Thermally Isolated HVAC Housing Frame for Lower Heat Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning and ventilation system housings suffer from heat loss through panel elements and frames, leading to undesirable energy losses, and require complex assembly and maintenance access.
Innovation Solution
The housing features a frame with twelve segments forming edge lines, using panel elements with plastic profiles that thermally separate outer and inner walls, and contact legs to cover the frame segments, reducing heat transfer and simplifying assembly with accessible design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If panel elements are used to close open side surfaces of the housing, then the housing structure is completed and provides enclosure, but heat is given off to the environment via the panel elements and frame, leading to undesirable heat losses
Solution Approach 1:
A thermal separation profile acts as an intermediary element between the panel element and the frame segment. This profile includes contact legs that thermally separate the panel element from the frame, preventing direct thermal conduction. The profile serves as a mediator that maintains structural connection while blocking heat transfer pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal separation profile extracts and removes the heat conduction function from the structural connection. By separating the thermal and structural functions into different components, the frame's heat loss pathway is eliminated while maintaining the housing's structural integrity through the profile's mechanical connection.
2Ease of manufacture
If the housing frame is designed as a wire cage with four frame segments per open side surface, then the housing is easy to assemble and access for maintenance, but heat loss occurs through the frame structure
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal separation profile serves as an intermediary component that connects the panel element to the frame segment while preventing thermal conduction. The profile's contact legs maintain the wire cage structure's assembly simplicity while blocking heat transfer through the frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal separation is achieved by segmenting the connection between panel and frame into distinct contact legs. This segmentation creates multiple discrete thermal barriers along the connection path, maintaining structural functionality while eliminating continuous heat conduction pathways.
3Loss of energy
If contact legs are designed to cover the frame segments, then heat transfer through the frame is reduced, but the complexity of panel element design increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal separation profile performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides thermal separation to reduce heat transfer, maintains structural connection between panel and frame, and covers the frame segments for aesthetic purposes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal separation function and frame covering function are merged into a single integrated profile design. The contact legs that provide thermal separation also serve to cover and conceal the frame segments, combining multiple benefits into one component.
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 significantly reduces heat loss by thermally isolating the frame and improving accessibility for maintenance, while maintaining structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
insulation located between the inner wall and the outer wall, in particular a core made of insulating material
Implementation Method 2
each panel element has a profile, in particular a plastic profile, that thermally separates the outer and inner walls in the area of each edge
Data Source
AI summary
The housing (1) has panel elements (4) e.g. door, including profiles in a region of each edge. Bearing surfaces of bearing limbs are connected with an outer side of frame segments directly or via a component in a fitted state. Bearing surfaces of other bearing limbs face towards a side of the segments, where the side is arranged in a direction of an inner area enclosed by the frame segments. The former limbs are designed such that a frame is covered on an outer side. The frame is made from stainless steel or galvanized steel. The profiles are made from polyamide or glass or carbon fiber.