Refrigerator Conduit Support Design for Condenser Unit Accessibility
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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 refrigerator, particularly to inspect, clean, and replace the condenser unit.
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 for easy removal of the condenser unit by separating the conduit support from the separation wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conduit is fixed within the separation wall to connect the evaporator and condenser unit, 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 two segments: a first support portion that engages with the separation wall and a second support portion that holds the conduit. This segmentation allows the conduit support to be detached from the wall while maintaining conduit connection, enabling condenser unit removal without compromising the fixed structural engagement point in the wall.
2Productivity
If a conduit extends through the separation wall to connect the refrigerated area and cabinet, then refrigerant circulation is enabled, but the condenser unit cannot be easily removed for cleaning or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit is extracted from being fixed directly to the separation wall and is instead held by the removable conduit support. This allows the conduit to be temporarily removed from the wall structure during servicing, enabling quick condenser unit removal and replacement without permanent wall modifications, thus reducing service time while maintaining refrigerant circulation functionality.
3Reliability
If the conduit is permanently fixed in the separation wall, then the refrigeration system maintains sealed integrity, but servicing requires complex disassembly and reassembly procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit support transitions from a static fixed state to a dynamic removable state. The first support portion can be disengaged from the separation wall, allowing the conduit and condenser unit to be removed for servicing. This dynamic design maintains sealed integrity during operation while simplifying service procedures through easy attachment and detachment without complex disassembly.
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2~3
Figure 4(a)~4(b)
AI summary
The present invention provides a refrigerator (500) comprising: a refrigerated area (511) and a cabinet (505); a separation wall (504) dividing the refrigerated area and the cabinet; a refrigeration system comprising an evaporator disposed in the refrigerated area, a condenser unit (512) disposed in the cabinet and a conduit (90) connecting the condenser unit with the evaporator, wherein the conduit extends through the separation wall; and a conduit support (10) having an opening through which the conduit extends, wherein the separation wall comprises a recess (71) 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.