Modular Refrigerator Cabinet Panels for Low-Cost Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cold appliance manufacturing faces challenges such as high transportation costs due to bulky products, limited flexibility in producing modular and customizable designs, difficulties in assembling complex components like condensation prevention devices, 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 cabinet with interconnected panels using a continuous double belt foaming process, a compact cooling module with the evaporator and compressor positioned beside each other, and a condensation prevention system with a thermosiphon tube integrated into a profiled bar for easy assembly and efficient air circulation, including a pre-defrost device to manage frost and ice formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If cold appliances are manufactured in modular fashion for disassembled transport, then transportation costs are reduced, but assembly complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cabinet is divided into multiple separate panels (front panel, rear panel, side panels, top panel, bottom panel) that can be manufactured independently and transported separately. Each panel is a self-contained module with standardized connection interfaces, enabling modular assembly at the destination while reducing transportation costs compared to shipping complete assembled units.
2Ease of operation
If cabinet panels are connected by mechanical and/or glue joints, then assembly ease is improved, but joint strength and cabinet rigidity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system merges two different joining methods: mechanical connections (such as interlocking profiles or fasteners) provide immediate structural strength and rigidity, while glue joints (adhesive bonding) provide additional bonding strength and seal the joints. This combination ensures both easy assembly through standardized mechanical interfaces and sufficient joint strength for a rigid, stable cabinet structure.
3Volume of moving object
If the evaporator is positioned lower than the compressor, then space utilization is improved, but defrosting efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A defrost water drainage channel or conduit is introduced as an intermediary element to transport defrost water from the evaporator (positioned lower) to the drain pan near the compressor (positioned higher). This intermediary structure overcomes the gravitational challenge, allowing the evaporator to be optimally positioned for space utilization while maintaining effective defrosting functionality through controlled water removal.
4Adaptability or versatility
If new product designs are developed with variable equipment options, then adaptability is improved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The modular panel design with standardized connection interfaces creates a universal platform that can accommodate different equipment configurations and cabinet sizes. The same basic panel modules and connection systems can be used across multiple product variants, allowing customization of equipment options and cabinet dimensions without requiring entirely new tooling or manufacturing processes, thereby controlling production costs while maintaining adaptability.
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
The design achieves stability, reduced transportation costs, improved thermal insulation, and efficient air circulation, while simplifying the assembly of complex components and addressing defrosting challenges, resulting in a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing modular cold appliance.
Implementation Method 1
Each cabinet panel comprises an inner sheet, an outer sheet and an intermediary layer of a foamed insulating material
Implementation Method 2
continuous double belt foaming process
Data Source
AI summary
A cold appliance, such as a household refrigerator or freezer, comprising a cabinet (101) and a cooling module (102) and a cabinet panel for a household cold appliance. The cabinet comprises cabinet panels including two opposite side wall panels (1), a rear wall panel (4), and a top part (2), which are connected essentially perpendicular to each other by means of mechanical and/or glue joints. Each cabinet panel comprises an inner sheet (9), an outer sheet (8) and an intermediary layer (17) of a foamed insulating material, wherein each cabinet panel has an inner surface, an outer surface, and four edge surfaces. The cooling module comprises a cold section (34) and a warm section (35), which is separated from the cold section by an insulating wall (105), an evaporator (33) arranged in the cold section, and a compressor (36) and a condenser (31, 32) arranged in the warm section, the cooling module comprises a bottom part (31) comprising support means, such as wheels and/or feet, the bottom edge surface of the side wall panels is attached to the bottom part (121).