Air conditioning device including outdoor unit and distribution unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-type air conditioning devices with numerous indoor units connected to a single outdoor unit face challenges due to complex and lengthy refrigerant piping, which increases installation costs and reduces energy efficiency, while also affecting the aesthetic appeal of the installation space.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a detachable or embedded distribution unit within the outdoor unit that connects multiple indoor units to the outdoor unit via a modular structure, minimizing the length of refrigerant pipes and allowing for flexible installation positions, thereby reducing installation complexity and enhancing energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple indoor units are connected to a single outdoor unit using conventional piping methods, then the air conditioning system can serve multiple rooms, but the refrigerant piping becomes complex and lengthy, increasing installation costs and reducing energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution unit acts as an intermediary component between the outdoor unit and multiple indoor units. It receives refrigerant from the outdoor unit and distributes it to multiple indoor units through integrated piping, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing piping complexity while maintaining the ability to connect multiple indoor units
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple indoor units are connected to a single outdoor unit, then the air conditioning system can serve multiple rooms, but the refrigerant pipe length increases, reducing energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution unit merges the refrigerant distribution function for multiple indoor units into a single integrated component. By combining the piping routes and distribution logic within one unit, the total refrigerant pipe length is reduced compared to conventional separate connections, thereby improving energy efficiency while maintaining adaptability to multiple indoor units
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional piping methods are used to connect multiple indoor units to the outdoor unit, then the system can be installed, but the installation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution unit is designed as a separate, modular component that can be manufactured independently and then installed as a single unit between the outdoor unit and multiple indoor units. This segmentation of the distribution function into a dedicated module simplifies the installation process, as the complex piping arrangement is pre-assembled in the distribution unit rather than being installed site-by-site
Data Source
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AI summary
An air conditioning device is provided that includes an outdoor unit and a distribution unit. In the air conditioning device, a length of pipes that connect a plurality of indoor units to the outdoor unit is minimized to improve aesthetic appeal and efficiency, and pipes are arranged in the distribution unit for interconnecting the indoor units and the outdoor unit efficiently so as to minimize the volume of the distribution unit. The distribution unit may have a modular structure such that single or multiple distribution units may be added or removed as needed.