W-Shaped Indoor Unit Airflow Flap Layout Around Dual Drain Pans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wall-mounted indoor units with axial fans upstream of W-shaped indoor heat exchangers face complexity in airflow path division and flap control due to the presence of forward and rearward drain pans, leading to increased structural and control complexity.
Innovation Solution
The indoor unit is designed with a W-shaped indoor heat exchanger and separate forward and rearward drain pans, which divide the airflow path into three sections, allowing for a simplified configuration of up/down airflow direction flaps, where the rearward up/down airflow direction flap is positioned under the second and third airflow paths, and the forward up/down airflow direction flap is positioned under the first airflow path, reducing the number of flaps required for control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate forward and rearward drain pans are disposed below the W-shaped indoor heat exchanger, then dew drainage function is improved, but the airflow path is divided into three parts increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The drain pan is segmented into a forward drain pan and a rearward drain pan, with each pan having independent airflow path guidance. The forward drain pan has a forward airflow path guidance portion, and the rearward drain pan has a rearward airflow path guidance portion, allowing each segment to independently manage airflow in its respective region while maintaining overall system functionality.
2Ease of operation
If multiple up/down airflow direction flaps are provided for each airflow path to control airflow direction, then airflow controllability is improved, but the number of flaps and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The up/down airflow direction flaps are designed to perform multiple functions: they serve as both the airflow direction control mechanism and the structural cover for the drain pans. The forward up/down airflow direction flap covers the forward drain pan, and the rearward up/down airflow direction flap covers the rearward drain pan, eliminating the need for separate protective structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The airflow direction control function and the drain pan cover function are merged into a single integrated structure. The up/down airflow direction flaps simultaneously control airflow direction and protect the drain pans, reducing the total number of components while maintaining both functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If at least three up/down airflow direction flaps are disposed at the air outlet for three airflow paths, then airflow control coverage is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each up/down airflow direction flap is positioned to control airflow in its specific local region: the forward up/down airflow direction flap controls airflow in the forward region, while the rearward up/down airflow direction flap controls airflow in the rearward region. This localized control approach ensures comprehensive coverage while maintaining simple control logic for each individual flap.
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 simplifies the structure and control of up/down airflow direction flaps, reducing complexity and enhancing the operational efficiency of the air-conditioning unit by allowing for precise airflow direction adjustment with fewer flaps, thus improving airflow management.
Implementation Method 1
an axial fan disposed within the airflow path under the air inlet
Implementation Method 2
an heat exchanger provided on a downstream side of the fans in the casing and on an upstream side of the air outlet for exchanging heat between air blowing out of the fans and a refrigerant
Implementation Method 3
moisture contained in the indoor air deposits on the indoor heat exchanger as dew
Implementation Method 4
a drain pan is disposed below the bottom end portion of the indoor heat exchanger to receive dew dripping down from the indoor heat exchanger
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
An indoor unit includes, in an airflow path, an axial fan, an indoor heat exchanger having a W-shape in side view, and a forward drain pan and a rearward drain each disposed below the corresponding valley portion of the indoor heat exchanger. The airflow path is divided into a first airflow path, a second airflow path, and a third airflow path. The indoor unit includes an up/down airflow direction flap disposed at the air outlet. The up/down airflow direction flap includes a rearward up/down airflow direction flap disposed under the second airflow path and the third airflow path, and a forward up/down airflow direction flap disposed forward of the rearward up/down airflow direction flap and under the first airflow path.