Cooling module and cooling apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cooling apparatuses with coupled cooling modules face challenges in maintenance due to complex component arrangements, making it difficult to access and maintain components that require frequent maintenance.

Innovation Solution

The cooling apparatus is designed with a configuration where refrigerant compressors and electrical component boxes are arranged side by side in a line, allowing for easy access and maintenance, with compressors positioned in lower sections to maintain stability and electrical components in upper sections, and refrigerant pipes aligned on the rear for simplified connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If cooling modules are coupled to increase cooling capacity, then the cooling capacity is improved, but the maintenance difficulty of components increases due to complex arrangements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling capacityVSAvoidmaintenance difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling apparatus is divided into multiple independent cooling modules, each containing a compressor and electrical components. These modules can be coupled together to achieve desired cooling capacity while maintaining individual accessibility of components for maintenance purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Components are arranged in a vertical configuration (compressors in lower sections, electrical components in upper sections) rather than horizontal arrangement. This vertical stacking allows multiple modules to be coupled side-by-side while maintaining easy access to all components from the front, resolving the maintenance difficulty issue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If components are arranged for compactness, then the device size is reduced, but the accessibility for maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidcomponent accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs vertical arrangement of components within each module (compressors in lower sections, electrical components in upper sections), allowing compact horizontal footprint while maintaining excellent front-side accessibility for maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the module are optimized for different functions: lower sections house compressors requiring stability and vibration resistance, while upper sections house electrical components requiring protection and accessibility. This localized optimization achieves both compactness and maintainability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Stability of the object's composition

If compressors are positioned for stability (lower sections), then the structural stability is improved, but the electrical component protection from environmental factors becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidelectrical component exposure to environment

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The module structure provides differentiated protection: compressors in lower sections benefit from structural stability and vibration resistance, while electrical components in upper sections are protected by enclosed housings that shield them from environmental factors such as dust, moisture, and contaminants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

By arranging electrical components in upper sections rather than alongside compressors, the design separates sensitive electrical components from potential sources of vibration and mechanical stress, while the enclosed upper section housing provides environmental protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 enables easy maintenance of high-maintenance components, ensures a stable structure with a low gravity center, and protects electrical components from environmental factors, enhancing overall maintenance efficiency and industrial applicability.

Implementation Method 1

a refrigerant compressor installed on a front side in the first frame member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

a heat exchanger for heat radiation housed in a housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 3

cooling module... a refrigerant compressor... heat-transferring relation with a heat sink

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy transfer: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP3623708B1Cooling module and cooling apparatus

Publication Date: 2023.05.10 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

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AI summary

A first frame member including an upper section and a lower section; a refrigerant compressor installed on a front side in the first frame member in one of the upper section and the lower section; and an electrical component box installed on the front side in the first frame member in the other of the upper section and the lower section are provided.