Modular Cold Appliance Cooling Module With Rear Air Duct Defrosting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing of cold appliances faces challenges such as high transportation costs due to bulky products, limited flexibility in producing modular systems with complex interfaces, and inefficiencies in air circulation and defrosting systems, particularly when the evaporator is positioned lower than the compressor.
Innovation Solution
A modular cold appliance design featuring a self-contained cooling module with an air outlet and inlet, a rear wall lining that facilitates air circulation and hides post-mounted parts, and a condensation prevention system using a thermosiphon tube, allowing for efficient air circulation and compact design while addressing defrosting challenges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the evaporator is positioned lower than the compressor to make the cooling module compact, then the cooling module size is reduced, but the defrost system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The defrost water drainage system utilizes the natural gravity flow and the temperature difference between the evaporator and surrounding air. The defrost water channel is integrated into the evaporator structure, allowing water to drain automatically without external pumps or complex control mechanisms. The evaporator's own thermal fields are used to evaporate the defrost water, making the system self-sufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The defrost water drainage channel is merged directly into the evaporator structure rather than being a separate component. The air outlet duct serves dual purposes: cooling function and defrost water drainage pathway. This integration eliminates the need for separate drainage tubes and reduces overall system complexity.
2Weight of moving object
If separate cabinet panels are manufactured and assembled on site, then transportation costs are reduced, but manufacturing automation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cabinet is divided into separate panels (front panel, rear panel, side panels, top panel, bottom panel) that can be manufactured independently using automated processes. Each panel is a complete, functional unit that can be produced in different sizes and configurations, then transported and assembled on-site without requiring complex manual fabrication.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a modular cooling system is implemented, then production flexibility is improved, but the interface complexity between cabinet and door increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air outlet duct is designed with multi-functionality: it serves as the primary cooling air distribution duct, a secondary drainage channel for defrost water, and provides structural support for mounting the evaporator. This universal design reduces the number of separate components needed at the cabinet-door interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The air outlet duct acts as an intermediary element that connects the modular evaporator unit to the cabinet structure. It provides a standardized interface that simplifies the connection between different modular components while maintaining sealing and functional integrity.
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 design reduces transportation costs, enhances flexibility in production, improves air circulation efficiency, and effectively manages defrosting without additional movable parts or control equipment, resulting in a cost-effective and thermally efficient cold appliance.
Implementation Method 1
a condensation preventing device including a thermosiphon tube
Implementation Method 2
The air outlet comprises an air duct having at least one opening into the cold compartment, the air duct extending essentially in a vertical direction and arranged in such a way that cold air in the air duct provides a temperature layer of air which prevents entrance of heated air into the cold compartment during a period of defrosting of the evaporator
Implementation Method 3
a cooling module comprising a cold section and a warm section separated from the cold section by an insulating wall, an evaporator arranged in the cold section
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A cold appliance comprising a cooling module (102) and a cabinet (101) comprising cabinet panels including two opposite pre-foamed side wall panels (1), a pre-foamed rear wall panel (4), a top part (2), and a bottom part (103); and a door (6). The cooling module comprises an air outlet (43) delivering cooled air to a cold compartment (104) of the cabinet, and an air inlet (44) receiving air from the cold compartment. The cold appliance further comprises a rear wall lining (50), which is arranged at the inside of the pre-foamed rear wall panel, and which forms a space between the rear wall lining and the rear wall panel.