Refrigerator Cooler Board Assembly to Reduce Switch Box Complexity

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing refrigerating apparatuses with coolers attached to refrigerant pipes face difficulties in assembling and installing components due to the need for complex attachment processes, including soldering within a switch box, which is time-consuming and challenging, especially when dealing with bulky components and vibrations from the compressor.

Innovation Solution

The cooler is directly attached to the board using a support member, and the board is fixed to the casing without a switch box, allowing for easier assembly and installation by eliminating the need for intricate soldering within a switch box and reducing the risk of excess load on lead lines, while also grounding the cooler for safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the board is attached to the switch box using screws and lead lines are soldered within the switch box, then the assembly is structurally stable, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidassembly efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the switch box from the assembly structure. The board is directly attached to the casing using fixing members, and the cooler is directly attached to the board. This extraction of the intermediate switch box component simplifies the assembly process while maintaining structural stability through direct mounting relationships.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the assembly into distinct functional components: the board is separately fixed to the casing, and the cooler is separately attached to the board. This segmentation allows each component to be assembled independently without requiring complex integration within a switch box, thereby improving assembly efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If the board is attached to the bulky switch box, then the assembly is mechanically supported, but the installation process becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical supportVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The switch box is completely removed from the assembly. The board is directly fixed to the casing using fixing members that provide mechanical support without requiring the intermediate switch box structure. This eliminates the bulkiness and complexity of installing a large switch box while maintaining adequate mechanical support for the board.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the cooler is attached to the switch box, then vibrations are transmitted to the board through the switch box, but this creates excess load on the lead line

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration transmissionVSAvoidlead line durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The switch box is removed from the vibration transmission path. The cooler is directly attached to the board, which is fixed to the casing. This direct attachment path allows vibrations to be transmitted to the board structure itself rather than being funneled through the lead line via the switch box, reducing stress on the electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The board itself acts as an intermediary structure between the cooler and the casing. By directly attaching the cooler to the board, the board absorbs and distributes vibration forces through its rigid structure rather than transmitting concentrated forces to the lead line through the switch box mounting structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This configuration simplifies the assembly and installation process by eliminating the need for complex switch box interactions, reduces the risk of damage during soldering, and ensures reliable grounding of the cooler, enhancing the overall efficiency and ease of maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

heat dissipated from the heat generating component is absorbed into the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant pipe by way of the heat transfer plate, the cooler, and the refrigerant pipe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

heat dissipated from the heat generating component is absorbed into the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant pipe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP2857764B1Refrigeration device
Publication Date: 2020.11.04 DAIKIN INDUSTRIES LTD
  • EP2857764B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2857764B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2857764B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A printed board (51) on which a power module (53) is mounted, a cooling pipe (15) that is a refrigerant pipe of a refrigerant circuit, and a cooler (60) attached to the power module (53) and the cooling pipe (15) are disposed in a casing (40). A support member (63) by which the cooler (60) is attached to the printed board (51) and supported on the printed board (51), and a fixing member (55) by which the printed board (51) is fixed to the casing (40) and supported on the casing (40) are used.