Condensate collection device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional condensate collection tanks in air conditioning systems face challenges due to limited capacity, maintenance accessibility, and aesthetic issues when positioned under units, requiring significant clearance for servicing and leading to increased installation costs and unsightly installations.
Innovation Solution
A condensate collection tank design allowing the lid and body to be separated for maintenance without disturbing sensors, with a resilient clip system and a protective barrier for the sensor, enabling closer mounting to the air conditioning unit and reducing false readings, along with a secondary sensor for failsafe operation and improved cable management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the condensate collection tank is mounted underneath the air conditioning unit to achieve compact installation and aesthetic appearance, then the installation occupies less wall area and looks more appealing, but significant clearance (at least 35mm) must be left for maintenance access, increasing installation complexity and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The tank is divided into two separable parts: a lid portion and a body portion. The lid can be detached from the body to provide access to the tank interior for maintenance activities such as cleaning and sensor inspection, eliminating the need for significant clearance around the entire tank while maintaining compact installation
2Reliability
If the sensor is mounted on the lid to maintain position during assembly, then the sensor remains stable during operation, but the sensor is vulnerable to damage during assembly and disassembly of the lid and body
Solution Approach 1:
A barrier structure is provided on the lid that extends to protect the sensor before any assembly or disassembly operations occur. This preliminary protective measure shields the sensor from potential damage during the assembly and disassembly processes while maintaining sensor stability during operation
3Use of energy by moving object
If the tank capacity is increased to store sufficient condensate and reduce pump running time, then energy consumption decreases, but the tank requires more space and cannot be positioned close to the air conditioning unit
Solution Approach 1:
The separable lid and body design allows the tank to be configured in different orientations and positions. The tank can be mounted vertically or at angles to maximize capacity within limited space, enabling sufficient condensate storage while maintaining compact installation close to the air conditioning unit
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
Enables a compact, aesthetically pleasing installation with reduced installation costs by allowing closer positioning to the air conditioning unit, improved maintenance accessibility, and enhanced reliability through robust sensor protection and failsafe mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the tank comprises at least one resilient clip for releasably connecting the lid to the body
Implementation Method 2
the tank may further comprise a barrier which at least partially surrounds the sensor. In addition to protecting the sensor during the assembly or disassembly of the body and the lid, the barrier may also serve to reduce the instances of false readings by the sensor
Implementation Method 3
a sensor provided in the lid to detect when the liquid level in the tank indicates that the pump should be activated
Implementation Method 4
a condensate removal pump is typically employed, in combination with a condensate collection tank, to convey the water through a discharge tube
Implementation Method 5
as the condensate will typically drain from the collection tray to the collection tank under the force of gravity
Data Source
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AI summary
A condensate collection tank (1) for an air conditioning system is provided. The tank (1) comprises a body (20) for storing condensate liquid, a lid (10) releasably connectable to the body (20) to form the tank (1) and a mounting bracket (112) for fixing the lid (10) to a mounting surface. The tank (1) further includes an inlet port {50, 90) for condensate liquid from the air conditioning system, an outlet port {40, 80) for condensate liquid from the tank (1), a sensor (104) for determining whether an amount of condensate liquid in the tank (1) exceeds a threshold value, and a controller for controlling removal of the condensate liquid from the tank {1) via the outlet port (40, 80) when the sensor (104) determines that the threshold value has been exceeded.