Refrigeration device and heat exchanger assembly for a refrigeration device

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Solution Overview

Problem

In household refrigeration devices, the compact design of the machine room often makes it difficult to easily install and remove fans, which are typically fixed to the condenser housing and positioned in tight spaces between the condenser assembly and other components, requiring complex and space-constrained coupling structures for detachment.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a fan with a carrier and impeller mounted on it, where the fan is positioned between the carrier and the condenser housing, with coupling structures that allow for easy removal along the depth direction, utilizing a rail and slider mechanism or pivotable pins to facilitate disassembly without requiring significant movement in the transverse direction, thus simplifying the process of removing the fan from the machine room.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the fan is mounted on the condenser housing in a compact machine room, then the storage compartment volume is maximized, but the fan becomes difficult to remove and install

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage compartment volumeVSAvoidfan installation and removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling structure is divided into two separate parts: a first coupling structure on the condenser housing and a second coupling structure on the fan. These detachable coupling structures allow the fan to be easily separated from the condenser housing for removal and installation, while still maintaining a compact overall design when assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling structures act as intermediary elements between the fan and condenser housing. The first coupling structure on the condenser housing and the second coupling structure on the fan provide a detachable connection mechanism that facilitates easy assembly and disassembly without requiring complex fastening or disassembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the coupling structure is designed for secure attachment, then the fan is firmly fixed, but the fan cannot be easily removed through the machine room opening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefan attachment securityVSAvoidfan removal for replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling structure is segmented into detachable first and second coupling structures that can be easily separated. This segmentation allows the fan to be firmly attached during operation while enabling simple removal when needed, as the two coupling structures can be detached without complex procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling structures are designed to extend beyond the impeller in the transverse direction, creating a detachment path that allows the fan to be removed through the machine room opening along the depth direction. This dimensional arrangement provides a clear removal path without requiring the fan to be pulled sideways through tight spaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Volume of stationary object

If the fan is positioned in tight space between condenser assembly and functional component, then the machine room is compact, but the coupling structure becomes complex and space-constrained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine room volumeVSAvoidcoupling structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling structure is divided into separate first and second coupling structures that can be independently designed and positioned. This segmentation allows each coupling structure to be optimized for its specific location and function, reducing overall complexity compared to a single complex fastening mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling structures are designed with universal attachment features that can be implemented in various configurations. The first coupling structure on the condenser housing and the second coupling structure on the fan provide a standardized connection mechanism that simplifies the overall design despite the constrained space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4379295A1Refrigeration device and heat exchanger assembly for a refrigeration device
Publication Date: 2024.06.05 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP4379295A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4379295A1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4379295A1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

A refrigeration unit comprises a fan with an impeller and a support, arranged in a machine compartment between a condenser assembly and another component, the impeller being positioned between the support and the condenser assembly. A condenser housing of the condenser assembly includes a first coupling structure. The fan includes a second coupling structure, which is detachably connected to the first coupling structure. The first coupling structure and/or the second coupling structure extends over the impeller, and the first and second coupling structures are designed such that the fan can be removed from the machine compartment through a machine compartment opening along a depth direction.