Air conditioning module, modular air conditioning system, transport vehicle and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular rooftop air conditioning systems for transport vehicles lack flexibility in capacity expansion and maintenance, as each module operates independently with separate air intake and return conduits, limiting the number of modules that can be combined and requiring significant modifications for increased capacity, and have issues with module replacement and maintenance due to secure mounting and electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
The air conditioning module design features a frame with interconnected evaporator, condenser, and compressor forming a closed circuit, allowing for a continuous air channel when stacked, which can serve as both a common air supply and discharge channel, reducing system complexity and enabling easy expansion or reduction of capacity by adding or removing modules, and includes a dummy module for maintaining airflow when replacing modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If modules are mounted independently with separate air intake and return conduits, then each module can operate autonomously, but the system complexity and number of required openings increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the air intake and return conduits into a single shared conduit that serves multiple modules simultaneously. This reduces the total number of conduits and openings required, while modules remain independently operable through individual control mechanisms within the shared conduit system.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared air conduit is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both an air intake and return pathway for multiple modules, replacing the need for separate dedicated conduits for each module. This multi-functional design reduces system complexity while maintaining operational independence.
2Power
If multiple modules are combined to increase air conditioning capacity, then the cooling capacity increases, but the number of required air supply openings and conduits increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple modules share a common air supply infrastructure including a single air intake opening and a shared return conduit. This merging approach allows the system to achieve increased cooling capacity through multiple modules without proportionally increasing the number of air supply openings and conduits required.
3Stability of the object's composition
If modules are securely mounted to the rooftop with fasteners and electrical connectors, then the mounting stability increases, but the time required for maintenance and module exchange increases
Solution Approach 1:
The module design segments the mounting and electrical connection systems into standardized, pre-assembled interfaces. This segmentation allows modules to be quickly detached and reattached without complex disassembly procedures, reducing maintenance time while maintaining stable operation during use.
Solution Approach 2:
Electrical connectors and mounting interfaces are pre-positioned and pre-configured on each module before installation. This preliminary preparation ensures that once a module is mounted, all connections are immediately functional, reducing the time required for both installation and maintenance activities.
4Area of stationary object
If the rooftop surface area is limited, then the vehicle roof structure remains compact, but the number of modules that can be combined is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal placement of modules on the rooftop to vertical stacking arrangement. By utilizing the vertical dimension, multiple modules can be combined to increase air conditioning capacity without requiring additional rooftop surface area, thereby maintaining a compact vehicle roof structure while enhancing capacity expansion flexibility.
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 flexibility by allowing a single air inlet to supply or draw air from multiple modules, simplifies maintenance with easy module exchange, and increases the number of modules that can be fitted on a small footprint, while maintaining air conditioning functionality even if one module fails.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporator, a condenser and a compressor which are interconnected to form a closed circuit for a heat exchange fluid
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an air conditioning module, a modular air conditioning system, a transport vehicle and a method. The air conditioning module the air conditioning module (51) comprises an evaporator (65), a condenser (66) and a compressor (67) which are mounted to, onto or in the frame (60). The frame (60) further defines or bounds a first volume V1 that is arranged in air communication with the evaporator (65) and a second volume V2 that is arranged in air communication with the condenser (66). The second volume V2 is separated from the first volume VI, at least in the lateral direction T. The frame (60) is provided with one or more walls (71), (72), (73), (74) to at least partially define or bound the first volume V1 and the second volume V2. The first volumes V1 are aligned in the stacking direction S to form the continuous first air channel C1.