Ceiling machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of a water pump in the air inlet channel of a ceiling-embedded air conditioner disrupts airflow uniformity, leading to increased energy consumption and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
The water pump is positioned outside the heat exchanger and spaced apart from it, with a mounting shell supporting the pump, allowing for a separate air channel and reducing airflow collisions, and incorporating heat insulating members to minimize energy loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the water pump is arranged in the air inlet channel, then the condensate water can be drawn out, but the airflow uniformity is destroyed and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water pump is extracted from the air inlet channel and relocated to the side wall of the housing. This separation removes the harmful influence of the pump on airflow while preserving its condensate drainage function. The pump remains accessible and functional outside the air channel, eliminating collision loss and improving airflow uniformity.
2Device complexity
If the water pump occupies space in the air inlet channel, then the pump structure is compact, but the air intake becomes non-uniform and airflow becomes turbulent
Solution Approach 1:
The water pump is relocated from the horizontal air inlet channel space to the vertical side wall mounting position. This dimensional transition allows the pump to be mounted on the side wall with its inlet communicating with the drain pan, removing it from the airflow path while maintaining compact integration within the housing structure.
3Volume of stationary object
If the water pump is arranged inside the housing, then the overall device size is reduced, but the air outlet channel is shielded and air supply capability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The side wall mounting position is specifically selected to be outside the air outlet channel region. This local positioning strategy ensures that while the pump occupies space within the housing volume, it does not interfere with the air outlet channel. The pump inlet communicates with the drain pan through localized pathways, preserving air outlet performance while utilizing available housing space.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Disclosed is a ceiling machine (100), comprising: a housing (1), wherein the housing (1) comprises a top plate (11) and an enclosing plate (12), and the enclosing plate (12) is connected to the top plate (11) and surrounds the periphery of the top plate (11); a heat exchanger (2), wherein the heat exchanger (2) is arranged inside the housing (1), and the heat exchanger (2) and the enclosing plate (12) define an air outlet channel (21); a drain pan (3), wherein the drain pan (3) is arranged below the heat exchanger (2); and a water pump (4), wherein the water pump (4) is arranged outside the heat exchanger (2) and is spaced apart from the heat exchanger (2), the water pump (4) has a water inlet (41) and a water outlet (42), and the water inlet (41) is in communication with the drain pan (3).