Heat medium relay device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lateral asymmetrical placement of heat exchangers in traditional heat medium relay devices causes a displacement of the center of gravity, leading to potential instability and risk of the device falling during transportation or stacking.
Innovation Solution
A vertical heat medium relay device with a cuboid housing, partitioned into multiple spaces, where heavier components like pumps and heat exchangers are strategically located to maintain a lower center of gravity, and a lighter valve block is placed in a separate compartment to prevent instability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If heat exchangers are arranged laterally asymmetrically in a horizontal housing, then the functional layout is simplified, but the center of gravity is displaced causing instability during transportation and stacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal housing arrangement to a vertical housing configuration. By arranging components in the vertical dimension rather than lateral horizontal space, the device achieves both functional simplicity and transportation stability. The heat exchangers are positioned at different heights (first heat exchanger in second space, second heat exchanger in third space) rather than lateral asymmetry, maintaining low center of gravity while simplifying layout.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent intentionally creates vertical asymmetry in component placement to achieve horizontal symmetry of the center of gravity. The valve block is positioned in the first space at a lower height, creating an asymmetric vertical arrangement that balances the overall center of gravity horizontally, preventing displacement during transportation.
2Ease of operation
If heavier components are concentrated in one lateral position, then installation and maintenance become easier, but the device becomes top-heavy and prone to falling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent redistributes heavy components vertically across multiple spaces (first space, second space, third space) rather than concentrating them laterally. Pumps are in the first space, heat exchangers in the second and third spaces, creating a vertical distribution that maintains a low center of gravity and prevents top-heaviness during stacking and transportation.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is segmented into multiple vertical spaces (first space, second space, third space) with different components placed in each. This segmentation allows heavy components to be distributed at different heights, with the valve block positioned lower in the first space, creating a stable vertical weight distribution that facilitates safe handling and stacking.
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 ensures safer handling and transportation of the device by maintaining a lower center of gravity, reducing the likelihood of collapse or displacement during movement.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat exchanger provided in the second space to cause heat exchange to be performed between a primary heat medium and a secondary heat medium
Implementation Method 2
a second heat exchanger provided in the second space to cause heat exchange to be performed between the primary heat medium and the second heat medium
Data Source
AI summary
A heat medium relay device includes a valve block provided in a third space, and including a plurality of valves to allow a secondary heat medium subjected to the heat exchange at a first heat exchanger and a secondary heat medium subjected to the heat exchange at a second heat exchanger to flow to at least one indoor unit, the valve block being lighter in weight than each of the first heat exchanger, a first pump, the second heat exchanger, and a second pump.