Electrical component box
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric component boxes for air conditioners face challenges in cooling efficiency at high ambient temperatures and have complex structures, which complicates their design and functionality, especially in dusty or wet environments.
Innovation Solution
An electric component box with a simplified structure that includes an intake port, a discharge port, and a cooler in the airflow path, featuring a heat sink with a cold source unit and fin unit, along with a filter and turning portions to remove contaminants, effectively cools air before supplying it to electronic components, while draining condensation water to prevent re-deposition of debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If outdoor air is used to cool the electric component box, then the cooling function is provided, but the cooling performance is insufficient when the ambient temperature is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heat exchanger as an intermediary device between the outdoor air and the electronic components. The heat exchanger uses refrigerant circulation to actively cool the air in the electric component box, mediating the cooling process rather than relying directly on ambient air temperature. This resolves the contradiction by providing effective cooling even when outdoor temperatures are high.
2Temperature
If interior cooling means is arranged inside the electric component box, then the cooling function is provided, but the structure becomes complex and the box size is enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling function with the existing air circulation system of the air conditioner. The heat exchanger is integrated into the outdoor unit's refrigeration cycle, and the air circulation paths are combined such that the same fan and ducting serve both the main cooling function and the electronic component cooling. This reduces structural complexity while maintaining effective cooling.
3Temperature
If air is drawn in from outside the electric component box, then cooling air is supplied, but sand, dust, rainwater, and seawater are deposited inside the electronic component accommodation unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by installing a turning portion at the air intake that causes the incoming air flow to change direction before entering the electronic component accommodation unit. This preliminary flow direction change allows sand, dust, rainwater, and seawater to be removed from the air stream through centrifugal force and gravity, preventing contaminant deposition inside the unit while still providing cooling air.
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
This configuration enhances cooling efficiency even in high-temperature regions, simplifies the box's structure, and effectively removes sand, dust, rainwater, and seawater, ensuring reliable operation in dusty and wet conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a cooler arranged in an airflow path extending from the intake port to the electronic component accommodation unit to cool air
Implementation Method 2
the cooler includes a heat sink arranged in the one turning portion, the heat sink being cooled to a lower temperature than air outside the electric component box
Implementation Method 3
sand, dust, rainwater, seawater, or the like is removed from the air, which is drawn in through the intake port, at the turning portion
Implementation Method 4
sand, dust, rainwater, seawater, or the like is washed off from the surface of the cooler that cools the passing air by condensation water that forms in the cooler
Data Source
AI summary
An electric component box installed in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner includes: an electronic component accommodation unit that accommodates an electronic component; an intake port through which air is drawn in from outside the electric component box; a discharge port through which air is discharged from inside the electric component box; and a cooler disposed in an airflow path extending from the intake port to the electronic component accommodation unit and that cools air.