Heat Source Unit Side Cut-Outs for Shut-Off Valve Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat source units for refrigeration apparatuses require shut-off valve covers to be removed for operation, making it difficult to access and perform work on shut-off valves, which increases installation space and packaging size.
Innovation Solution
The heat source unit design includes cut-out portions in the casing's peripheral panels to access shut-off valves without removing a side cover, allowing for easy operation and connection of refrigerant pipes, with a space-forming member partitioning the internal space and shut-off valve placement area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a shut-off valve cover is provided to protrude sideways from the heat source unit, then the shut-off valve is protected and structurally complete, but the shut-off valve cannot be accessed or operated without removing the cover
Solution Approach 1:
The side surface of the heat source unit is segmented by providing a cut-out portion that divides the casing structure. This allows the shut-off valve to be accessed from the外侧 without requiring removal of a complete cover, while the rest of the casing remains intact to provide protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The shut-off valve is extracted from the fully enclosed structure by creating a cut-out portion in the side surface. This allows the valve to be positioned such that it can be operated from the outside while the main body of the heat source unit maintains its protective enclosure.
2Device complexity
If the shut-off valve is placed inside the heat source unit without cut-out portions, then the structure is compact and complete, but the installation space required is larger due to need for cover removal and manipulation space
Solution Approach 1:
The design transitions from a fully three-dimensional enclosed structure to a partially open structure by creating cut-out portions in the side surface. This dimensional modification allows the shut-off valve to be accessed from the lateral direction, reducing the depth space required for installation and operation while maintaining structural integrity.
3Reliability
If a shut-off valve cover is provided to protrude from the side surface, then the shut-off valve is protected, but the packaging size increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing a protruding cover that increases packaging volume, the shut-off valve is extracted to be accessible through cut-out portions in the side surface. This eliminates the need for a protruding cover structure, reducing the overall packaging volume while maintaining protection through the intact casing design.
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
Enables easier access and operation of shut-off valves, reducing the need for larger installation spaces and packaging, and facilitates efficient connection of refrigerant pipes, improving on-site installation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between a refrigerant and air
Implementation Method 2
performs heat exchange between a refrigerant and air
Implementation Method 3
performs heat exchange between a refrigerant and air
Implementation Method 4
a fan that horizontally blows out air passing through the heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
A heat source unit includes: a casing; a heat exchanger; a fan disposed in the casing and that horizontally blows out the air passing through the heat exchanger; a shut-off valve having a connection port that opens in a direction toward either a front-surface side or a rear-surface side of the casing; and peripheral panels that form a front surface, a rear surface, a left-side surface, and a right-side surface of the casing. The peripheral panels include a first portion that forms the right-side surface. The first portion has a first cut-out portion that exposes the shut-off valve to an exterior of the casing such that the shut-off valve is visible from a right side of the casing without removing any intervening structures between the shut-off valve and the right-side surface of the casing.