Modular refrigeration assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional refrigeration systems require bulky and heavy ASME certified receiving tanks, which increase the operating footprint, weight, and construction costs, while also generating vibrations due to the additional mass of refrigerant.

Innovation Solution

A modular refrigeration assembly with a frame subassembly comprising hollow support members and cross members that form a containment volume to receive and support refrigerant, allowing for efficient integration of compressors and heat exchangers, eliminating the need for a separate receiving tank.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a separate ASME certified receiving tank is used to store condensed refrigerant, then refrigerant storage capacity is improved, but the operating footprint, weight, and construction costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefrigerant storage capacityVSAvoidoperating footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the refrigerant storage function with the existing frame structure by configuring hollow support members and cross members to form a containment volume. This merging eliminates the need for a separate receiving tank while maintaining refrigerant storage capacity, thereby reducing the operating footprint and overall system weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The frame structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the refrigeration system components and simultaneously acts as a containment volume for storing condensed refrigerant. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated separate components, reducing both footprint and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Quantity of substance

If a separate ASME certified receiving tank is used to store condensed refrigerant, then refrigerant storage capacity is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefrigerant storage capacityVSAvoidsystem weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The storage function is merged with the frame structure, eliminating the need for additional heavy receiving tank materials. The frame members themselves form the containment volume, utilizing existing structural mass rather than adding separate heavy components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent discards the conventional separate receiving tank approach and recovers the structural frame members to serve as the storage containment, thereby eliminating unnecessary weight from dedicated storage components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Quantity of substance

If a separate ASME certified receiving tank is used to store condensed refrigerant, then refrigerant storage capacity is improved, but construction costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefrigerant storage capacityVSAvoidconstruction costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the storage function with the frame structure, the patent eliminates the need for separate ASME certified receiving tanks and their associated complex certification, fabrication, and installation requirements, thereby reducing construction costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the refrigerant storage function from the conventional separate receiving tank system and integrates it into the frame structure, removing the need for expensive certified tank components and their associated installation infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Quantity of substance

If a separate ASME certified receiving tank is used to store condensed refrigerant, then refrigerant storage capacity is improved, but vibrations increase due to additional mass

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefrigerant storage capacityVSAvoidvibrations

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the storage function with the frame structure, the patent eliminates the additional mass of separate receiving tanks. The refrigerant is contained within the frame members themselves, reducing the total system mass and consequently the vibrations generated during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This configuration reduces the operating footprint, weight, and construction costs, while minimizing vibrations by integrating the refrigerant storage within the frame subassembly, enhancing the structural integrity and efficiency of the refrigeration system.

Implementation Method 1

A heat exchanger is operable to condense refrigerant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Data Source

PatentUS9677796B2Modular refrigeration assembly

Publication Date: 2017.06.13 HUSSMANN CORP

AI summary

A subassembly of a refrigeration system includes a frame having a plurality of support members and one or more cross members, each cross member extending between two of the support members. A heat exchanger is operable to condense refrigerant. A compressor is supported by the frame and operable to provide refrigerant to the heat exchanger. A portion of the frame is configured to receive and contain refrigerant condensed by the heat exchanger.