Modular Ejector Cartridge Design for Refrigerating Machine Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional ejectors for refrigerating machines face difficulties in maintenance due to complex structures and tight tolerances, making correct insertion and extraction of components challenging, and require precise alignment for reliable operation.

Innovation Solution

The ejector is designed with a modular structure comprising a main body and a removable cartridge organ that includes the nozzle, closure member, and activating group, allowing for easier assembly and disassembly, and utilizing a connector element with centring mechanisms to maintain precise alignment and simplify maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the nozzle and closure member are fixed as a single body in the main body, then the structure is compact and reliable, but maintenance and extraction of components become awkward and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of closure member positionVSAvoidease of extraction of nozzle
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The ejector is divided into separable components: the nozzle (15) and closure member (16) assembly can be removed as a cartridge from the main body (11). This segmentation allows easy maintenance and replacement while maintaining reliable operation during use, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If tight tolerances are required for correct insertion and movement, then precise alignment is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of closure member alignmentVSAvoidease of assembly operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Centring mechanisms (such as centring collars or guide features) are pre-built into the nozzle and main body structure. These preliminary centring features automatically align the closure member with the nozzle hole during insertion, eliminating the need for tight tolerances and complex manual alignment procedures, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the ejector structure is simplified for easier maintenance, then assembly and disassembly become easier, but alignment precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of maintenance operationVSAvoidalignment precision over time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Connector elements and centring mechanisms act as intermediaries between the simplified modular components. These intermediaries automatically maintain precise alignment when components are assembled, allowing easy maintenance operations while preventing alignment drift over time, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3236179B2Ejector for refrigerating machine
Publication Date: 2024.08.07 CAREL IND SPA
  • EP3236179B2 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3236179B2 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3236179B2 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An ejector (10) for a refrigerating machine, comprising: - a main body (11) crossed by a conduit (12) for passage of refrigerant fluid and having a compartment (13) which comprises a seating (13a), which is in communication with said conduit (12), and a mouth (14) for inlet of refrigerant fluid; - a nozzle (15) which can be coupled with the seating (13a) and having an internal hole (15a), for passage of the refrigerant fluid; - a shutter (16) having an end (16a) which can be coupled with the hole (15a) so as to close the hole (15a); - an activating group (17) of the shutter (16) for modulating the flow rate of refrigerant fluid; - a connector element (18) which can be fixed to the activating group (17) and to the nozzle (15) so as to form therewith a cartridge organ (19) that is autonomous with respect to the main body (11). The ejector (10) comprises coupling means (20a, 20b) able to fix the cartridge organ (19) to the main body (11) and where the fixture can be removed and sealed.