Modular Refrigeration Cabinet with Camlock Panel Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigeration units are cumbersome and costly to manufacture and transport due to their large, single-body main cabinet design, requiring multiple molds for different dimensions and posing challenges in handling and storage, which increases production expenses and logistical complexities.
Innovation Solution
A modular refrigeration unit composed of separate panels that are foamed with Polyurethane Foam insulation and coupled using guiding pin and camlock assemblies, allowing for flexible assembly and disassembly, reducing the need for multiple molds and simplifying handling and transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the main cabinet is formed as a single body component by joining sheet-metal, then the structural integrity and insulation are improved, but the handling and transportation become cumbersome and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The main cabinet is divided into multiple separate panels that can be individually handled and assembled. Each panel is formed separately using sheet-metal joining and foaming processes, then connected through camlock assemblies to form the complete cabinet structure. This segmentation enables easier handling and transportation while maintaining structural integrity through the connection mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple molds are used to manufacture main cabinets with different dimensions, then the adaptability to different consumer demands is improved, but the manufacturing cost and maintenance burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cabinet is segmented into standardized panels that can be reconfigured to create different dimensional specifications. Instead of manufacturing entirely different cabinets for each dimension requirement, the same panel set can be arranged in various configurations, reducing the need for multiple specialized molds and lowering manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel design and connection system are made universal to serve multiple dimensional requirements. The same basic panel components and camlock assemblies can be used across different cabinet configurations, making the manufacturing process more versatile and cost-effective for meeting various consumer demands.
3Volume of stationary object
If the main cabinet is designed as a large single-body structure, then the storage capacity is improved, but the assembly precision and leakage prevention become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The large storage capacity is achieved by assembling multiple panels rather than creating one monolithic structure. Each panel can be manufactured with precise dimensions and proper insulation, and the camlock connection assemblies provide precise alignment and sealing interfaces, ensuring leak-free assembly while maintaining large overall capacity.
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 modular design reduces assembly time, minimizes tool and workforce requirements, eliminates foam leakage, and allows for cost-effective production of panels with various dimensions using a single mold, enhancing handling, assembly efficiency, and reducing logistical challenges.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of panels is formed as separate components and may then be foamed with Polyurethane Foam (PUF) insulation
Data Source
AI summary
A modular refrigeration unit (100) is disclosed. The modular refrigeration unit (100) includes a plurality of panels (104) adapted to form a main cabinet (102) of the modular refrigeration unit (100), and at least one camlock assembly (304) adapted to couple the plurality of panels (104) with each other to form the main cabinet (102). Each of the plurality of panels (104) is formed as a separate component. The at least one camlock assembly (304) includes a first sub-assembly (502) disposed on a first panel (104-1), a second sub-assembly (504) disposed on a second panel (104-2) and adapted to be aligned with the first sub-assembly (502). The at least one camlock assembly (304) further includes a hook (506) disposed in one of the first sub-assembly (502) and the second sub-assembly (504). The hook (506) is adapted to rotate when the first sub-assembly (502) is aligned with the second sub-assembly (504), to engage the first sub-assembly (502) with the second sub-assembly (504), for coupling the first panel (104-1) with the second panel (104-2).