Refrigerator Conduit Support Design for Condenser Unit Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing design of refrigerators, with a pipe extending through the wall between the refrigerated area and the surrounding area, makes it difficult and time-consuming to service the condenser unit, as it prevents access for inspection, cleaning, and potential replacement.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design that includes a conduit support with an opening for the conduit, which extends through a separation wall with a recess to receive the conduit support, allowing it to be separated from the wall for easier removal and servicing of the condenser unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conduit is fixed within the separation wall to connect the refrigerated area and the cabinet, then the refrigeration system maintains structural stability, but the condenser unit becomes difficult to access and remove for servicing
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit support is divided into a first support portion and a second support portion that can be separated from each other. The first support portion remains attached to the separation wall while the second support portion is removed along with the condenser unit, enabling service access while maintaining the refrigeration system's structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The second support portion is extracted from the separation wall structure, allowing the condenser unit to be removed without disturbing the fixed first support portion. This extraction enables maintenance access while preserving the overall system configuration
2Productivity
If the conduit is fixed within the separation wall, then the refrigeration system maintains structural integrity, but servicing time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the conduit support into removable and fixed portions, the servicing process is accelerated. The second support portion can be quickly detached and removed with the condenser unit, eliminating the need for time-consuming complete disassembly of the separation wall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit support is pre-configured with a separable structure that anticipates future maintenance needs. The first and second support portions are designed to be easily separated, so when servicing is required, the second portion can be rapidly removed without requiring complex disassembly procedures
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a refrigerated area and a cabinet; a separation wall dividing the refrigerated area and the cabinet; a refrigeration system including an evaporator disposed in the refrigerated area, a condenser unit disposed in the cabinet and a conduit connecting the condenser unit with the evaporator, wherein the conduit extends through the separation wall; and a conduit support having an opening through which the conduit extends. The separation wall includes a recess shaped to receive the conduit support such that the conduit support can be separated from the separation wall for removal of the condenser unit from the cabinet.