Refrigeration device for trailer

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing trailer refrigerating apparatus faces challenges in maintaining strength and airtightness in the transverse direction at the attachment portion where the casing and trailer opening are connected, particularly when the vehicle rounds a curve, leading to potential cool air leakage and structural complexity.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves forming grooves and raised portions in the trailer and casing to enhance attachment strength and sealing, with vertically or horizontally extending grooves and raised portions that fit together to improve transverse and longitudinal strength and prevent cool air leakage, using sealing members to further reduce leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple attachment structure is used to connect the casing and trailer opening, then the device complexity is reduced, but the strength in the transverse direction deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment structure complexityVSAvoidtransverse direction strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a groove-raised portion structure that extends in the transverse direction (width direction of the trailer). The groove is formed in one component (casing or trailer) and the raised portion in the other, creating an interlocking feature that resists transverse forces. This dimensional approach (adding transverse extending features) strengthens the attachment without requiring complex multi-component systems.

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

2Strength

If the attachment structure is strengthened in the transverse direction, then the strength is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransverse direction strengthVSAvoidattachment structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into the groove-raised portion structure: it provides transverse strength reinforcement, creates sealing surfaces for preventing cool air leakage, and serves as an integrated attachment feature. By merging these functions into a single structural element rather than using separate components, the strength is improved without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The groove-raised portion structure serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it strengthens the transverse attachment, provides sealing surfaces when combined with sealing members, and creates a rigid connection between casing and trailer. This multi-functionality allows a single feature to address multiple requirements without adding separate systems.

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

3Reliability

If sealing members are added to prevent cool air leakage, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidattachment structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The groove-raised portion structure itself provides sealing surfaces that work in conjunction with sealing members. The geometry of the groove and raised portion creates natural sealing contact areas, and the sealing members are positioned within this pre-configured structure. This self-service approach means the structural features contribute to sealing without requiring entirely separate sealing systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 attachment structure, enhances strength in the transverse direction, reduces cool air leakage, and improves energy efficiency by maintaining the refrigerated environment within the trailer.

Implementation Method 1

the groove (61) is formed in one of the trailer (11) or the casing (31) and the raised portion (62) is formed in the other one of the trailer (11) or the casing (31). Thus, the raised portion (62) is fitted into the groove (61) with the trailer (11) being attached to the casing (31)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

the sealing member (63) is provided between the groove (61) and the raised portion (62). The sealing member (63) seals a clearance between the side edge portion (14a), the upper edge portion (17), or the lower edge portion (18) of the opening (14) of the trailer (11) and the casing (31)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentEP2442055B1Refrigeration device for trailer
Publication Date: 2019.05.15 DAIKIN INDUSTRIES LTD
  • EP2442055B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2442055B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2442055B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In an attachment portion (60) where a side edge portion (14a) of an opening (14) of a trailer (11) and a casing (31) are connected together, a vertically-extending groove (61) is formed in one of the trailer (11) or the casing (31) and a vertically-extending raised portion (62) is formed in the other one of the trailer (11) or the casing (31) so as to be fitted into the groove (61).