Air-Conditioner Tank Framework With PVC Thermal Bridge Break Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air-conditioner tanks face issues with thermal bridging due to aluminum alloy frameworks, leading to energy leakage, high manufacturing costs, assembly challenges, and aesthetic concerns, as well as insufficient load-bearing capacity and noise insulation.
Innovation Solution
A thermal bridge break air-conditioner tank design featuring a framework assembled from three-ways connectors and rims with a PVC thermal bridge structure, providing interference fitting and snap-fit mechanisms for improved rigidity and thermal insulation, along with a foamed panel assembly for enhanced sealing and reduced deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If aluminum alloy framework is used, then structural strength is improved, but thermal bridging causes energy leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The framework uses a composite structure combining aluminum alloy (for strength) and PVC material (for thermal insulation). The PVC thermal bridge break structure is integrated with the aluminum alloy framework to create a composite system that simultaneously achieves structural strength and thermal insulation, preventing cold energy leakage while maintaining mechanical integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The PVC thermal bridge break structure acts as an intermediary element between aluminum alloy framework components. This intermediary material with low thermal conductivity interrupts the thermal bridge formed by continuous aluminum alloy, thereby reducing energy leakage while the interference fitting mechanism ensures structural connection.
2Stability of the object's composition
If aluminum profile with large cross-section is used, then structural rigidity is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large aluminum profile, the invention uses a composite assembly of smaller aluminum alloy components connected by PVC thermal bridge break structures. This approach achieves the required rigidity through the integrated framework system while using smaller, more cost-effective aluminum extrusions and standard PVC profiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The framework is segmented into modular components (aluminum alloy profiles and PVC connectors) that can be manufactured separately and assembled together. This segmentation allows for standardized production of smaller components, reducing manufacturing costs compared to producing large custom aluminum profiles, while the assembled structure maintains overall rigidity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If coupling pieces are used to connect rims, then assembly flexibility is improved, but assembly precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the deformable coupling piece from the connection system and replaces it with direct interference fitting between rim ends and PVC thermal bridge break structures. This extraction of the intermediate coupling component eliminates the source of deformation and precision loss, while the interference fitting mechanism provides both connection flexibility and assembly precision.
4Ease of operation
If aluminum strips and adhesive tapes are used to secure foamed panel, then installation simplicity is improved, but load-bearing capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of mechanical fastening and sealing into an integrated interference fitting system. The rim structure with interference fitting simultaneously provides mechanical support for load-bearing and creates tight seals, eliminating the need for separate aluminum strips and adhesive tapes. This unified approach achieves both strong load-bearing capacity and simple installation through the standardized interference fitting mechanism.
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 design effectively reduces thermal bridging, lowers manufacturing costs, enhances assembly precision, improves load-bearing capacity, and provides better noise insulation and aesthetics by using PVC thermal bridge structures and shape-fitting foamed panels.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal bridge break structure made of a PVC material is connected to outer sides of the three-ways connectors and the rims
Implementation Method 2
the three-ways connectors and the rims are interference fitted by convex ribs
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a thermal bridge break air-conditioner tank, comprising a framework and a wall panel, wherein the framework is assembled from three-ways connectors, rims, and a middle beam assembly, the three-ways connectors and the rims being plastically integrally formed structures; a thermal bridge break structure made of a PVC material is connected to outer sides of the three-ways connectors and the rims; the framework is formed as a cubic structure; the wall panel is assembled from a panel and a plurality of external sheet metal parts, and the wall panel is disposed in the framework by shape-fitting. The air-conditioner tank according to the present invention has a good thermal bridge break performance, and meanwhile simplifies the assembling and connecting between components.