Outdoor AC Electric Unit Cooling Pipe Assembly for Easy Service
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioners face challenges in efficiently cooling the electric unit due to limited effectiveness of heat-sink methods, especially when outside air temperatures are not extremely high, and there are difficulties in assembling and maintaining the cooling device, which complicates repairs and replacements.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioner design that includes a heat sink with a cooling pipe attached to the electric unit, a fixing guide to secure the heating element between the heat sink and the electric board, and a cover structure that allows easy detachment and reattachment of the cooling pipe for maintenance, enhancing heat transfer efficiency and simplifying assembly and repair processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the cooling device is disposed close to the electric unit to improve heat transfer efficiency, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but assembly difficulty increases and the electric unit may be damaged due to movement of the cooling device
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling device is segmented into a heat sink portion and a cover portion that can be separately assembled. The heat sink is first fixed to the electric unit, then the cover is attached to secure the cooling pipe in position, making assembly easier while maintaining close proximity for efficient heat transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover acts as an intermediary component between the heat sink and the cooling pipe. It secures the cooling pipe to the heat sink without requiring direct fastening that could damage the electric unit, thus facilitating assembly while maintaining thermal contact.
2Loss of energy
If the cooling device is disposed close to the electric unit to improve heat transfer efficiency, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but the electric unit may be damaged due to movement of the cooling device
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling device is divided into separate components (heat sink and cover) that can be assembled in stages. This allows the heat sink to be securely fixed to the electric unit first, then the cover to be attached, preventing movement and damage while maintaining thermal efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover serves as a protective element that is attached beforehand to secure the cooling pipe in position. This prevents subsequent movement that could damage the electric unit, while still allowing close proximity for effective heat transfer.
3Loss of energy
If the cooling device is integrated with the electric unit, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates as the cooling pipe cannot be easily removed
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling device is segmented into a heat sink portion and a cover portion. The cover can be detached from the heat sink, allowing the cooling pipe to be removed for repair or replacement while maintaining the integrated structure during operation for efficient heat transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is designed to be detachably attached to the heat sink, providing a dynamic structure that transitions from an integrated state during operation (for heat transfer efficiency) to a separated state during maintenance (for ease of repair).
4Loss of energy
If the cooling device is integrated with the electric unit, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to assembly and disassembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling device is divided into two main segments (heat sink and cover) with a clear interface. This segmentation simplifies the overall assembly process compared to a fully integrated design, as each component can be independently manufactured and assembled in a straightforward sequence.
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
The solution effectively cools the electric unit by leveraging the temperature difference between the refrigerant and the electric unit, improves heat exchange performance, and facilitates easy maintenance by allowing convenient removal and reinstallation of the cooling pipe, thereby preventing malfunctions and increasing productivity.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling pipe for cooling the electric unit by heat exchange with a refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
a board having high thermal conductivity on one side of the electric unit
Implementation Method 3
a method for exchanging heat by outside air (heat-sink)
Data Source
AI summary
An outside unit of an air conditioner that includes a compressor compressing a refrigerant; an outside heat exchanger heat-exchanging the refrigerant with outside air; and an electric unit controlling a cooling cycle in which the refrigerant is circulated, wherein the electric unit includes one surface with which a cooling pipe for cooling the electric unit is disposed to be in contact and the other surface in which a fastening part is provided.