Modular Air Conditioner with User-Serviceable Hose for Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional air conditioning systems are noisy, inflexible, and lack user serviceability, with split systems requiring professional installation and complex piping networks, limiting control over cooling directionality and modularity.
Innovation Solution
A modular air conditioning system with a user-serviceable hose connecting an outdoor unit containing a compressor and condenser to an indoor unit with a cold storage tank, allowing decoupling of cooling functions and enabling flexible configuration with multiple hose connections and directional airflow control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If split air conditioning systems are used to reduce noise, then noise is reduced, but professional installation and complex piping are required
Solution Approach 1:
The air conditioning system is divided into separate indoor and outdoor units connected by a flexible hose, allowing the noisy compressor and condenser to be positioned outdoors while maintaining simple connections. The hose assembly acts as a pre-packaged service channel that simplifies installation compared to traditional rigid piping requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible hose serves as an intermediary connection between the indoor and outdoor units, replacing complex rigid piping systems. This hose contains integrated service channels for refrigerant, condensate, and electrical connections, eliminating the need for separate piping installations by licensed technicians.
2Ease of manufacture
If unitary air conditioners are used for simple installation, then installation is simple, but noise is concentrated in one location
Solution Approach 1:
The unitary air conditioner is segmented into separate indoor and outdoor components that can be installed at different locations. The indoor unit remains simple to install while the outdoor unit housing the noisy components is positioned remotely, achieving both installation simplicity and noise reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The noisy components (compressor, condenser, fan) are extracted from the indoor unit and placed in a separate outdoor unit. This extraction allows the indoor unit to remain simple and quiet while the outdoor unit handles the noisy operations at a remote location.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional split systems are used to separate cooling and heat discharge units, then noise is reduced, but user serviceability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible hose with quick-connect couplings acts as an intermediary that enables user serviceability. Users can easily disconnect and reconnect the hose to service or relocate units, whereas traditional rigid piping systems require professional technicians for any service operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static rigid piping to a dynamic flexible hose connection that can be easily reconfigured by users. This dynamic connection method maintains the noise reduction benefits of split systems while enabling user serviceability and relocation.
4Stability of the object's composition
If fixed installation systems are used for stability, then installation stability is achieved, but reconfiguration flexibility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic flexible hose connections instead of fixed rigid piping, allowing the installation to be stable during operation but easily reconfigurable when needed. Users can relocate indoor or outdoor units by simply disconnecting and reconnecting the flexible hose.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection method changes from fixed rigid piping to flexible hose with quick-connect couplings, fundamentally altering the system's reconfigurability parameter while maintaining operational stability. This parameter change enables both stable installation and flexible reconfiguration.
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
The system provides efficient, flexible, and quiet cooling with user-controlled operation, reducing installation costs and enhancing occupant comfort by allowing reconfiguration and directional airflow, while maintaining efficient operation through temporal separation of indoor and outdoor unit functions.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor that compresses a refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
an air-cooled condenser that dissipates heat from the refrigerant
Implementation Method 3
an air-cooled condenser that dissipates heat from the refrigerant
Implementation Method 4
an evaporator coil that cools air that is passed over the coil
Implementation Method 5
a fan that moves air across a heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
A modular air conditioner is provided that operates on the basic principal of a split system yet allows user serviceability and modular components such that the system is flexible. The system generally includes an outdoor unit, at least one indoor unit and a user serviceable hose that extends between the outdoor and indoor units. The outdoor unit contains a compressor, an air-cooled condenser, a coolant to fluid heat exchanger, a fan and various other components such as controls. While the indoor unit contains a fan, a fluid pump, a cold fluid storage tank and a fluid to air heat exchanger. Finally, the hose is a detachable hose that includes three lumens therein that act as a cold fluid supply, a fluid return and wiring for power and control signals.