Indoor Unit Heat Exchanger Layout for Compact Air Conditioner Casings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional indoor air conditioner units are limited in size reduction due to fixed distances between heat exchange parts and casing walls, hindering compact design.
Innovation Solution
The indoor unit design includes a heat exchanger with extension parts that allow for a recessed casing configuration, accommodating a centrifugal fan and drain pump within the casing, and recessed refrigerant pipe connections, enabling a reduced size and efficient heat exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If the distance between the wall and each distal end of the first and second heat exchange parts is fixed, then the heat exchange parts are symmetrically disposed, but the distance between opposite walls cannot be reduced, hindering size reduction of the casing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by making the first extension part extend beyond the distal end of the second extension part toward the second wall. This asymmetric configuration allows the second wall to be recessed, reducing the distance between opposite walls and achieving compact casing size while maintaining functional effectiveness of the heat exchange parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes dimensional optimization by strategically positioning the heat exchange parts at different distances from the walls. The first extension part extends further than the second extension part, creating an asymmetric spatial arrangement that optimizes the use of internal volume and enables wall recesses, thereby reducing overall casing dimensions in specific directions.
2Volume of stationary object
If the heat exchanger extension parts are made asymmetric with the first extension part extending beyond the second, then the casing size is reduced, but the configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is segmented into distinct parts: a first extension part and a second extension part, each serving specific functions. The first extension part extends beyond the second, creating manageable segments that facilitate compact casing design while maintaining clarity in the overall configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second extension parts are merged into a single integrated heat exchanger assembly. This merging allows the asymmetric configuration to function as a unified component, reducing the need for separate external components and simplifying the overall device structure despite the asymmetric arrangement.
3Volume of stationary object
If the drain pump is disposed inside the casing, then external space is reduced, but internal space arrangement becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The drain pump is nested within the casing, specifically positioned between the second wall and the first extension part of the heat exchanger. This nesting approach allows the pump to occupy unused internal space, reducing the external footprint while maintaining functional separation and ease of integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The drain pump is positioned in a specific internal dimension between the second wall and the first extension part, utilizing vertical or lateral space within the casing. This spatial arrangement optimizes internal volume usage and allows the pump to be integrated without significantly increasing overall device 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
This configuration allows for a compact air conditioner unit size reduction while maintaining efficient heat exchange and eliminating the need for external components, thus optimizing space usage.
Implementation Method 1
a centrifugal fan disposed in the casing
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchanger disposed between the centrifugal fan and the first wall, third wall, and fourth wall of the casing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An indoor unit for an air conditioner includes a heat exchanger (40) disposed between a centrifugal fan (30) and a first wall (11), a third wall (13), and a fourth wall (14) of a casing (1, 2, 3). The heat exchanger (40) includes a first extension part (42) located near the third wall (13) of the casing (1, 2, 3) and extending from the first wall (11) toward the second wall (12) in the casing (1, 2, 3), and a second extension part (43) located near the fourth wall (14) of the casing (1, 2, 3) and extending from the first wall (11) toward the second wall (12) in the casing (1, 2, 3). The first extension part (42) in the heat exchanger (40) extends beyond a distal end of the second extension part (43) in the heat exchanger (40) toward the second wall (12) of the casing (1, 2, 3).