Refrigerated Product Dispenser Venting for Compressor Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing apparatuses for dispensing refrigerated products face challenges in effectively controlling the temperature inside the base body, leading to reduced compressor performance and increased energy consumption, with known solutions failing to provide a simple, reliable, and cost-effective solution for maintaining optimal temperature.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus incorporates a ventilation member with hot airflow openings on the base body to expel hot air, improving the cooling performance of the compressor and reducing energy consumption by maintaining a lower inner temperature and keeping the tub dry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the temperature inside the base body is allowed to rise, then the apparatus structure remains simple, but the compressor performance decreases and energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapparatus structureVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The base body is segmented into an inner chamber and an outer shell with an insulating layer between them. This segmentation creates a thermal barrier that reduces heat transfer to the compressor and internal components, allowing the apparatus to maintain simple structure while reducing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An insulating layer is introduced as an intermediary between the inner chamber and outer shell. This intermediary material (such as polyurethane foam or mineral wool) reduces thermal conduction, preventing external heat from reaching the compressor and thereby reducing energy consumption without complicating the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the temperature inside the base body is lowered to improve compressor performance, then compressor efficiency increases, but the apparatus requires more complex temperature control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompressor performanceVSAvoidtemperature control mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature control function is extracted from active mechanical systems and replaced by passive thermal insulation. The insulating layer actively reduces heat transfer without requiring sensors, controllers, or additional cooling mechanisms, thereby improving compressor performance while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating layer provides self-service temperature control by passively resisting heat flow. It automatically maintains lower temperatures in the inner chamber without requiring external control systems, thereby improving compressor reliability without adding complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Temperature

If conventional insulation methods are used in the base body, then temperature stability improves, but the apparatus size and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature stabilityVSAvoidapparatus size
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Insulation is applied locally only in critical areas where heat transfer affects compressor performance, such as the base body and areas near the compressor. This selective insulation approach maintains temperature stability in critical zones while minimizing the overall volume increase and manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The base body utilizes composite construction with an insulating layer integrated between the inner chamber and outer shell. This composite structure provides effective thermal insulation with minimal thickness, achieving temperature stability without significantly increasing apparatus size or manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 the compressor's performance, reduces energy consumption, and extends the apparatus's endurance while ensuring reliable and versatile operation with economic costs.

Implementation Method 1

a ventilation member (10) suitable to produce a hot airflow which comes out from lower openings (13)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHot airflow: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP2763547B1Apparatus for dispensing refrigerated products
Publication Date: 2015.08.12 SPM DRINK SYST SPA
  • EP2763547B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2763547B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The apparatus for dispensing refrigerated products comprises at least one containment tank (2) mounted above a base body (6) and suitable to contain the product to be dispensed. Inside said tank (2) a mixing device suitable to perform the continuous circulation of the product inside the said tank (2) and a cooling device for cooling said product are arranged. A dispensing device (3) for the product, placed at the front zone of the containment tank (2) is provided with a tap (4) which can be operated by means of an external lever member (5). The base body (6) carries frontally applied a ventilation member (10) suitable to produce a hot airflow which comes out from lower openings (13).