Condensing unit compressor mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional condensing unit compressor mounting methods face challenges, particularly when the compressor shell is too close to the mounting foot, making it difficult to assemble using standard bolts, and require separate bases for steel and plastic condensing units, increasing manufacturing complexity and inventory needs.
Innovation Solution
The use of threaded studs with removable clips allows for easy assembly on both steel and plastic bases, eliminating the need for new base designs and alternate part numbers, enabling self-tapping threads and top installation, and accommodating compressors with shells close to mounting holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standard mounting bolts are used to assemble the compressor to the base, then the mounting process is simple, but the compressor shell is too close to the mounting foot making assembly difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of fastening from the top down as in conventional mounting, the patent inverts the sequence by first positioning the compressor on the base and then fastening from the bottom up using mounting studs that protrude from the base, allowing the compressor shell to clear the mounting area during assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mounting studs as an intermediary element that protrudes from the base, providing a clearance zone between the compressor shell and the base during assembly, thereby enabling the compressor to be positioned before final fastening
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate bases are designed for steel and plastic condensing units, then each base can be optimized for its material, but manufacturing complexity and inventory needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting studs and clips are designed as universal components that can be used with both steel and plastic bases, allowing a single mounting system to serve multiple base types and materials, thereby reducing the need for separate base designs
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into separate components (mounting studs, clips, bolts) that can be independently selected and combined, allowing the same components to work with different base materials without requiring integrated base-specific mounting solutions
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional mounting methods are used, then standard bolts can be employed, but compressor replacement in the field becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a fixed conventional bolt pattern to a dynamic assembly sequence where the compressor is first positioned on the base and then secured, allowing for easier disassembly and repositioning during field replacements
Solution Approach 2:
The compressor is preliminarily positioned on the base using the mounting studs before final fastening with clips and bolts, allowing for easy adjustment and replacement in the field without requiring complex disassembly procedures
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of methods, systems, and assemblies including threaded mechanical fasteners (e.g., threaded studs or screws, etc.) and retention members (e.g., clips, etc.) for mounting condensing unit compressors selectively and/or interchangeably to either metal condensing unit bases or plastic condensing unit bases.