Connection module for connecting an external device with an internal device of a heat exchanger system in a fluid-conducting manner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting outdoor and indoor units of heat exchanger systems through building walls suffer from inadequate sealing, leading to moisture, noise, and thermal bridging issues, as well as susceptibility to environmental influences and bird pecking.
Innovation Solution
A connection module with dual closure units, each having a sealing body and clamping device, forms a receiving space for thermal insulation, ensuring fluid-tight and sound-insulating connections between outdoor and indoor units, using elastomeric materials and clamping mechanisms to secure the module in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cables are routed through the building's exterior wall and the gap is filled with construction foam, then installation is simple, but sealing against environmental influences (moisture, cold, noise, UV radiation) is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection module is divided into multiple functional components: a housing containing fluid lines, a sealing unit with sealing elements that contact the wall opening, and closure elements that secure the module. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively while maintaining overall simplicity of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection module acts as an intermediary device between the fluid lines and the building wall. It provides a pre-assembled unit with integrated sealing mechanisms that mediate between the simple act of inserting the module and achieving reliable sealing against environmental influences.
2Device complexity
If simple sealing rings are used to seal casings to the wall, then device complexity is reduced, but sealing reliability is insufficient and cold bridges are created
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing unit incorporates sealing elements at specific locations where contact with the wall opening is required. The housing may include thermal insulation material in regions prone to cold bridges, providing localized quality improvements without increasing overall device complexity significantly.
3Ease of operation
If fluid lines are routed through the wall without adequate sealing, then installation is straightforward, but noise transmission from the heat exchanger system to the building wall increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection module merges multiple functions into a single integrated unit: fluid line routing, sealing against environmental influences, thermal insulation, and noise reduction. By combining these functions, the module maintains installation ease while effectively reducing noise transmission to the building wall.
4Device complexity
If connection sets with sporadic sealing are used, then device complexity is lowered, but airtightness is compromised and cold bridges form
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing elements and thermal insulation material are pre-positioned within the housing before installation. This preliminary action ensures that when the module is inserted into the wall opening, airtightness is achieved immediately without requiring complex post-installation sealing procedures, maintaining both simplicity and reliability.
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
The solution provides a reliable, airtight seal against environmental factors, reduces noise transmission, and minimizes thermal bridges, while simplifying installation and ensuring long-term integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one first and, in particular, both second closure units have a sealing body surrounding the line section for sealing the passage of the line section and for sealing the opening in the building wall
Implementation Method 2
defining between them a receiving space which is designed to receive thermal insulation material
Implementation Method 3
the at least one first and, in particular, both second closure units are each provided with a clamping device for clamping the closure units
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a connection module (1) for fluidly connecting an outdoor unit (108) to an indoor unit (112) of a heat exchanger system through an opening (104) in a building exterior wall section (102), comprising a first connection interface (2) for the outdoor unit (108) and a second connection interface (4) for the indoor unit (112), at least one pipe section (6, 6') that can be inserted into the opening (104) in the building exterior wall section (102) and fluidly connecting the first and second connection interfaces (2, 4), a first closure unit (8, 8') associated with the exterior wall side of the opening (104) and a second closure unit (10) associated with the interior wall side of the opening (104), each with passages for the pipe section (6, 6'), wherein at least one of the two closure units (8, 8', 10) allows the pipe section to pass through. (6,6') and is located opposite the opening (104) in the building exterior wall section (102), the two closure units (8, 8', 10) are spaced apart from each other along the pipe section (6, 6') and define a receiving space (38) between them, which is designed to receive thermal insulation material (40).