Modular Vehicle Cooling Unit for Continuous Stop-Time Refrigeration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cooling systems for perishable goods require continuous engine operation, leading to inefficiencies during vehicle downtimes, increased weight and cost with additional motors, and complex installation and maintenance due to dispersed battery and recharging systems.
Innovation Solution
A unified, modular cooling unit that groups batteries, compressor, condenser, and control electronics into a compact chest with evaporators distributed inside the vehicle, allowing for easy integration, reduced connection lengths, and improved accessibility for maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the cooling unit is powered by an additional independent motor, then the cooling unit can run during vehicle stops, but the weight and cost of the equipment increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle's existing motor is designed to serve dual purposes: propelling the vehicle and powering the cooling unit. The motor controller intelligently manages power distribution, allowing the single motor to fulfill multiple functions without requiring an additional independent motor, thereby avoiding increased weight while maintaining continuous cooling capability during vehicle stops
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling unit's power source is merged with the vehicle's propulsion system. Instead of having separate power sources, the invention integrates the cooling motor control into the vehicle's existing motor control architecture, combining the propulsion and cooling functions into a unified power management system that reduces overall system weight
2Use of energy by moving object
If batteries and recharging systems are located in different parts of the vehicle, then power supply is available, but installation, maintenance, diagnosis and repair become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The batteries and recharging systems are merged into a single integrated location within the cooling unit assembly. This consolidation places all power-related components together, making them easily accessible for installation, maintenance, diagnosis, and repair operations, while still providing adequate power supply to the cooling unit
3Adaptability or versatility
If connection pipes between cooling unit components are long, then components can be distributed, but the cost and weight of connection pipes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling unit components (compressor, condenser, evaporator, batteries) are merged into a compact, integrated assembly that minimizes the distance between them. This consolidation reduces the length and quantity of connection pipes required, thereby reducing both the weight and cost of the piping system while maintaining functional versatility
4Adaptability or versatility
If components are dispersed throughout the vehicle, then installation flexibility is improved, but the number of parts, connections and bolts increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cooling unit components are merged into a single pre-assembled module that functions as one integrated unit. This approach maintains installation flexibility by treating the entire cooling system as a single installable component, while dramatically reducing the total number of individual parts, connections, and fasteners compared to dispersing components throughout the vehicle
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is segmented into a modular, pre-assembled unit that can be installed as a complete package. This segmentation allows the complex internal components to be factory-assembled and tested, then installed as a single module, reducing on-site installation complexity while maintaining design flexibility
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 installation and maintenance time, minimizes environmental impact by reducing gas usage and leak consequences, and enhances operational efficiency by allowing continuous cooling during vehicle stops without additional motors.
Implementation Method 1
condenser (6)
Implementation Method 2
condenser (6)
Implementation Method 3
compressor (8)
Implementation Method 4
evaporator units (15)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Unified cooling unit with modular structure suitable for installation in a vehicle attached to the wall of its box in a chest above the cabin, characterised by the fact that it comprises a structure that includes a central module with a rear hole, a front opening and a transverse partition, on the sides of this central module a module with a left opening and a module with a right opening; all of the openings have windows to the outside and the various modules are linked together by removable means. This structure houses the batteries, the condenser, the compressor, the electronic elements for running the compressor, the electrical elements for running the batteries and the connections between them, all of which in an accessible manner and where said structure is enclosed by a casing with at least one practicable area for each hole and which includes connections with at least one evaporator.