Heat source unit for refrigeration apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reduction in size of heat source units for refrigeration apparatuses leads to a smaller internal space and a narrower gap between the compressor and the refrigerant pipe, making it difficult to wrap soundproof material around the compressor during manufacture and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The design of a heat source unit with a refrigerant circuit that includes a first refrigerant pipe with curved parts, which widens the gap between the compressor and the pipe, allowing easier access for soundproof material placement and maintenance, by positioning the curved parts to separate from the compressor and bring the pipe nearer to the side panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the casing size is reduced, then the overall unit size is minimized, but the gap between the compressor and refrigerant pipe becomes smaller making soundproof material installation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant pipe is designed with curved portions instead of straight lines. Specifically, the pipe includes a first curved portion and a second curved portion that allow it to bend away from the compressor in specific regions. This curvature creates sufficient clearance space between the pipe and compressor, enabling soundproof material to be installed around the compressor even in a compact casing.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerant pipe utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement by extending in multiple directions and incorporating curved portions that change the pipe's path through different spatial dimensions. This allows the pipe to connect necessary components while maintaining clearance from the compressor in the radial direction, solving the space constraint problem in compact units.
2Volume of moving object
If the casing size is reduced, then the overall unit size is minimized, but the internal space becomes smaller reducing accessibility for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The curved portions of the refrigerant pipe create open spaces and clearance areas around the compressor that would otherwise be occupied by straight pipe routing. These curved paths strategically position the pipe away from critical maintenance areas, providing sufficient space for technicians to access and service the compressor in compact units.
3Volume of stationary object
If the refrigerant pipe is positioned closer to the compressor, then space is optimized, but wrapping soundproof material around the compressor becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant pipe incorporates curved portions that deliberately increase the distance between the pipe and compressor in specific regions. This curvature allows soundproof material to be wrapped around the compressor without interference from the refrigerant pipe, while still maintaining efficient space utilization through optimized pipe routing in other areas.
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 design enhances workability during manufacture and maintenance by providing a sufficient gap for wrapping soundproof material around the compressor, improving accessibility and ease of operation.
Implementation Method 1
The first refrigerant pipe has a first part (first pipe), a first curved part (first curved pipe), and a second part (second pipe). The first part extends along the side panel. The first curved part extends from an end of the first part and curves so as to head to the side panel side. The second part extends toward the side panel from an end on the side opposite from the first part side of the first curved part.
Data Source
AI summary
A heat source unit for a refrigeration apparatus includes: a refrigerant circuit including a shut-off valve, a compressor, a heat exchanger, and a first refrigerant pipe positioned between the shut-off valve and the compressor; a fan that sends air to the heat exchanger; a casing that includes a side panel and that accommodates the refrigerant circuit and the fan; and a partitioning panel that partitions an internal space of the casing into a first space on the side panel side where the compressor is disposed, and a second space where the fan is disposed. The fan blows the air that has passed through the heat exchanger out to a front-surface side of the casing. The compressor, the shut-off valve, and the side panel are disposed in the stated order as the compressor, the shut-off valve, and the side panel as seen in a front view.