Indoor Unit Valve Layout That Preserves Heat Exchanger Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of an electronic expansion valve in a multi-type air conditioner's indoor unit increases costs and requires additional space, and when installed in the indoor unit, it enlarges the external size and may reduce heat exchanger capacity.
Innovation Solution
The indoor unit design includes an electronic expansion valve positioned outside the lengthwise direction of the heat exchanger, with a control case and extension parts that guide condensed water away from electrical components, allowing for efficient refrigerant flow and vibration isolation, while maintaining the heat exchanger's size and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the electronic expansion valve is installed in the indoor unit, then the refrigerant flow control is improved, but the external size of the indoor unit is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic expansion valve is positioned at the outside in the lengthwise direction of the heat exchanger, utilizing the longitudinal dimension of the indoor unit rather than occupying additional lateral or vertical space. This dimensional arrangement allows the valve to be integrated into the existing lengthwise configuration, controlling refrigerant flow without increasing the overall external dimensions of the unit.
2Productivity
If the electronic expansion valve is installed in the indoor unit, then the refrigerant flow control is improved, but the heat exchanger capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The indoor unit is segmented into distinct functional zones: the heat exchanger maintains its dedicated space for heat exchange operations, while the electronic expansion valve is positioned in a separate location at the outside in the lengthwise direction. This segmentation allows both components to operate independently without interfering with each other's capacity or performance, preserving the heat exchanger's full area while enabling precise refrigerant flow control.
3Ease of manufacture
If the electronic expansion valve is installed in the pipe connecting indoor unit and outdoor unit, then the installation cost is increased, but the space requirement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic expansion valve is merged with the indoor unit structure, positioned at the outside in the lengthwise direction of the heat exchanger. This integration eliminates the need for separate installation in the connecting pipe between indoor and outdoor units, reducing installation complexity and cost. The valve becomes part of the indoor unit assembly, utilizing existing structural space rather than requiring additional installation locations.
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 reduces installation costs and space requirements, prevents condensed water from damaging electrical components, and maintains the heat-exchanging efficiency of the indoor unit by effectively managing refrigerant flow and condensate drainage.
Implementation Method 1
the extension part includes a guide part downwardly inclined from the first side surface part toward the water collector
Data Source
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AI summary
An indoor unit of an air conditioner with an electronic expansion valve. The indoor unit includes a main body, a heat exchanger disposed at the front portion of the inside of the main body, a control unit, in which electrical components are mounted, disposed at the outside in the lengthwise direction of the heat exchanger, a control case including a first side surface part disposed between the control unit and the heat exchanger and an extension part connected with the first side surface part and extended in the lengthwise direction of the heat exchanger, and an electronic expansion valve disposed in a space defined by two surfaces neighboring with each other by the extension part.