Heat source unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

In heat source units with corrugated plate-like bottom frames and mounting feet, there is a challenge in balancing the strength of the bottom frame with the need for improved water drainage performance, as excessive openings can compromise the structural integrity.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates support portions and wall portions on the mounting feet that support the furrow portions of the bottom frame, with water drainage passages formed above the support portions to direct water away from the ridge portions, and clearances between the ridge and wall portions to enhance drainage without significantly reducing strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If numerous openings are formed in the bottom frame to improve water drainage performance, then water drainage performance is improved, but the strength of the bottom frame is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater drainage performanceVSAvoidstrength of the bottom frame
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The bottom frame is divided into ridge portions and furrow portions, with water drainage passages specifically formed in the ridge portions. This segmentation allows drainage functionality to be added to specific areas without compromising the overall structural integrity of the bottom frame.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Water drainage passages are formed locally in the ridge portions where water accumulation occurs, rather than distributing openings throughout the entire bottom frame. This localized approach provides effective drainage while minimizing the reduction in overall frame strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If a corrugated plate-like bottom frame is employed, then structural strength is improved, but water accumulation occurs on ridge portions reducing drainage effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidwater drainage performance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The corrugated structure is maintained for overall strength, but water drainage passages are specifically added to the ridge portions where water accumulation occurs. This local modification addresses the drainage issue without changing the overall corrugated structure that provides structural strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The ridge portions that originally caused water accumulation are converted into beneficial drainage features by forming water drainage passages in them. The same structural elements that caused the problem are transformed into the solution, maintaining strength while improving drainage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentEP3447393B1Heat source unit
Publication Date: 2020.08.19 DAIKIN INDUSTRIES LTD
  • EP3447393B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3447393B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3447393B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A heat source unit (2) has a bottom frame (51) and mounting feet (41). The bottom frame (51) is a corrugated plate-like member in which ridge portions (52) and furrow portions (53) extending across the front and rear direction or the right and left direction are formed. The mounting feet (41) have: support portions (44) that support, from below, the furrow portions (53) of supported end portions (54) that are end portions of the bottom frame (51) on sides at which the ridge portions (52) and the furrow portions (53) can be seen; and wall portions (45) that are positioned on outer sides of the supported end portions (54) and extend upward from the support portions (44). Water drainage passages (57) for draining, to the supports portions (44), water sticking to tops of the ridge portions (52) of the supported end portions (54) are formed above the support portions (44) of the mounting feet (41).