Angled Condensate Drain Pan Layout for Compact Fan Coil Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional condensate drain pans in split system heating and cooling systems are oversized due to their vertical orientation, increasing the size and cost of fan coil assemblies, while maintaining effective drainage and airflow.
Innovation Solution
A compact condensate drain pan design with angled apertures and curved side walls that reduces size without compromising drainage efficiency, featuring a channel member for mounting and optimized spacing to accommodate coil slabs and enhance airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the drain holes are oriented in a substantially vertical orientation to accommodate primary drainage and overflow drainage, then drainage reliability is improved, but the overall size of the condensate drain pan increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical drainage holes to angled drainage apertures (e.g., 45-degree angle) on the front wall, changing the dimensional orientation of the drainage path. This angular configuration allows condensate to drain effectively while reducing the vertical height requirement of the drain pan, thereby compacting the overall structure without sacrificing drainage reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the drain pan by introducing angled apertures instead of vertical holes, and by incorporating curved side walls with specific radius of curvature. These parameter changes optimize the drainage flow path and reduce the required volume while maintaining adequate drainage capacity
2Ease of manufacture
If the condensate drain pan size is reduced to decrease fan coil assembly size and cost, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but drainage efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates curved side walls with a specified radius of curvature to optimize the flow path of condensate toward the drainage apertures. This curvature ensures efficient condensate collection and drainage in a compact configuration, maintaining drainage efficiency while reducing the overall pan size and associated manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 2:
By orienting drainage apertures at an angle rather than vertically, the patent achieves effective drainage in a reduced vertical space, allowing for a more compact drain pan design that lowers material usage and manufacturing cost without sacrificing drainage performance
Data Source
AI summary
A condensate drain pan including a drain pan surface, a front wall, including a front wall longitudinal axis, a rear wall, and opposing side walls. The front wall, the rear wall, and the opposing side walls extend from the drain pan surface. The front wall includes a first aperture and a second aperture. The first aperture and the second aperture include an aperture axis.