Pivoting Condenser Bracket Layout for Compact Refrigerator Shipping

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional refrigeration appliances face challenges in achieving adequate natural convection and space efficiency during packaging and transportation, as the condenser positioning often requires significant space and complex arrangements to optimize heat transfer and air circulation.

Innovation Solution

A condenser positioning mechanism featuring a carrier bracket and orientation device that pivotally adjusts the condenser's plane, allowing it to be rotated away from the appliance, thereby increasing air circulation while maintaining a compact form factor for storage and shipping, using a flexible stopping member and fixation protrusion to secure the extended position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the condenser is positioned at a certain distance from the rear wall to ensure adequate aeration and natural convection, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but the appliance occupies more space during packaging and transportation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoidstorage and shipping space
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The condenser is made dynamically positionable through a pivot mechanism that allows it to rotate between a first position (during operation) and a second position (during packaging/transportation). This dynamic positioning enables the system to optimize heat transfer efficiency during use while minimizing occupied space during storage and shipping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The condenser is arranged at an angle relative to the rear wall rather than being strictly parallel, creating additional spatial efficiency. The pivot mechanism allows movement in multiple dimensions, enabling the condenser to achieve optimal aeration geometry during operation while folding into a compact configuration during packaging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Temperature

If the condenser is positioned away from the appliance to increase air circulation, then natural convection is enhanced, but the structural complexity increases requiring multiple brackets and separate units

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenatural convectionVSAvoidstructural arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier bracket and stationary bracket are integrated into a unified pivot mechanism that combines multiple functions: supporting the condenser, enabling rotational movement, and maintaining structural integrity. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed compared to conventional arrangements requiring multiple individual brackets and separate condenser units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pivot mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural support, a positioning mechanism, and a space-saving device. The carrier bracket both holds the condenser and provides the pivot axis for rotation, eliminating the need for separate mounting and positioning components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution enhances natural convection and reduces storage and shipping space requirements while allowing for easy installation and operation without specialized tools, ensuring efficient air circulation and preventing condenser displacement during use.

Implementation Method 1

Condensers of the static type operate according to the natural heat convection principle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNatural convection: Free Convection

Implementation Method 2

While the refrigerant fluid undergoes a phase transition from the liquid phase to the gas phase by passing through the evaporator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase transition: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentEP3019801B1Refrigeration appliance having condenser positioning mechanism
Publication Date: 2018.12.12 ARCELIK AS
  • EP3019801B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3019801B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3019801B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a refrigeration appliance (1) having a cabin (2) for preserving food items to be cooled, a condenser (3) extending along the rear wall of the appliance cabin (2), said condenser (3) having a parking position usable when the refrigeration appliance (1) is in a storage or shipping condition and an extended position usable during operation of the refrigeration appliance (1). The refrigeration appliance (1) further comprises a pair of stationary brackets (12) to which the condenser (3) is attachable in a non-displaceable manner and a pair of carrier brackets (6) to which the condenser (3) is attachable in a displaceable manner.