Drip Tray Fastening Mechanism for Removable Compressor Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cooling device assembly process is inefficient due to the need to break clips to remove the drip tray from the compressor, leading to increased manufacturing costs and drip tray scrapping.
Innovation Solution
A 'U'-shaped bracket on the compressor with a removable fastening mechanism, comprising lugs and a button that pivots to release the drip tray, allowing for easy installation and removal without damaging the drip tray or fastening means, and enabling replacement of the fastening means independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If clips are used to fix the drip tray on the compressor, then the drip tray is securely fixed, but the clips must be broken to remove the drip tray rendering it useless
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into separate components: the drip tray, the bracket, and the fastening means. This segmentation allows the drip tray to be securely fixed during operation while enabling easy removal and replacement without damage, resolving the contradiction between strong fixing and ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening means transitions from a static irreversible connection (broken clips) to a dynamic reversible connection. The fastening means can be engaged and disengaged multiple times through a simple operation, allowing the drip tray to be both securely fixed and easily removed without rendering the components useless.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the drip tray is securely fixed on the compressor, then the drip tray remains in position, but removal requires breaking the clips increasing manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening means provides a dynamic connection that is stable during operation but easily reversible for removal. The simple operation of pressing the button and moving the fastening means along the conduit allows quick disengagement without damage, resolving the contradiction between position stability and removal ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening means acts as an intermediary element between the drip tray and the bracket. This intermediate component facilitates both secure fixing and easy removal through its specific design with lugs, tabs, and button mechanism, eliminating the need to break the drip tray itself for removal.
3Reliability
If clips are used to attach the drip tray, then the attachment is secure, but the drip tray cannot be removed without damage
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is segmented into replaceable components, allowing the fastening means to be independently replaced if damaged without replacing the entire drip tray. This segmentation improves ease of repair while maintaining reliable attachment through the modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic fastening mechanism allows the drip tray to be reliably attached during operation and easily removed for replacement when needed. The reversible nature of the connection enables maintenance and repair operations without damaging the drip tray, resolving the contradiction between attachment reliability and replacement ease.
4Ease of operation
If a removable fastening mechanism is used, then the drip tray can be easily removed, but the mechanism occupies additional volume
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening means is integrated with the drip tray structure, merging the fastening function into the existing drip tray design. This integration minimizes additional volume while providing removable functionality, as the fastening means utilizes the drip tray's own structure rather than adding completely separate components.
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 solution reduces drip tray scrapping during assembly, minimizes manufacturing costs, and increases the volumetric water collection capacity by allowing easy removal and replacement of the drip tray, while maintaining efficient energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The compressor compresses the coolant and pumps the coolant into the cooling cycle
Implementation Method 2
As the coolant passes through the evaporator, it expands, absorbs heat thus cooling the surface of the evaporator
Implementation Method 3
A fan is provided to circulate the air inside the compartments of the cooling device by passing the air through the evaporator
Implementation Method 4
The humidity in the air freezes on the surface of the evaporator forming a layer of frost
Implementation Method 5
The heat resulting during the operation of the compressor is used to vaporize the water
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cooling device (1) comprising; a compressor (2), an evaporator, a bracket (3) attached onto the compressor (2) forming a conduit (4) in-between, a drip tray (5) to be placed onto the compressor (2) wherein the drip tray (5) is configured to be fluidly communicated with the evaporator via a water discharge line such that the water discharged through said water discharge line is collected into the drip tray (5), the drip tray (5) comprising a fastening means (6) via which the drip tray (5) is removable placed onto the compressor (2) via the conduit (4).