Refrigerant line assembly for a refrigeration appliance, and refrigeration appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration appliances with multiple compartments face challenges in quickly and easily installing refrigerant line assemblies without damaging them.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerant line arrangement where the suction pipe and connecting pipe have curved sections that run parallel and are fastened together, allowing for a simple and stable fixation, reducing the effort required for positioning and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the refrigerant line assembly is mounted as a pre-assembled unit, then installation speed and ease are improved, but the complexity of positioning and aligning multiple pipes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction pipe and connecting pipe are merged into a single pre-assembled unit with integrated curved connection sections. This combining of multiple pipe components into one assembly reduces the number of separate positioning operations required during installation, thereby improving installation speed while managing complexity through pre-integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The curved connection sections are pre-formed and pre-positioned relative to each other during manufacturing. This preliminary action of creating the spatial relationship between pipes before installation eliminates the need for complex on-site alignment and positioning, allowing for quick installation while maintaining precise geometric relationships
2Reliability
If the pipes are fastened together in curved sections, then stability and reliability of connection are improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection sections are designed with curved geometries that naturally accommodate thermal expansion and mechanical stress. These curved sections provide flexibility and stress distribution, enhancing connection reliability while the standardization of curve profiles allows for consistent manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 2:
The curved connection sections serve multiple functions: they provide structural flexibility, accommodate thermal movement, and establish precise alignment between pipes. This multi-functionality is achieved through standardized curve designs that can be manufactured with consistent precision while delivering multiple performance benefits
3Ease of operation
If the pipe connection sections are curved and parallel, then ease of fixation is improved, but the space required for routing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The curved connection sections are arranged in a nested configuration where one curved section is positioned within or adjacent to another. This nesting allows the pipes to be fixed together in a compact arrangement, providing ease of fixation while minimizing the overall space required for routing the refrigerant lines through the appliance
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A refrigerant line assembly for a refrigeration appliance comprises: - a suction tube, having a first end region for connection to an outlet of a first evaporator, which first end region has a curved first tube connection portion, and a second end region for connection to an inlet of a compressor; and - a connecting tube, having a first end region for connection to an outlet of a second evaporator and a second end region for connection to an inlet of the first evaporator, which second end region has a curved second tube connection portion; wherein the first tube connection portion and the second tube connection portion (35) run parallel to each other and are fastened to each other.