Heat Pump Heat Source Unit Front Grille as Load-Bearing Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat source units for heat pumps lack sufficient stacking strength, leading to potential deformation when stacked, and current solutions complicate the design and increase costs by requiring additional reinforcing components.
Innovation Solution
The heat source unit design positions the front grille between the top and bottom plates to act as a reinforcing member, transferring loads directly and eliminating the need for extra components, while also using a bell mouth and partition plate to enhance stacking strength without increasing complexity or cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If an additional vertically extending part is provided to increase stacking strength, then stacking strength is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The front grille is merged with the top plate and bottom plate by positioning it between them and establishing direct force transfer paths. The grille serves dual functions: its traditional role as a protective cover and as a structural reinforcing element that transfers stacking loads from the top plate to the bottom plate, eliminating the need for separate vertically extending reinforcement parts
Solution Approach 2:
The front grille is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a protective cover for the fan and bell mouth, and as a structural load-bearing component. By making the grille part of the force transfer system between top and bottom plates, it becomes a multi-functional element that contributes to both safety and structural integrity
2Strength
If an additional vertically extending part is provided to increase stacking strength, then stacking strength is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solution merges the reinforcing function into the existing front grille component, eliminating the need for separate vertically extending parts. This reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, stored, and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while achieving the required stacking strength
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the reinforcing function from a separate component and integrates it into the existing front grille. By taking out the need for additional vertically extending parts and incorporating the load-bearing function into the grille itself, the solution simplifies the bill of materials and reduces manufacturing complexity
3Ease of operation
If the front grille is disposed in front of the top plate and bottom plate, then ease of assembly is improved, but stacking strength is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The front grille is repositioned from a purely external front-mounted component to an integrated structure that spans between the top plate and bottom plate in the vertical dimension. This dimensional change allows the grille to participate in vertical load transfer while maintaining its front-facing position for air flow and protection functions
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 significantly increases the stacking strength of the heat source unit, allowing for efficient storage and shipping without additional components, while maintaining a simple and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
a fan accommodated in the casing and being rotatable about a center axis as well as a bell mouth having an opening centered on the center axis of the fan for allowing an air flow induced by the fan to pass
Implementation Method 2
The front grille is disposed between the top plate and the bottom plate, so as to transfer a force, for example, a load, applied on the top plate from the top plate to the bottom plate
Implementation Method 3
the heat source unit comprises a heat source heat exchanger for exchanging heat between outside air and the refrigerant
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a heat source unit of a heat pump. The heat source unit (1) comprises a heat source unit casing (10) comprising a top plate (11) disposed on a top side of the heat source unit (1), a bottom plate (12) disposed on a bottom side of the heat source unit (1), and a front grille (13) that is disposed on a front side of the heat source unit (1) and in which air flow openings (131) are disposed. The heat source unit (1) further comprises a blower fan (14) that is housed in the heat source unit casing (10) and configured to generate an airflow through the air flow openings (131). The front grille (13) is disposed between the top plate (11) and the bottom plate (12), so as to transfer a force applied on the top plate (11) from the top plate (11) to the bottom plate (12).