Installation systems and methods for self-contained heat pump room conditioning units
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Self-contained room conditioning units, particularly saddle-type heat pump units, are difficult and dangerous to install due to their imbalance and weight distribution, requiring at least two people to lift and position them in a window.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a deflatably inflatable cushion under the bridge portion for easy installation and uninstallation, a crane cart with strategically positioned anchor points for lifting, and telescopic closeout panels and an actuable mounting pad system to secure the unit in place, ensuring a stable and safe installation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the heat pump components are located in the outdoor portion to minimize noise and indoor space encroachment, then the outdoor portion becomes substantially heavier than the indoor portion, but this weight imbalance makes installation difficult and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable counterweight mechanism that can be adjusted to balance the weight distribution of the room conditioning unit. The counterweight is positioned on the indoor side to offset the heavy outdoor portion containing the heat pump components, making the unit easier to handle and install while maintaining the beneficial noise isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adjustable and movable components including adjustable legs, movable counterweights, and telescopic support arms that can be dynamically positioned during installation and operation. This dynamic adjustability allows the installer to balance the unit's center of gravity and distribute weight appropriately, transforming a static heavy unit into a dynamically balanceable system.
2Weight of moving object
If the bridge portion is kept relatively light with only refrigerant tubing and power cables, then the overall unit weight increases due to the heavy outdoor portion, but the light bridge portion cannot provide sufficient structural support for safe installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the room conditioning unit into distinct segments (indoor portion, bridge portion, outdoor portion) that can be independently supported. The bridge portion is segmented from the main structural load-bearing elements, allowing it to remain lightweight while the indoor and outdoor portions are supported by separate mechanisms including adjustable legs and support arms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces telescopic support arms and adjustable legs as intermediary support structures between the unit and the window sill. These intermediaries bear the structural load, allowing the bridge portion itself to remain lightweight while still providing adequate structural support through the combined system.
3Reliability
If two or more people are used to lift and position the unit, then safe installation can be achieved, but the complexity and time required for installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates self-balancing and self-supporting features including automatic counterweight adjustment mechanisms and stabilizing legs that can be independently positioned. These features allow a single installer to safely handle and position the heavy unit by themselves, as the unit's own structural features provide the necessary support and balance without requiring multiple people.
Data Source
AI summary
A room conditioning unit including a deflatably inflatable cushion located underneath the bridge portion for installing and uninstalling the room conditioning unit. A crane cart can be used to raise and lower the room conditioning unit via a lifting apparatus configured to attach to the anchor points such that a lift attachment point of the lifting apparatus is located above the center of mass of the room conditioning unit. Telescopic closeout panels can seal gaps between the room conditioning unit and the sides of the corresponding window. A mounting pad system having a mounting pad and an actuator can extend and retract to contact a wall and secure the room conditioning unit in place.