Nested Air Intake and Exhaust Assembly to Prevent Air Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaged air conditioners with dual air pipes are complex to install and have an unsightly appearance, leading to poor user experience and air shielding issues due to distortion of the first air pipe within the second.
Innovation Solution
A stable air intake and exhaust assembly is formed by a first air pipe with a duct connected to the air exhaust volute and a second air pipe that sleeves the first, with at least part of the outer wall of the first air pipe fixedly connected to the second, using fixation members to prevent air shielding and improve installation convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two independent air pipes are used for air intake and exhaust, then air exchange function is achieved, but installation complexity increases and appearance becomes unsightly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two independent air pipes into a single integrated air pipe assembly where the first air pipe (for air intake or exhaust) and the second air pipe (for the other function) are merged into one structural unit, simplifying installation while maintaining dual functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The first air pipe is nested within the second air pipe, forming a concentric structure where one pipe is placed inside the other, reducing the overall space occupation and simplifying the external appearance while preserving both air exchange functions
2Volume of moving object
If the first air pipe is placed inside the second air pipe, then space is saved and appearance is improved, but air shielding occurs due to pipe distortion
Solution Approach 1:
A support structure acts as an intermediary element between the first and second air pipes, preventing direct contact and distortion of the inner pipe while maintaining the nested configuration, thus avoiding air shielding issues
Solution Approach 2:
The air pipes are designed with flexible materials and structures that can accommodate thermal expansion and contraction without distorting the air flow path, preventing air shielding while maintaining the compact nested arrangement
3Ease of manufacture
If the first air pipe is not fixed to the second air pipe, then installation is simpler, but air shielding occurs due to pipe distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The air pipe assembly is segmented into fixed portions and flexible portions, where the connection between the first and second air pipes is fixed at critical locations to prevent distortion, while other sections remain flexible for easier installation
Data Source
AI summary
An air intake and exhaust assembly includes a first air pipe and a second air pipe. A first air duct is formed in the first air pipe and configured to be communicated with one of an air outlet of an air exhaust volute of an packaged air conditioner and an air inlet of the packaged air conditioner. The second air pipe is arranged adjacent to the first air pipe. A second air duct is formed between an inner wall of the second air pipe and an outer wall of the first air pipe. The second air duct is configured to be communicated with another one of the air outlet of the air exhaust volute and the air inlet of the packaged air conditioner. At least part of the outer wall of the first air pipe along a length direction of the first air pipe is fixedly connected to the second air pipe.