Modular Refrigerator Cooling Module Layout for Reconfigurable Compartments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerators face challenges in being reconfigurable without substantial redesign and investment, as their cooling systems are complex and dispersed, making it difficult to manufacture various product configurations and impact product introductions and performances.
Innovation Solution
A cooling module set (CMS) that is removably attached to interior surfaces of refrigerators, allowing operation in multiple orientations and repositioning to alter the shape and size of compartments, including a reconfigurable compressor and doors to match access openings, enabling flexible compartment configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cooling system is configured in a fixed, dispersed manner within the cabinet, then the system structure is stable and reliable, but the product cannot be easily reconfigured or manufactured in various configurations without substantial redesign and investment
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into separate, modular cooling module sets that can be independently positioned and configured within the cabinet. Each module set contains complete cooling components (compressor, condenser, evaporator, expansion device) that function as self-contained units, allowing them to be relocated and reconfigured without affecting the entire cooling system.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling module sets are designed with universal mounting capabilities to operate in multiple orientations (vertical, horizontal, angled) and positions within the cabinet. The modules use standardized mounting brackets and fluid connections that accommodate various configurations, enabling a single module design to serve multiple product configurations.
2Ease of manufacture
If cooling system components are widely dispersed and intermingled within the cabinet configuration, then the system can adapt to different cabinet layouts, but each product configuration requires entirely different designs for high side and low side modules
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling module sets are designed with dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing them to be moved and repositioned within the cabinet after manufacturing. The modules incorporate adjustable mounting mechanisms and flexible fluid connections that maintain sealing and functionality regardless of position, enabling post-manufacturing reconfiguration of compartment shapes and sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changes in geometric parameters (position, orientation, distance between modules) without requiring changes to the fundamental module design. The modules maintain their functional parameters (cooling capacity, pressure ratios) while adapting to different spatial configurations through adjustable mounting and flexible connections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the compressor is fixed in a specific orientation, then the compressor design is simpler and more reliable, but the cooling module cannot operate in multiple orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor is designed with asymmetric mounting features and internal component arrangements that allow it to function in multiple orientations. The compressor housing incorporates asymmetric mounting brackets and the internal refrigerant flow paths are configured to maintain proper operation regardless of the compressor's orientation within the module set.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator is provided that includes at least one freezer compartment and at least one refrigerator compartment, wherein the freezer compartment and the refrigerator compartment are defined by a plurality of interior surfaces. The refrigerator further includes a cooling module set (CMS) removably attached to at least one of the plurality of interior surfaces, wherein the CMS is configured to operate in any orientation of a plurality of orientations, and the CMS is further configured to be repositionable with respect to the plurality of interior surfaces to alter a shape of at least one of the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment.