HVAC Control Box Layout for Single-Installer Pipe and Wiring Assembly

Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems requires multiple trades, increasing costs and time due to the complexity of hydraulic and electronic connections, which complicates the arrangement of piping elements and valves.

Innovation Solution

A control box with a hydraulic regulation compartment that allows for easy fixation and adjustment of various piping elements and accessories before installation, featuring support and locking mechanisms for pipe elements, and a separate electronic compartment for simplified electrical connections, enabling a single person to handle both hydraulic and electrical connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple trades are involved in installation (hydraulic, electronic control, adjustment), then the system can be properly installed with all necessary connections, but the installation costs and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation qualityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines hydraulic regulation components and electronic control components into a single integrated control box housing. The housing contains both a hydraulic regulation compartment with piping elements and valves, and an electronic control compartment with control electronics, allowing one installer to handle both hydraulic and electronic connections simultaneously, thereby reducing installation time and cost while maintaining proper installation quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control box housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, contains hydraulic components (piping elements, valves), houses electronic control systems, and facilitates both hydraulic and electrical connections through integrated mounting mechanisms. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate installations for hydraulic and electronic systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple trades are involved in installation, then comprehensive installation can be achieved, but installation costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation qualityVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines hydraulic regulation components and electronic control components into a single integrated control box housing. The housing contains both a hydraulic regulation compartment with piping elements and valves, and an electronic control compartment with control electronics, allowing one installer to handle both hydraulic and electronic connections simultaneously, thereby reducing installation time and cost while maintaining proper installation quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing is designed with pre-integrated mounting mechanisms for both hydraulic and electronic components. The hydraulic regulation compartment includes pre-positioned piping elements with connection means, and the electronic control compartment has pre-configured mounting structures. This preliminary integration allows for simplified on-site assembly by a single installer, reducing both installation cost and time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If hydraulic components are fixed on site, then flexibility in arrangement is maintained, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearrangement flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into distinct compartments: a hydraulic regulation compartment containing piping elements and valves, and an electronic control compartment housing control electronics. Each compartment is independently designed with its own mounting mechanisms, allowing flexible arrangement of components within the housing while simplifying the overall installation process through modular organization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing is designed with pre-integrated mounting mechanisms for both hydraulic and electronic components. The hydraulic regulation compartment includes pre-positioned piping elements with connection means, and the electronic control compartment has pre-configured mounting structures. This preliminary integration allows for simplified on-site assembly by a single installer, reducing both installation cost and time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3225923B1Control box for a system for controlling heating, ventilation or air conditioning, and system provided with said control box

Publication Date: 2019.03.13 FRACOTECH

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6

AI summary

Regulation box (1) for a heating or ventilation or air conditioning control system, consisting of a box body (2) closed by a cover assembly and being characterized in that the body (2) comprises at least one hydraulic regulator (4) in which is formed a space for receiving hydraulic equipment, said compartment (4) comprising at least one opening (16, 17) for passage of pipe element(s), said reception space comprising further means (27, 28, 36) for holding in position at least one pipe element. Said holding means may comprise means (27, 28) for supporting the pipe element(s) which are formed by at least one pair of bearing surfaces (29) and means for locking in position at least a pipe element against at least one bearing surface (29).