Method and system for cooler conversion to a refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable refrigeration systems are bulky, expensive, and require technical expertise to set up, and they often lack portability and the ability to convert between refrigeration and cooler modes without exposing refrigerant inside the unit, posing a hazard.
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 communication pathway through the cooler's drain port for efficient heat exchange, minimizing space and allowing easy conversion between modes without exposing refrigerant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If portable refrigeration systems are designed with all components inside a single module, then the system is self-contained and portable, but the internal capacity for storing goods is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigeration system is divided into two separate modules: an internal heat transfer module that fits inside the cooler and an external liquid cooling module that houses the compressor, condenser, and other heavy components. This segmentation allows the internal module to occupy minimal space while the external module contains the bulky components, thereby maximizing internal storage capacity while maintaining system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The heavy and space-consuming components (compressor, condenser, expansion device) are extracted from the cooler interior and placed in an external module. Only the essential heat transfer components remain inside, connected via flexible hoses that route through the cooler's drain port. This extraction eliminates the space occupation problem while preserving the refrigeration function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If refrigeration components are installed inside a conventional cooler, then the cooler can be converted to a refrigerator, but the installation requires technical expertise and is difficult to remove or convert back
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs flexible hoses and adaptors that allow the internal heat transfer module to be easily installed and removed from the cooler. The modular design with standardized connections enables users to convert between refrigerator and cooler modes without permanent modifications or specialized tools, making the conversion process dynamic and reversible.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal heat transfer module is designed with universal adaptors that can interface with various cooler types and configurations. The system can function as a refrigerator when the module is installed and as a conventional cooler when removed, providing multi-functionality and ease of conversion without requiring technical expertise.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If refrigerant is contained inside the cooler unit, then the refrigeration system is compact, but leakage creates safety hazards and environmental damage
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant-containing components (compressor, condenser, expansion device, and majority of refrigerant charge) are extracted and placed in the external module, isolating the hazardous refrigerant from the cooler interior. The internal module contains only a small amount of refrigerant in the heat transfer section, minimizing potential leakage hazards inside the cooler while maintaining effective refrigeration.
Solution Approach 2:
A closed-loop fluid communication pathway serves as an intermediary connection between the internal and external modules, allowing refrigerant to circulate safely through sealed hoses that route through the cooler's existing drain port. This intermediary pathway maintains system integrity while physically separating the refrigerant charge from the cooler interior space.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a closed loop fluid pathway is used to connect internal and external modules, then refrigerant is contained safely outside the cooler, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible hoses serving as fluid communication pathways are designed to route through the cooler's existing drain port, utilizing the cooler's own structure as part of the connection path. This approach simplifies installation by leveraging existing openings and reduces the need for additional penetrations or complex routing, thereby reducing system complexity despite the dual-module configuration.
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 easy installation and removal of a refrigeration unit in conventional coolers, reducing space occupancy and avoiding refrigerant exposure, while providing portable, battery-powered refrigeration with minimal technical expertise, maintaining mobility and safety.
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 containing the remaining components of the refrigeration system, as well as a second closed loop holding refrigerant for engaging in a heat exchange with the closed loop fluid
Implementation Method 2
an exterior environment and the cooler walls providing thermal insulation between the interior environment and the exterior environment
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.