential sharp edges are eliminated. The seamless integration removes protruding elements that could damage cargo while maintaining the protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The back-plate and integrated grille are designed with smooth, curved surfaces that eliminate sharp edges and corners. The continuous molded structure provides rounded transitions that reduce the risk of cargo damage while maintaining structural integrity.
4Reliability
If a separate stainless steel grille is mounted on the back-plate, then the fan opening is protected, but the number of machining processes and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grille and back-plate are merged into a single integrated component that can be manufactured in one molding or forming process. This eliminates the need for separate machining, assembly, and fastening operations, significantly simplifying manufacturing while maintaining protective functionality.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a back-plate for a cooling machine in a reefer container with an improved fan grille, where a grille or grating (2) defines a section formed integral with the back-plate (1). The grille or grating (2) defined in the back-plate (1) can comprise layers of fibreglass forming the back-plate (1). The grille or grating (2) can surround holes provided by drilling, cutting or another suitable machining of the back-plate (1) after casting. The grille or grating (2) can be provided by a mesh structure having different mesh sizes (3, 4). The grille or grating (2) can be provided with a more dense mesh structure in one or more local areas (4) compared to a remaining part (3) of the grille (2). The grille or grating (2) is provided at an upper part of the back-plate (1).