Dual-Use Cooling Fan Layout for Drink Maker Motor and Condenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frozen drink makers face inefficiencies in cooling components, particularly the drive motor and condenser, leading to suboptimal performance and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A dual-use cooling fan is implemented to concurrently cool both the drive motor and condenser by directing air flow through the condenser and along the surface of the drive motor, optimizing cooling efficiency and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If separate condenser fan and motor cooling fan are used, then cooling coverage is complete, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The condenser fan is designed to perform dual functions: cooling the condenser and cooling the drive motor. The fan is positioned to generate airflow that passes through the condenser first, then continues to cool the drive motor, allowing a single component to replace what would traditionally require two separate fans.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling functions for the condenser and drive motor are merged into a single airflow path generated by one fan. The fan assembly integrates both cooling tasks into a unified system, reducing the total number of moving parts and control systems while maintaining adequate cooling for both components.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If dual-use cooling fan is used, then device complexity and energy consumption decrease, but cooling effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow generated by the dual-use fan is segmented into two functional zones: the first portion passes through the condenser coils to provide cooling, and the second portion continues to the drive motor for cooling. This segmentation allows each component to receive dedicated cooling airflow while sharing the same fan source.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure is designed to direct different portions of the airflow to different locations with appropriate cooling characteristics. The condenser receives airflow optimized for heat exchange through its coil structure, while the drive motor receives airflow directed along its surface, with each area receiving cooling tailored to its specific thermal requirements.
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
The dual-use cooling fan enhances cooling performance and reduces energy usage by effectively cooling both the drive motor and condenser, improving the overall efficiency of the drink maker.
Implementation Method 1
The cooling fan may provide air flow through the condenser to cool refrigerant flowing through the condenser
Implementation Method 2
The cooling fan may provide air flow along a surface of the drive motor to cool the drive motor
Implementation Method 3
The condenser may include one or more coils wound in a serpentine arrangement. Each of the one or more coils may include a plurality of thermal transfer fins
Data Source
AI summary
A drink maker includes a mixing vessel arranged to receive a drink product and a dasher, driven by a drive motor, that is arranged to mix the drink product within the mixing vessel. A refrigeration circuit is arranged to cool the drink product within the mixing vessel. The refrigeration circuit including a condenser. A cooling fan is configured to concurrently cool the drive motor and the condenser.