Freezing apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration apparatuses face inefficiencies when cooling targets rapidly increase in temperature, leading to excessive cooling and potential freezing of the cooling medium due to increased compressor frequency without considering the temperature dynamics of the cooling medium.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration apparatus with temperature sensors and a control device that adjusts compressor frequency based on the temperature of the cooling medium, switching between operating modes to match the medium's temperature changes, ensuring appropriate cooling without excessive freezing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional freezing apparatus with separate freezing and storage chambers is used, then freezing capacity is sufficient, but device complexity and space occupation are excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the freezing chamber and storage chamber into a single integrated apparatus. The freezing chamber is positioned above the storage chamber, allowing both functions to occupy one spatial location rather than requiring separate rooms or large floor space. This combining reduces the overall footprint while maintaining distinct functional zones through internal partitioning and insulation layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The design nests the storage chamber within the overall apparatus structure, with the freezing chamber positioned above it. The insulation layers and partition walls are nested between these chambers, creating a compact hierarchical structure where each functional element is contained within the broader apparatus footprint, maximizing space utilization.
2Reliability
If frequent manual defrosting is performed to prevent odors and cross-contamination, then food safety is improved, but loss of time and operational convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus automatically prevents frost accumulation and odor transfer through its insulated design and sealed structure. The thick insulation layers and airtight partitions between chambers eliminate the need for manual defrosting operations, allowing the system to maintain food safety and prevent cross-contamination autonomously over extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates pre-built insulation barriers and sealed partitions that prevent frost and odor propagation before they can cause problems. These protective structures are built into the apparatus from the beginning, cushioning against the harmful effects of frost accumulation and cross-contamination without requiring reactive manual intervention.
3Loss of energy
If thick insulation layers are added to prevent heat transfer and frost formation, then energy efficiency improves, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies insulation layers of varying thicknesses at different locations based on thermal requirements. Thicker insulation is applied to outer walls and surfaces experiencing greater temperature differentials, while thinner insulation suffices for internal partitions. This localized approach optimizes heat transfer prevention without uniformly increasing manufacturing complexity across the entire apparatus.
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 apparatus effectively adjusts compressor frequency to quickly cool the cooling target while preventing freezing, optimizing cooling efficiency by aligning with the medium's temperature dynamics.
Implementation Method 1
insulating layers extending from the partition wall to the outer surface of the housing
Implementation Method 2
When fruits and vegetables are frozen, the water contained therein is removed thereby preventing the growth of bacteria
Data Source
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AI summary
A refrigeration apparatus includes a compressor 21, a first heat exchanger 23 configured to radiate heat of a first heating medium compressed by the compressor 21, a second heat exchanger 26 configured to cause heat exchange between the first heating medium and a second heating medium provided to cool a cooling target, a first temperature sensor 32 configured to detect temperature of the second heating medium in the second heat exchanger 26, and a control device 50 configured to control an operating frequency of the compressor 21. The control device 50 effects a first operating mode for changing the operating frequency by first acceleration upon satisfaction of a first condition where increasing temperature ΔT per predetermined time of the second heating medium in the second heat exchanger 26 is equal to or less than a first threshold Tth1, and effects a second operating mode for changing the operating frequency by second acceleration higher than the first acceleration upon satisfaction of a second condition where the increasing temperature ΔT per predetermined time of the second heating medium in the second heat exchanger 26 exceeds the first threshold Tth1.