Indoor unit of HVAC apparatus, and HVAC apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC air conditioning apparatuses with refrigerant detection devices face challenges in accurately detecting refrigerant leakage in both vertical and horizontal installation orientations due to a fixed installation position of the detection device.
Innovation Solution
The indoor unit of the HVAC apparatus includes a refrigerant detection device arranged in an installation area within the accommodation chamber, with a configurable distance from the bottom of the chamber. In vertical orientation, the distance is ≤ ⅓ of the shell's height, and in horizontal orientation, it is ≤ ⅓ of the shell's width, ensuring accurate detection by positioning the device close to where leaked refrigerant accumulates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the refrigerant detection device is installed at a fixed position, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot accurately detect refrigerant leakage in both vertical and horizontal installation orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the installation position of the refrigerant detection device adjustable rather than fixed. The device can be dynamically positioned at different locations within the accommodation chamber depending on whether the air conditioner is installed vertically or horizontally, allowing it to adapt to different orientations and accurately detect refrigerant leakage in each case.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the parameter changes principle by varying the installation position parameters of the refrigerant detection device according to different installation orientations. Specifically, in vertical orientation the device is installed within 1/3 of the height from the bottom, while in horizontal orientation it is installed within 1/3 of the width from the bottom end, optimizing detection accuracy for each configuration.
2Measurement precision
If the refrigerant detection device is positioned far from the bottom of the accommodation chamber, then the device has more installation space, but the device cannot accurately detect refrigerant leakage since refrigerant accumulates at the bottom
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the local quality principle by concentrating the refrigerant detection function in the specific region where refrigerant accumulates (the bottom area of the accommodation chamber). Rather than distributing detection capability throughout the chamber, the device is strategically positioned in the local area most likely to contain leaked refrigerant, ensuring high detection precision while occupying minimal space.
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 configuration ensures that the refrigerant detection device can accurately detect refrigerant leakage in both vertical and horizontal installation orientations by positioning it close to where the refrigerant accumulates, enhancing safety by preventing potential ignition risks.
Implementation Method 1
since the refrigerant has a density higher than that of air, the refrigerant will first diffuse and deposit in the downward direction as well as in left and right directions. Therefore, at the bottom of the accommodation chamber, the concentration of refrigerant will be higher.
Data Source
AI summary
An indoor unit of an HVAC apparatus includes a shell including a plurality of shell plates that enclose to form an accommodation chamber having an installation area. The plurality of shell plates includes a shell bottom plate and a shell side plate. The indoor unit further includes a heat exchange assembly arranged in the accommodation chamber, and a refrigerant detection device arranged in the installation area and configured to detect refrigerant that leaks from the heat exchange assembly. A first distance between the refrigerant detection device and the shell bottom plate is smaller than or equal to ⅓ of a height of the shell, and a second distance between the refrigerant detection device and a shell side plate is smaller than or equal to ⅓ of a width of the shell.