Refrigeration unit having movable directional element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle refrigeration units face challenges in providing effective airflow and cooling within cargo spaces, especially when installed in vehicles with open or tarp-covered cargo areas, due to poor air throw and leakage of cooling, which can lead to temperature fluctuations detrimental to cargo.

Innovation Solution

A refrigeration unit with a movable directional element that can be stowed within the unit and deployed to direct airflow effectively, including a pivotable or rotatable fan configuration, to ensure efficient air distribution and cooling within the cargo space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the refrigeration unit blows air upward toward the roof without directional control, then the air distribution is simple and the device structure is simple, but the air throw is poor and cooling efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the directional element movable rather than fixed. The directional element can pivot between a first position (stowed within the evaporator) and a second position (deployed to direct airflow). This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt airflow direction based on installation requirements, improving cooling efficiency in vehicles with open or tarp-covered cargo areas while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the refrigeration unit is installed in vehicles with open or tarp-covered cargo areas, then the unit can be used in more vehicle configurations, but air leakage occurs and temperature control becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle configuration compatibilityVSAvoidtemperature control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The movable directional element allows the refrigeration unit to adapt to different vehicle configurations (open or tarp-covered cargo areas) by directing airflow appropriately. When deployed, it projects airflow into the cargo space more effectively, compensating for air leakage issues in open configurations and maintaining temperature control reliability across different vehicle types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If a fixed directional element is used to direct airflow, then airflow directionality is improved, but installation time and labor increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow directionalityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The directional element is designed as a separate, movable component that can be independently deployed or stowed. This segmentation allows the refrigeration unit to be installed quickly without pre-configuring the directional element, while still providing airflow directionality when needed. The element can be easily attached or detached during installation, reducing labor time compared to fixed integrated designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If the movable directional element is stowed within the evaporator, then the unit has a compact form factor for easy installation, but airflow directionality is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidairflow directionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The directional element transitions from a stowed position (within the evaporator) to a deployed position (directing airflow). In the stowed position, it maintains a compact form factor that facilitates easy installation through vehicle openings. When deployed, it provides the necessary airflow directionality. This dynamic transformation allows the system to achieve both compact installation and effective airflow control as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 movable directional element enhances airflow directionality and cooling efficiency within the cargo space, reducing installation time and labor, and maintaining optimal cargo temperatures even when the refrigeration unit is not continuously powered.

Implementation Method 1

the air may be blown upward within the cargo space toward the roof or ceiling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 2

an evaporator in thermal communication with the condenser and configured to be positioned inside of a cargo space of the vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat Exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentUS10830521B2Refrigeration unit having movable directional element

Publication Date: 2020.11.10 CARRIER CORP

AI summary

A refrigeration unit for a vehicle comprising a condenser configured to be positioned outside of the vehicle, an evaporator in thermal communication with the condenser and configured to be positioned inside of a cargo space of the vehicle, the evaporator having a fan, and a movable directional element housed within the evaporator and deployable from a first position to a second position, wherein in the first position, the movable directional element is stowed within the evaporator and in the second position the movable directional element provides directional airflow control to air being blown by the fan of the evaporator.