Modular Outdoor Unit Layout to Prevent Air Conditioner Pipe Resonance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air conditioners face issues with pipe breakage due to resonance phenomena caused by shared natural frequencies of components in the outdoor unit, leading to increased size and reduced cooling/heating efficiency due to unnecessary space occupied by pipes.
Innovation Solution
The air conditioner is designed with modularized blocks for the outdoor unit, allowing components like compressors, oil separators, and heat exchangers to be grouped into separate blocks with communication parts protruding for welding, reducing the need for extensive piping and minimizing vibration-induced resonance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pipes are elongated and configured complexly to prevent resonance, then pipe breakage is prevented, but the outdoor unit size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outdoor unit components are divided into separate modular blocks (compressor block, heat exchanger block, etc.) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex piping connections between components, reducing both resonance risks and space requirements while maintaining system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple components are merged into integrated modular blocks where the compressor, control parts, and associated piping are combined into a single compact unit. This merging reduces the overall number of external pipe connections needed, minimizing resonance pathways while compacting the outdoor unit footprint
2Reliability
If welding operations are performed to connect pipes and parts, then reliable connections are achieved, but working space requirements increase the outdoor unit size
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into modular blocks with standardized connection interfaces. This allows welding operations to be concentrated at specific module interfaces rather than requiring extensive welding throughout the system, reducing the working space needed while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The modular blocks are designed with universal connection standards that can accommodate different component configurations. This universality allows for compact arrangements of blocks, minimizing the space required for welding operations and assembly while ensuring reliable connections across all interfaces
3Volume of stationary object
If pipe space is reduced through modularization, then outdoor unit size decreases, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outdoor unit is segmented into standardized modular blocks with consistent connection protocols. This segmentation, while creating multiple components, actually simplifies manufacturing by allowing each block to be produced independently using standardized processes, then assembled through repeatable procedures, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the modular structure
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
This modular design prevents pipe breakage, reduces the outdoor unit's size, and allows for the use of larger compressors, enhancing cooling and heating efficiency by minimizing unnecessary space and secondary vibration sources.
Implementation Method 1
a part of the plurality of first control parts may be fixed to a part of the plurality of first communication parts by welding
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner, which comprises a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, a four-way valve, an accumulator, and an oil separator, and cools or heats a room by circulating a refrigerant. The air conditioner comprises a first block which is disposed on a first channel of the refrigerant between the oil separator and the four-way valve, and the first block is modular and includes a plurality of first control parts, and a second block which is disposed on a second channel of the refrigerant between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger, and the second block is modular and includes a plurality of second control parts.