Hinged Protective Frame for Refrigeration Unit Maintenance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigeration units on shipping containers and trailers are prone to damage during transportation and maintenance, leading to costly and time-consuming repairs, as existing designs do not adequately protect these units while allowing for easy access for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A protective frame comprising a top frame, bottom frame, and vertical braces that enclose the perimeter of the refrigeration unit, allowing for easy maintenance access by pivoting the top frame upward and providing structural support without obstructing normal operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective frame is added around the refrigeration unit, then protection during transport is improved, but access for maintenance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The protective frame is divided into a fixed bottom frame and a movable top frame that can be segmented and pivoted independently. This allows the top frame to be moved out of the way during maintenance while the bottom frame remains fixed for protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The top frame is designed with hinge connections that allow it to pivot between a closed protective position and an open maintenance position. This dynamic capability enables the frame to adapt between providing protection and allowing access as needed.
2Strength
If the top frame is made fixed for protection, then structural integrity is improved, but maintenance access requires complete disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The top frame incorporates hinge joints that allow it to pivot as a complete unit, maintaining structural integrity during normal operation while enabling easy access during maintenance without requiring complete disassembly of the frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge connections are pre-installed and configured to allow the top frame to be quickly pivoted open before maintenance begins, eliminating the need for time-consuming disassembly procedures while maintaining protection during transport.
3Reliability
If the protective frame completely encloses the refrigeration unit, then protection is maximized, but maintenance operations are obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is segmented into a fixed bottom portion and a movable top portion. This segmentation allows the top portion to be pivoted open for maintenance access while the bottom portion remains fixed to provide continuous protection from below and the sides.
Solution Approach 2:
The top frame is designed to pivot in a vertical arc, moving from a horizontal closed position to an upward open position. This dimensional movement creates clearance space above the refrigeration unit for maintenance operations without compromising the protective enclosure when closed.
Data Source
AI summary
A protective frame for refrigeration units mounted on shipping containers or trailers. There is a bottom horizontal frame assembly and an top frame assembly, both attached to the refrigeration unit. Vertical frame braces connect the top and bottom frame assemblies. Hinges connect the top frame assembly to the protective frame allowing the top frame to pivot upward allowing access to the refrigeration unit for maintenance.