Method for installing refrigeration device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for installing refrigeration apparatuses, such as air conditioners, are complicated by the individual arrangement of liquid-side and gas-side branch-off headers, which increases installation steps and reduces safety due to the need for flame-based brazing processes.
Innovation Solution
A method for installing a refrigeration apparatus that connects the outdoor unit, branch-off unit, and indoor units via mechanical pipe joints and flared pipe joints without brazing, simplifying the process and improving safety by reducing the number of installation steps and eliminating the use of flame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If liquid-side branch-off header and gas-side branch-off header are arranged individually, then connection flexibility is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the liquid-side branch-off header and gas-side branch-off header into a single integrated branch-off header unit. This merging allows both liquid and gas pipes to be connected simultaneously at one location, reducing installation complexity while maintaining the flexibility to connect multiple indoor units. The integrated design eliminates the need for separate header installations and reduces the number of connection steps required.
2Strength
If brazing is used for pipe connections, then connection strength is improved, but installation safety deteriorates due to flame use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal brazing process with a mechanical compression connection system. The compression connection device uses mechanical force to create a secure seal between pipes and fittings without requiring flame or heat. This substitution maintains adequate connection strength for refrigerant piping while eliminating safety hazards associated with open flames in building installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a compression fitting as an intermediary component between pipes. This fitting acts as a mediator that creates a secure mechanical connection through compression, replacing the direct thermal bonding of brazing. The intermediary component allows for reliable connections without the need for flame-based processes.
3Reliability
If brazing process is used in installation, then connection reliability is improved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression connection components are pre-assembled and prepared before installation. The connection fittings are designed to be pre-positioned on pipes, allowing for rapid installation without the time-consuming brazing process. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces installation time while maintaining connection reliability through the mechanical compression system.
Data Source
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AI summary
An air conditioner that is a refrigeration apparatus includes a branch-off unit (13) provided to a liquid-side connection pipe and a gas-side connection pipe via which an outdoor unit and indoor units are connected. The branch-off unit (13) includes a liquid-side header (50) and a gas-side header (60) stored in a casing (40). The liquid-side header (50) includes a single liquid-side collecting port (52) and liquid-side branch-off ports (54a to 54f). The gas-side header (60) includes a single gas-side collecting port (62) and gas-side branch-off ports (64a to 64f). The branch-off unit 13 is installed indoors. Use of the branch-off unit (13) can simplify a work of installing the air conditioner.