Air conditioner units and heating elements thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioner units have bulky heating units that obstruct airflow and complicate the placement of thermal safety devices due to their positioning between the indoor blower fan and heat exchanger, impairing uniform air mixing and thermal safety.
Innovation Solution
The air conditioner unit incorporates a strip heating element positioned downstream of the indoor fan, allowing for improved airflow and flexibility in placement, with the heating element configured to provide variable heat output using multiple coils and a thermal cutout for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heater banks are positioned between the indoor blower fan and heat exchanger, then heating function is provided, but uniform air mixing is impaired and placement of thermal safety devices is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional positioning of the heating element by placing it downstream of the blower fan rather than upstream. This reversal allows the heated air to be properly mixed by the fan before being distributed, resolving the air mixing issue while providing adequate space for thermal safety devices.
2Reliability
If heater banks are positioned between the indoor blower fan and heat exchanger, then heating function is provided, but device volume is occupied significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heating element from its conventional bulky bank configuration and repositions it as a separate component downstream of the fan. This allows for more efficient space utilization within the indoor portion while maintaining the heating function.
3Reliability
If heater banks are positioned adjacent to the indoor heat exchanger, then heating function is provided, but placement of thermal safety devices is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the position of the heating element to be downstream of the fan rather than adjacent to the heat exchanger, the patent creates adequate space for thermal safety devices to be properly installed and positioned, simplifying the manufacturing and assembly process.
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 configuration enhances airflow uniformity and simplifies thermal safety management, providing effective and flexible heating while minimizing obtrusiveness within the air conditioner unit.
Implementation Method 1
a strip heating element positioned in the indoor portion of the air conditioner unit downstream of the indoor fan
Implementation Method 2
an indoor heat exchanger connected to the compressor is provided
Implementation Method 3
The outdoor heat exchanger is cooled by the outdoor fan to dissipate heat
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioner unit includes an indoor heat exchanger assembly positioned in an indoor portion of the air conditioner unit. The indoor heat exchanger assembly includes an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor fan. The air conditioner unit also includes a heating unit. The heating unit may be positioned in the indoor portion of the air conditioner unit downstream of the indoor fan and/or at the exhaust side of the indoor fan.