Subflow protection for refrigeration cycle machine, refrigeration cycle machine, and method
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing refrigeration circuit machines face inefficiencies due to air flowing past the evaporator, which reduces the machine's performance, and the need for maintenance access requires a balance between sealing and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
An understream protection system comprising three sections - two side sections and a center section - that can be assembled between the evaporator and the condensate tray to create a form closure, preventing air from flowing underneath the evaporator while allowing for easy assembly and disassembly for maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a permanent seal between the evaporator and condensate pan is implemented, then underflow prevention is improved, but maintenance accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The underflow protection device is divided into three separate sections (two side sections and a central section) that can be independently installed and removed. This segmentation allows the device to provide reliable underflow prevention when assembled, while enabling easy maintenance by removing individual sections without permanent fastening, thus resolving the contradiction between sealing reliability and maintenance accessibility
2Reliability
If the evaporator and condensate pan are positioned close together, then underflow protection is improved, but condensate collection volume deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of reducing the vertical distance between evaporator and condensate pan, the underflow protection device extends laterally to block airflow paths. The device spans across the gap horizontally, preventing underflow through side barriers while preserving the vertical space needed for condensate collection, thus resolving the contradiction between underflow protection and condensate volume
3Productivity
If air flow is completely directed through the evaporator, then refrigeration efficiency is improved, but airflow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The underflow protection device is positioned specifically at the critical underflow path beneath the evaporator, creating a localized seal only where needed. This targeted approach prevents efficiency-reducing underflow while leaving the main airflow paths through the evaporator unobstructed, thus improving refrigeration efficiency without significantly increasing overall airflow resistance
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 understream protection effectively seals the evaporator from underneath, enhancing the refrigeration circuit machine's efficiency by preventing air leaks, while also facilitating easy maintenance and cleaning without the need for permanent fastening or sealing.
Implementation Method 1
the central section forms a positive connection with both of the side sections in this way: the positive connection prevents further movement in the insertion direction and also prevents movement of the central section in the direction of both of the side sections
Implementation Method 2
the underflow protection device is designed to be mounted in a mounting position between the evaporator and the condensate tray in a downwardly sealing manner to the evaporator
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an underflow guard (10) for a refrigeration unit (1), in particular a domestic appliance for ventilation, heating, hot water preparation and/or cooling, wherein the refrigeration unit (1) has an evaporator (2) and a condensate tray (4) arranged below the evaporator (1), wherein the underflow guard (10) is designed to be mounted in a mounting position between the evaporator (2) and the condensate tray (4) in a downwardly sealing manner, wherein the underflow guard (10) has two side sections (11, 13) and a central section (12), wherein the central section (12) is designed to be mounted along an insertion direction (E) between both of the side sections (11, 13) and thereby form a positive fit, wherein the positive fit prevents further movement in the insertion direction (E) as well as movement of the central section (12) in the direction of both of the side sections (11, 13).wherein the central section (12) further comprises a handle element (30) which is designed to remove the central section (30) from the assembly position in the opposite direction to the insertion direction (E).