Heating medium channel switching device, and air conditioning device including the heating medium channel switching device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning devices require multiple heating medium channel switching devices and flow regulating devices for each indoor unit, leading to increased size and manufacturing costs, and existing composite valves have high manufacturing costs due to uneven thickness and potential deformation issues.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical valve body with a partitioned interior and aperture portions for switching heating media, along with a valve chamber and motor for axial rotation, allows for efficient switching and regulation of heating media in a compact design, reducing the need for multiple devices and motors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple heating medium channel switching devices and flow regulating devices are provided for each indoor unit, then heating medium switching and flow regulation functions are achieved, but device size and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple heating medium channel switching devices and flow regulating devices into a single integrated valve body. The valve body includes multiple channels that can switch between heating and cooling modes while regulating flow, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it switches between heating and cooling modes, regulates heating medium flow, and serves as a common chamber for multiple channels. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed while maintaining all necessary control capabilities
2Ease of manufacture
If a composite valve with multiple valve chambers is used to reduce manufacturing costs, then plumbing is eliminated, but uneven thickness causes deformation and requires secondary processing
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is designed with a cylindrical shape, which provides uniform thickness throughout the structure. This curved geometry distributes stress evenly and prevents deformation during molding, eliminating the need for secondary processing while maintaining manufacturing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body uses a uniform cylindrical structure with consistent wall thickness, creating homogeneity in the component design. This uniform geometry ensures even cooling during molding, prevents deformation, and eliminates the need for post-processing while maintaining ease of manufacture
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
The solution reduces device size and manufacturing costs by enabling efficient switching and regulation of heating media in a single compact unit, improving maintainability and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a motor that causes the valve body to rotate axially inside the valve chamber
Implementation Method 2
The heating-use heating medium or cooling-use heating medium carries out an exchange of heat with the air in a space subjected to air conditioning in the indoor unit
Data Source
AI summary
In a heating medium channel switching device, a valve body whose interior is partitioned into two channels by a partition plate is axially rotated by a motor, whereby a relative position of the valve body in a valve chamber is controlled. Because of this, one of a first heating medium and second heating medium can be selected and caused to flow out in one channel, and one of a third heating medium and fourth heating medium can be selected and caused to flow in the other channel. Also, heating medium flow can be controlled by an angle of rotation of the valve body being controlled.