Air Conditioner Relay Unit Pipe Layout for Spanner Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing air-conditioning apparatuses, the close proximity of branch ports in the relay unit obstructs the connection of pipes, making it difficult to engage the spanner properly, which can lead to deformation of the joints and refrigerant leaks due to improper force application.
Innovation Solution
The relay unit design includes refrigerant supply pipes where the liquid-refrigerant supply pipes protrude further than the gas-refrigerant supply pipes, allowing for easier engagement of the spanner at an appropriate angle, preventing deformation and leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the branch ports are arranged closely together to reduce device size, then the relay unit becomes more compact, but the connection work becomes difficult due to insufficient space for spanner engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the liquid-refrigerant supply pipe in the axial direction (length dimension) to create sufficient clearance for spanner engagement. This dimensional extension resolves the spatial conflict between compact relay unit design and adequate connection space, allowing the spanner to engage the joint without interference from adjacent branch ports while maintaining the relay unit's compact overall structure.
2Ease of operation
If the spanner is forcedly moved to engage with the joint at an inappropriate angle, then connection can be achieved, but the joint becomes deformed and cracks form at the brazed portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent preliminarily positions the liquid-refrigerant supply pipe to extend beyond the gas-refrigerant supply pipe, creating adequate space before the connection operation begins. This preliminary spatial arrangement ensures that the spanner can engage the joint at the correct angle from the start, preventing forced movement and subsequent joint deformation or brazed portion cracking during the connection process.
Data Source
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AI summary
An air-conditioning apparatus includes an outdoor unit including an outdoor heat exchanger; an indoor unit including an indoor heat exchanger; and a relay unit provided between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit and including one or more first refrigerant supply pipes and one or more second refrigerant supply pipes that are connected to the indoor heat exchanger of the indoor unit. The one or more first refrigerant supply pipes and the one or more second refrigerant supply pipes protrude from the same side surface of the relay unit. The one or more first refrigerant supply pipes are each provided above an associated one of the one or more second refrigerant supply pipes. Part of the one or more first refrigerant supply pipes that protrudes from the side surface is longer than part of the one or more second refrigerant supply pipes that protrudes from the side surface.