Air handling unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air handling units are cumbersome to assemble and transport due to their large size, requiring skilled labor and complex installation processes, which leads to delays and increased costs, as they need to be assembled on-site and require precise fitting of numerous components to prevent air leakage.
Innovation Solution
The air handling unit is modularly designed, allowing for assembly and transportation of distinct modules (air suction, mixing, and heat exchange) that can be easily connected using sliding coupling and connectors, reducing the number of assembly operations and eliminating the need for extensive screw fastening, thus simplifying the installation process and enhancing sealing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air handling units are designed as integrated large capacity systems, then air conditioning performance is improved, but assembly and transportation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air handling unit is divided into multiple modular sections (first module, second module, third module) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each module contains specific functional components, allowing for simplified transportation and assembly while maintaining overall system performance.
2Strength
If traditional frame and panel coupling methods are used, then structural strength is improved, but assembly time and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex screw fastening process is replaced by extracting the fastening function into a dedicated coupling structure with coupling protrusions and coupling recesses. This allows modules to be connected through simple insertion and locking mechanisms, dramatically reducing assembly time while maintaining structural integrity.
3Reliability
If numerous screws are used to couple panels to frames, then air leakage prevention is improved, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged into the coupling structure itself. The coupling protrusions and recesses are designed to create tight seals when modules are connected, eliminating the need for separate sealing components and reducing the overall number of parts required.
4Reliability
If electrical insulating tape and sealants are applied to prevent air leakage, then sealing performance is improved, but assembly complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling structure is designed to be self-sealing through its geometric configuration. The interlocking protrusions and recesses automatically create tight seals when modules are properly assembled, eliminating the need for additional sealing materials or complex installation procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
An air handler which allows modular assembly at a place of manufacture or outside of a building and modular transportation to a machine room of the building where the air handler will be installed, thereby achieving enhanced transportation convenience. In addition, in the air handler, a plurality of case panels may be assembled with a plurality of module frames via considerably simplified sliding coupling, providing excellent hermetic sealing. As such, manufacturing costs may be reduced due to a reduction in a number of components, and assembly time may be remarkably reduced due to a reduced number of assembly operations. This advantageously results in reduced labor costs and enhanced air conditioning efficiency.