Flat-Pack Refrigeration Apparatus for Reduced Shipping Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional refrigeration apparatus are shipped fully assembled, leading to high packaging costs and inefficient use of space, with limited flexibility in configuration and complexity in assembly and relocation.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration apparatus composed of separable enclosure panels and corner posts that can be assembled on-site without tools, using a flat packaging system to reduce shipping volume and costs, with a heat transfer platform and power controller for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If refrigeration apparatus are shipped fully assembled, then they are ready to run upon removal from packaging, but the packaging volume is large and packaging costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigeration apparatus is divided into separable components including enclosure panels with integrated corners, a heat transfer platform, and a base. These segmented components can be shipped in a compact, space-efficient manner and then assembled at the destination to form the complete refrigeration unit, reducing packaging volume while maintaining operational readiness.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure panels are pre-formed with integrated corners during manufacturing, and the components are designed with self-aligning features that guide proper assembly. This preliminary preparation allows for tool-free assembly at the destination while the components occupy minimal shipping space in their disassembled state.
2Stability of the object's composition
If refrigeration apparatus are shipped fully assembled, then they maintain structural integrity, but relocation and repair become complex
Solution Approach 1:
By designing the refrigeration apparatus as separable components with standardized connection interfaces, the system enables easy disassembly for relocation and repair while maintaining structural integrity during operation. The modular design allows individual panels or components to be replaced without affecting the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanisms between components are designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly during relocation or repair while providing stable, rigid connections during normal operation. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between structural integrity and ease of repair.
3Productivity
If traditional packaging is used for assembled refrigeration apparatus, then shipping is straightforward, but shipping costs and space utilization are inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigeration apparatus components are designed to nest within each other or arrange in compact configurations during shipping, maximizing space utilization in shipping containers or storage facilities. This segmentation approach reduces packaging volume and shipping costs while maintaining productivity through efficient component delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The separable components of the refrigeration apparatus are designed to nest within each other during shipping, with smaller components fitting into spaces within larger components. This nesting arrangement minimizes the overall packaging volume required while maintaining all necessary components for assembly at the destination.
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 solution allows for economical, energy-efficient, and versatile refrigeration systems with simplified assembly and relocation, reducing packaging costs and enabling various configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a heat transfer platform (28) having the refrigerant evaporator (32) in supported connection therewith
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration apparatus (10) is configured to be shipped in generally flat boxes and assembled near a location of use. A plurality of enclosure panels (12) bound an interior area (15). A cover panel (18) including a door (22) closes a top of the interior area. A platform panel (30) including an evaporator (32) closes the interior area at an end opposed of the cover panel. The platform which includes heat transfer components is supported on a base (52) with casters (60) that facilitate the movement of the apparatus.