Refrigerated Body Cooling Unit with Recessed Protective Frame
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerated bodies in commercial vehicles face the challenge of protecting temperature control units from damage during loading and unloading, while maintaining an unobstructed loading space, as existing protective frames often restrict passage height and width.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a protective frame into the housing of the temperature control unit, with recesses accommodating the frame, allows for space-saving installation and decoupling, enabling the frame to absorb impacts without damaging the unit, and using a rail system for secure mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective frame is provided around the temperature control unit, then the temperature control unit is protected from damage during loading and unloading, but the loading space, passage height and passage width are further restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The protective frame is nested within the housing of the temperature control unit by providing recesses in the housing that accommodate the protective frame. This integration allows the protective frame to be contained within the existing housing boundaries, thereby protecting the temperature control unit while minimizing additional space occupation in the loading area.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective frame is positioned in a recess that extends in a direction toward the ceiling element, utilizing the third dimension (vertical space) rather than only horizontal space. This dimensional approach allows the protective frame to provide protection while maintaining clear passage width and height for loading operations.
2Strength
If the protective frame is designed to be far more stable than the temperature control unit, then damage to the temperature control unit can be avoided, but the loading space is further restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The protective frame is provided with different structural characteristics at different locations: it has high stability and rigidity where it needs to absorb impacts (facing potential collision zones), while being integrated into recesses where space efficiency is critical. This localized quality optimization allows the frame to be strong where needed without unnecessarily restricting the loading space.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective frame is designed to absorb impacts before they reach the temperature control unit, acting as a cushioning element. By positioning the frame in recesses and designing it with appropriate stability, it can withstand collisions during loading and unloading operations, protecting the vulnerable temperature control unit while maintaining operational clearance.
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 design effectively protects the temperature control unit from damage while minimizing space restriction, allowing for efficient loading and unloading operations without compromising thermal insulation or structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the protective frame is at least partially and at least partially accommodated in the recess... the protective frame can be spaced at least predominantly from the housing of the temperature control unit. If the protective frame is hit, it can give way slightly without damaging the housing of the temperature control unit
Implementation Method 2
the temperature control unit is supplied with coolant and/or refrigerant by a cooling device provided on the end wall... In the case of a sensible heat transfer during heat release or heat absorption, in which no phase change takes place, one speaks of a coolant
Implementation Method 3
A core layer with a low heat transfer coefficient is provided between the cover layers and is generally formed from a foamed plastic, in particular polyurethane
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Described and illustrated is a refrigerated body (1) of a commercial vehicle (N), in particular a truck, trailer or semi-trailer, comprising a wall element (4) and/or ceiling element (3), a temperature control unit (8) mounted on the wall element (4) or ceiling element (3) and projecting into a cargo space (7) of the refrigerated body (1), and a protective frame (10) projecting into the cargo space (7) of the refrigerated body (1) to protect the temperature control unit (8), wherein the temperature control unit (8) has a housing (9) and the protective frame (10) is provided at least substantially outside the housing (9). In order to reduce the size of the cargo space and simultaneously protect the temperature control unit from damage, the housing (9) is provided to have at least one recess (16) open to the cargo space (7) for at least partial and at least sectional reception of the protective frame (10).