Refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerant leakage detection sensors in refrigeration containers are prone to breakdown at low temperatures, leading to unreliable operation and the inability to replace or repair them during cargo transport, resulting in unnecessary measures to prevent refrigerant leakage during unloading.
Innovation Solution
The sensor for refrigerant leakage detection is positioned outside the internal space of the refrigeration container, with an internal air guide passage directing air from the fan to the sensor, allowing for effective detection without being affected by internal temperatures and facilitating easy replacement or repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensor for refrigerant leakage detection is disposed inside the internal space of the container main body, then refrigerant leakage can be detected directly, but the sensor breaks down due to low temperature and dew condensation
Solution Approach 1:
An air guide passage is introduced as an intermediary component to transport air from the internal space to the sensor. The sensor remains in the external space while still detecting refrigerant leakage from the internal space through the mediated air flow, thus avoiding direct exposure to harsh internal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is segmented into two separate locations: the air guide passage extends into the internal space to collect air samples, while the sensor itself remains in the external space where conditions are favorable. This segmentation allows the sensing function to be separated from the harsh environment.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor for refrigerant leakage detection is disposed inside the internal space of the container main body, then refrigerant leakage can be detected, but the sensor cannot be replaced or repaired during cargo transport
Solution Approach 1:
The air guide passage serves as a removable intermediary that connects the internal space to the sensor. This allows the sensor to be accessed and replaced from the external space without requiring entry into the internal space or disruption of cargo, significantly improving maintenance ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is extracted from the internal space and positioned in the external space, while the air guide passage remains as a connecting element. This extraction makes the sensor accessible for replacement without affecting the internal cargo space, solving the maintenance accessibility problem.
3Ease of repair
If the sensor for refrigerant leakage detection is disposed outside the internal space of the container main body, then the sensor can be easily replaced or repaired, but refrigerant leakage detection becomes less direct
Solution Approach 1:
The air guide passage utilizes pneumatic principles to transport air samples from the internal space to the external sensor. This pneumatic connection maintains direct detection capability while allowing the sensor to be positioned in the favorable external environment, preserving both accuracy and ease of maintenance.
4Reliability
If heating is applied to prevent dew condensation on the sensor, then the sensor can operate in low temperature, but the sensor may break down due to dew condensation
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is extracted from the cold internal space to the warmer external space, eliminating the root cause of dew condensation. This positional extraction removes the sensor from the harmful low-temperature environment without requiring any heating mechanisms, naturally preventing dew condensation issues.
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 enables reliable refrigerant leakage detection without heating the sensor, prevents dew condensation, and allows for clear monitoring and countermeasures during unloading, reducing unnecessary precautions and enhancing detection accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an internal air guide passage (36) which guides the internal air from a discharge side of a fan (26) disposed in the internal space (S2, S3) of the storage box (11) to the sensor for refrigerant leakage detection (35)
Data Source
AI summary
To facilitate replacement or repair of a sensor for refrigerant leakage detection used for a refrigerator for a storage box such as a container in case of breakdown, a sensor for refrigerant leakage detection is disposed outside of an internal space of a storage box, and an internal air guide passage is provided which guides internal air from a discharge side of a fan provided in the internal space of the storage box to the sensor for refrigerant leakage detection.