Outdoor AC Unit Refrigerant Pipe Layout for Easier PCB Maintenance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor air conditioner units with refrigerant cooling systems face difficulties in maintenance due to the interference of refrigerant pipes, which complicates the removal and reattachment of electronic components and substrates, leading to reduced workability and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
The outdoor unit design features a refrigerant pipe positioned at the rear with a pipe presser portion that restricts movement, allowing for easy removal and reattachment of electronic components and substrates from the front side without deforming the refrigerant pipe, and includes a heat transfer member for efficient heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a refrigerant pipe is attached to the outdoor unit for cooling electronic components, then cooling performance is improved, but maintenance workability deteriorates due to interference with component removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cooling system into separate functional modules: the refrigerant pipe assembly is separated from the electronic component mounting area. The pipe presser portion holds the refrigerant pipe independently at the rear side, while the front side remains clear for component removal. This segmentation allows the cooling function to be maintained while eliminating interference with maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the refrigerant pipe from a lateral or front attachment to the rear side of the outdoor unit, utilizing the depth dimension. By arranging the refrigerant pipe and pipe presser portion at the rear side while maintaining cooling contact, the design creates spatial separation between the cooling system and the electronic component access area, resolving the conflict between cooling effectiveness and maintenance accessibility.
2Reliability
If the refrigerant pipe is positioned close to the casing for efficient heat transfer, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the risk of pipe deformation during maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe presser portion is pre-installed at the rear side of the casing to securely hold the refrigerant pipe in its optimal position before maintenance operations begin. This preliminary positioning and securing action ensures the pipe remains stable and resistant to deformation during subsequent maintenance activities, while maintaining close proximity to the casing for efficient heat transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe presser portion acts as an intermediary element between the refrigerant pipe and the casing. It provides mechanical support and constraint to the refrigerant pipe, preventing deformation while allowing the pipe to maintain its optimal thermal contact position with the casing or heat transfer surface.
3Ease of operation
If electronic components are mounted on a substrate that can be easily removed, then maintenance ease is improved, but heat transfer efficiency may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electronic component assembly (substrate with components) from the refrigerant pipe assembly. The substrate with electronic components can be independently removed from the front side, while the refrigerant pipe with heat transfer member remains secured at the rear side. This segmentation enables easy maintenance access while preserving the thermal contact between the heat transfer member and the refrigerant pipe.
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 enhances maintenance workability by preventing refrigerant pipe deformation and ensuring accurate repositioning, allowing for efficient heat transfer and improved operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a heat transfer member detachably installed at the refrigerant pipe to be capable of coming in contact with the refrigerant pipe from the front side
Implementation Method 2
through which the refrigerant flows
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An outdoor unit (1b) of an air conditioner (1) includes a casing (14), a refrigerant pipe (2) disposed to form a gap with the casing (14) at the rear side (D1b) of the casing (14) and through which a refrigerant (R) flows, a pipe presser portion (18) installed at the rear side (D1b) of the casing (14) and configured to hold by surrounding the refrigerant pipe (2) from the front side (D1a), the rear side (D1b), and lateral sides, a heat transfer member (17) which is detachably installed at the refrigerant pipe (2) to be capable of coming in contact with the refrigerant pipe (2) from the front side (D1a), electronic components (11) fixed to the heat transfer member (17) from the front side (D1a) and configured to control an operation, and a substrate (12) configured to support the electronic components (11) at the front side (D1a).