Wall-Mounted HVAC Coil Arrangement for Stud-Bay Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-family units, such as apartments or condominiums, it is often not feasible to separately position air conditioning components both inside and outside, leading to challenges in space utilization and installation efficiency within the limited confines of walls.
Innovation Solution
An HVAC system design that includes a front side access panel, a mounting sleeve, and a back side grille, allowing for quick installation and condensate collection, with a blower unit and heat exchanger configured to fit within preexisting wall framing, featuring a coil and fin assembly with asymmetrical fin alignment for efficient heat transfer and space optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If air conditioning components are separately positioned inside and outside multi-family units, then installation flexibility and space utilization are improved, but installation complexity and feasibility are worsened due to limited wall space and preexisting framing constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the air conditioning components (blower unit, heat exchanger, mounting sleeve) into a single integrated assembly that fits within the preexisting wall framing. This merging eliminates the need for separate positioning of components inside and outside the unit, reducing installation complexity while maintaining adaptability to multi-family unit constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting sleeve is designed to be nested within the preexisting wall framing structure, with the blower unit and heat exchanger nested within the mounting sleeve. This nesting approach allows the system to utilize the available wall space efficiently without requiring additional external components or complex external installations.
2Volume of moving object
If HVAC components are designed to fit within preexisting wall framing, then space utilization is improved, but installation time and servicing efficiency are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The HVAC system is segmented into distinct modular components (front side access panel, mounting sleeve, blower unit, heat exchanger, back side grille) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows for rapid installation by simply connecting the pre-fitted components together, reducing installation time while maintaining efficient space utilization within the wall framing.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting sleeve and heat exchanger are pre-configured to fit within the preexisting wall framing dimensions before installation. This preliminary action ensures that the components are properly sized and positioned in advance, eliminating the need for complex on-site measurements and adjustments, thereby reducing installation time while maximizing space utilization.
3Temperature
If coil and fin assembly uses asymmetrical fin alignment, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The fin alignment in the coil and fin assembly is deliberately designed to be asymmetrical, with fins positioned at non-uniform intervals or angles relative to the refrigerant flow direction. This asymmetry optimizes the heat transfer surface area distribution and improves thermal efficiency by directing airflow more effectively across the heat exchanger surface, despite the increased manufacturing complexity.
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 HVAC system enables rapid installation and efficient servicing while minimizing space intrusion, optimizing space utilization and heat transfer efficiency within the limited wall confines, supporting both air conditioning and heating functions.
Implementation Method 1
The heat exchanger is positioned within the housing, wherein the heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat between air flowing by the heat exchanger and fluid flowing within the heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
a coil and fin assembly with asymmetrical fin alignment for efficient heat transfer
Implementation Method 3
a coil and fin assembly with asymmetrical fin alignment for efficient heat transfer
Data Source
AI summary
An HVAC system includes a front side access panel, an HVAC unit, a mounting sleeve, and a back side grille. The mounting sleeve and the HVAC unit are configured to fit within the preexisting framing of a building, and in particular to be mounted in a wall, between pre-existing studs, of a room. The HVAC unit includes an evaporator section, a mechanical section, and a condenser section. The HVAC system is optimized to maximize space utilization and support efficient installation and servicing while minimizing product intrusion into living space. The evaporator section includes a heat exchanger, an air mover, and electrical circuitry. The air mover and the heat exchanger can have a variety of different configurations, all designed for implementation within the limited confines between preexisting studs of the wall. The heat exchanger can include a coil assembly having an evaporator coil and a plurality of fins.