Modular air handling unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air handling units are difficult to disassemble and reassemble due to their large size and complex fastening mechanisms, making it challenging to pass them through small access openings and requiring careful alignment and securement of components, which can lead to improper installation and increased installation time.
Innovation Solution
The air handling unit is designed with modular cabinets featuring complementary profiles and quick-connect latches, allowing for easy alignment and securement of components, enabling convenient disassembly and reassembly, and facilitating passage through small openings by separating into manageable modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional air handling units are used with complex fastening mechanisms, then the structural integrity and securement of components is improved, but the ease of disassembly and reassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air handling unit is divided into multiple modular cabinets (first modular cabinet, second modular cabinet) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each cabinet contains specific components (refrigeration coil assembly, blower assembly) and can be separated into manageable sections for easier handling and installation through small access openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening mechanism transitions from static permanent fasteners to dynamic reversible connectors. The quick-connect latches allow the cabinets to be easily connected and disconnected multiple times, providing both secure structural integrity when connected and ease of disassembly when needed, adapting to different installation and maintenance scenarios.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional air handling units are used as single large components, then the structural stability is improved, but the ability to pass through small access openings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air handling unit is segmented into multiple smaller modular cabinets that can be individually transported through small access openings. The complementary profiles and alignment features ensure that when assembled, the modular units form a stable structure equivalent to a conventional single-unit air handler, but with the advantage of separable sections for easier installation.
3Ease of operation
If modular cabinets with complementary profiles are used, then the ease of alignment and installation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular cabinets feature complementary profiles with specific geometric asymmetries (alignment features, interlocking shapes) that guide proper orientation and alignment during assembly. This asymmetric design ensures that cabinets can only be assembled in the correct configuration, simplifying the installation process while maintaining structural integrity.
4Loss of time
If quick-connect latches are used for securement, then the installation time is reduced, but the reliability of connection may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-connect latches provide a dynamic connection system that achieves both quick connection (reducing installation time) and reliable securement (maintaining connection reliability). The latch mechanism incorporates positive engagement features and securement elements that ensure a dependable connection while allowing rapid assembly and disassembly compared to conventional fastening mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An air handling unit has a first modular cabinet comprising a first profile, a second modular cabinet comprising a second profile that is complementary to the first profile, and the first profile comprises an alignment feature. An air handling unit has a heat exchanger cabinet comprising a first profile, a blower cabinet comprising a second profile complementary to the first profile, a first connector system disposed at least partially on each of the heat exchanger cabinet and the blower cabinet, and the first connector system is operable to releasably secure the first profile to the second profile. An air handling unit has a first modular cabinet comprising a first portion of a first connection system and a second modular cabinet comprising a second portion of the first connection system. A component of the first portion may be least partially received within the second portion.