Two-Part Refrigeration Cassette for Easier Cabinet Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cassette units for refrigerated display cabinets face challenges in maintenance and installation due to complex structural designs, inefficiencies in heat transfer, and the need for mechanical lifting, which are costly and unreliable, leading to reduced thermodynamic efficiency and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A two-part cassette unit design with a first half-body fixed to the base and a second half-body fixed to the bottom of the display cabinet, allowing for horizontal translation and elimination of mechanical lifting means, with improved airflow and insulation to enhance maintenance accessibility and thermodynamic efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a one-piece body structure is used for the cassette unit, then the structural integrity is improved, but the maintenance accessibility and ease of repair deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The body of the cassette unit is divided into two separate half-bodies (first half-body and second half-body) that can be assembled together. The evaporator is mounted on the first half-body while the condenser and compressor are mounted on the base, allowing the evaporator to be accessed and maintained by separating the half-bodies without compromising the overall structural integrity when assembled.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical lifting means are used to install the cassette unit under the bottom, then the installation capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical lifting means with a simpler installation system where the cassette unit is designed to be inserted horizontally under the bottom of the refrigerated display cabinet. The unit rests on the base with the evaporator compartment positioned correctly, eliminating the need for costly and unreliable mechanical lifting mechanisms while maintaining installation capability.
3Device complexity
If the evaporator and condenser are located in the same area, then the system complexity is reduced, but the heat transfer efficiency deteriorates due to thermal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing thermal insulation specifically around the evaporator compartment where cold generation occurs. The insulating material is placed in the compartment containing the evaporator to prevent thermal interference with the hot components (condenser and compressor) located on the base, thereby maintaining heat transfer efficiency while allowing both cold and hot functions to coexist in the same general area.
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 design simplifies installation and maintenance, improves airflow for enhanced heat transfer efficiency, and reduces the complexity and cost of mechanical lifting, resulting in a more practical, reliable, and space-saving refrigeration solution.
Implementation Method 1
the evaporator (3) is a heat exchanger that generates cold
Implementation Method 2
the condenser (5) is a heat exchanger that generates heat
Implementation Method 3
the body (2) is made of heat-insulating material, and a cold zone insulated from the outside is generated inside the body (2)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Cassette unit (100) comprising: a base (1), a body (2) defining a compartment (V), an evaporator (3) arranged in the compartment (V) of the body, a fan (30) mounted in the compartment (V) to allow for an airflow that passes through the evaporator (3), a compressor (4) and a condenser (5) arranged on the base (1) outside the compartment (V) of the body; the body (2) comprises: a first half-body (2a) fixed to the base (1), and a second half-body (2b) suitable for being fixed to the bottom (302) of the refrigerated display cabinet; wherein the first half-body (2a) and the second half-body (2b) are coupled tightly.