Quick heating module and air conditioner

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air conditioners struggle with slow refrigerant heating in the starting stage, particularly in winter, leading to inefficient indoor temperature increase and safety issues due to direct electric heating of refrigerants.

Innovation Solution

An air conditioner equipped with a quick heating module that uses an electromagnetic induction heating member on the refrigerant heat exchanger, powered by an alternating magnetic field generator, to heat the refrigerant without direct electrical contact, reducing machining complexity and safety risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If an electric heater is directly mounted in a copper tube to heat the refrigerant, then the thermal efficiency of the refrigerant is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases and electrical safety problems occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal efficiency of refrigerantVSAvoidmolding manufacturing technology complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a magnetic conductor plate as an intermediary between the electromagnetic induction coil and the refrigerant. The coil generates an alternating magnetic field that induces eddy currents in the magnetic conductor plate, which then generates heat through resistive heating. This heat is transferred to the refrigerant through thermal conduction, achieving efficient heating without direct electrical contact with the refrigerant.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the direct electrical heating system (electric heater mounted in copper tube) with an electromagnetic induction heating system. The electromagnetic induction coil generates an alternating magnetic field that induces currents in the magnetic conductor plate, converting electrical energy to thermal energy through electromagnetic induction rather than direct electrical contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Use of energy by moving object

If an electric heater is directly mounted in a copper tube to heat the refrigerant, then the thermal efficiency of the refrigerant is improved, but the sealing reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal efficiency of refrigerantVSAvoidsealing reliability of junction
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic conductor plate serves as a mediator that separates the electrical heating component from the refrigerant. The electromagnetic induction coil is mounted on the external surface of the heat exchanger, and the magnetic conductor plate is positioned between the coil and the refrigerant, eliminating the need for sealed junctions between electrical components and refrigerant-containing structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If an electric heater is directly mounted in a copper tube to heat the refrigerant, then the thermal efficiency of the refrigerant is improved, but electrical safety problems occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal efficiency of refrigerantVSAvoidelectrical safety problems
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic conductor plate and heat exchanger structure serve as intermediaries that completely isolate the electrical components from the refrigerant. The electromagnetic induction coil generates the magnetic field externally, the magnetic conductor plate converts it to heat, and the heat is transferred through the heat exchanger walls to the refrigerant, ensuring complete electrical isolation and eliminating safety hazards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Speed

If the electromagnetic induction heating member is used to heat the refrigerant, then the heating speed is improved and electricity is separated from refrigerant, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating speed of refrigerantVSAvoidstructure complexity of heating module
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electromagnetic induction heating function with the existing heat exchanger structure. The electromagnetic induction coil is mounted on the external surface of the heat exchanger, utilizing the heat exchanger's structure as the mounting base and thermal transfer path, thereby adding heating functionality without significantly increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The heat exchanger structure serves multiple functions: it acts as the thermal transfer path for refrigerant heating, provides the mounting structure for the electromagnetic induction coil, and serves as part of the heating system infrastructure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables rapid refrigerant heating, enhances safety by isolating electricity from the refrigerant, and simplifies manufacturing processes while maintaining high heating efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an alternating magnetic field generator provided close to the electromagnetic induction heating member and emitting an alternating magnetic field to the electromagnetic induction heating member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3927112B1Quick heating module and air conditioner
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 GD MIDEA HEATING & VENTILATING EQUIP CO LTD
  • EP3927112B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3927112B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3927112B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Disclosed are a quick heating module (5) and an air conditioner (1000). The quick heating module (5) includes: a refrigerant heat exchanger (54) defining a refrigerant passage; an electromagnetic induction heating member (53) provided at the refrigerant heat exchanger (54); and an alternating magnetic field generator (52) provided close to the electromagnetic induction heating member (53) and emitting an alternating magnetic field to the electromagnetic induction heating member (53).