Method and system for cooler conversion to a refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable refrigeration systems are cumbersome, require technical expertise to set up, occupy significant space, and lack portability and battery power support, making them unsuitable for converting conventional coolers into refrigerators without compromising storage capacity or safety.
Innovation Solution
A modular refrigeration system with a heat transfer module inside the cooler and a liquid cooling module outside, utilizing a closed loop fluid pathway through the cooler's drain port for heat exchange, minimizing space and allowing easy conversion between cooler and refrigerator modes without requiring HVAC expertise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a contained box structure with single loop refrigerant system is used (Kimble approach), then refrigeration function is achieved, but storage space is significantly reduced and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the refrigeration system into two separate loops: an internal single-tube evaporator loop within the cooler and an external multi-component loop containing the compressor, condenser, and expansion device. This segmentation allows the refrigerant system to occupy minimal internal space while maintaining full refrigeration functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the bulk of the refrigeration components (compressor, condenser, expansion valve) from the cooler interior and places them externally. Only the essential evaporator tube remains inside, dramatically reducing the space occupied by the refrigeration system while preserving the cooling function.
2Temperature
If a contained box structure with single loop refrigerant system is used (Kimble approach), then refrigeration function is achieved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the refrigeration system into internal and external loops, the patent simplifies the installation process. The internal evaporator can be installed as a simple tube within the cooler, while the external components can be assembled separately and connected via tubing, reducing the overall complexity and making the system more manageable.
3Temperature
If refrigeration components are disposed inside the unit in a single module, then refrigeration function is achieved, but portability is reduced and battery power support is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heavy components (compressor, condenser) from the cooler interior and places them externally, significantly reducing the weight inside the cooler. This extraction improves portability while maintaining the refrigeration function through the external components.
4Volume of moving object
If a modular system with external liquid cooling module is used, then space occupancy is reduced and portability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dual-loop system where the internal single-tube evaporator can function with different external cooling modules (air-cooled or liquid-cooled). This multi-functionality allows the same internal structure to work with various external configurations, managing complexity through standardized interfaces and universal design principles.
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
Enables efficient, portable, and battery-powered refrigeration with reduced space occupancy, ensuring safe operation and easy conversion between modes, while avoiding refrigerant exposure inside the cooler.
Implementation Method 1
a closed loop fluid communication pathway extending from the thermal transfer section through the cooler drain to a fluid cooling module outside the cooler
Implementation Method 2
a second closed loop holding refrigerant for engaging in a heat exchange with the closed loop fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for converting a conventional cooler to a refrigerator. A heat transfer module is disposed within the cooler for cooling the contents therein, while an external cooling module includes refrigerant in a closed loop configuration that stays outside of the cooler. The heat transfer module includes a closed loop chilling fluid that extends outside the cooler through a drain port to perform a heat exchange with the refrigerant loop.