Integrated Condensate Pump Assembly for Low-Height Roof-Top AC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roof-top air conditioners on transportation structures face challenges in removing condensate without relying on gravity, which can lead to unsightly stains and structural height issues, and require a compact condensate removal system within the air conditioner's dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A pump assembly is integrated into the air conditioner, comprising a suction line and discharge line, with the pump housed inside and supported by a rubber grommet, allowing for electrical communication and operation independent of the water level, and configured to operate during specific air conditioner modes, connecting to a gravity-driven drainage system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If gravity is used to move condensate, then the structure height is reduced, but unsightly stains appear on the roof or walls
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is extracted from the conventional external mounting location and installed internally within the air conditioner housing. This extraction allows condensate to be pumped horizontally or at minimal elevation change, eliminating the need for external drainage paths that cause stains while avoiding the need to increase overall structure height.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump acts as an intermediary device between the evaporator and the drainage system. It receives condensate from the evaporator and delivers it to the drainage system, enabling controlled removal of condensate without relying on gravity-driven flow that would require elevated drainage points and cause staining.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a pump is installed to remove condensate, then stains are prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is merged with the existing air conditioner system by installing it within the same housing and integrating it with the existing evaporator and drainage system. The pump shares the housing space with other components, and its electrical connection is integrated into the air conditioner's electrical system, minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump is designed to perform multiple functions: it removes condensate from the evaporator, prevents staining on the roof or walls, and can be integrated with the air conditioner's existing control system. This multi-functionality justifies the addition of the pump by providing multiple benefits from a single component.
3Length of stationary object
If the pump is housed inside the air conditioner, then the structure height is maintained, but the pump must be compact
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is nested within the existing air conditioner housing, utilizing available internal space. The pump is positioned to fit within the confines of the housing without requiring additional external space, effectively nesting the pump component within the larger air conditioner system.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump utilizes flexible mounting methods such as rubber grommets and brackets that can adapt to the available space within the air conditioner housing. These flexible mounting solutions allow the pump to be installed in compact configurations that maintain the external dimensions of the air conditioner.
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
Effectively removes condensate from the air conditioner without increasing the structure's height, maintaining compactness, and ensuring efficient drainage through a self-priming pump assembly that operates in conjunction with the air conditioner's modes, preventing water accumulation and stains.
Implementation Method 1
The pump operatively moves condensate in the sump to the hose of the drainage means to remove the condensate from the transport structure
Implementation Method 2
the pump is supported by a rubber grommet mounted on a bracket element
Implementation Method 3
The suction line enters the pump and is configured to be in fluid communication with the sump. The discharge line exits the pump and is configured to be in fluid communication with a hose of a drainage means
Data Source
AI summary
A pump assembly and a method for removing condensate from an elevated air conditioner of a transport structure are provided. The air conditioner includes a base pan with a sump. The pump assembly includes a pump, a suction line and a discharge line. The pump is configured to be in electrical communication with the air conditioner. The suction line enters the pump and is configured to be in fluid communication with the sump. The discharge line exits the pump and is configured to be in fluid communication with a hose of a drainage means of the transport structure. The pump operatively moves condensate in the sump to the hose of the drainage means to remove the condensate from the transport structure.