Valve arrangement for outdoor unit for air conditioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional outdoor air conditioner units with stop valves at the same height position suffer from reduced operability due to tool interference during valve operations, and widening the valve spacing complicates downsizing the unit.
Innovation Solution
The outdoor unit design features a base frame with a valve fixing frame that includes vertically extending pillars and a beam with notches to support stop valves at different heights, preventing tool interference and allowing for closer spacing without compromising operability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If two stop valves are disposed at the same height position to simplify structure, then device complexity is reduced, but operability of the stop valves deteriorates due to tool interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional horizontal arrangement of stop valves to a three-dimensional arrangement where stop valves are positioned at different vertical heights. This dimensional change allows tools to operate on one valve without interfering with adjacent valves, resolving the operability issue while maintaining structural efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If the interval between adjacent stop valves is widened to improve operability, then ease of operation is improved, but the volume of the outdoor unit increases hindering downsizing
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging stop valves at different vertical heights rather than increasing horizontal spacing, the patent provides sufficient operational clearance without expanding the horizontal footprint of the outdoor unit, thus enabling downsizing while maintaining operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the support structures for stop valves within the vertical space of the outdoor unit by positioning them at different heights, effectively utilizing vertical space to accommodate all valves without increasing the overall unit volume.
3Ease of manufacture
If two stop valves are disposed at the same height position, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but tool interference occurs during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains manufacturing simplicity by using a systematic vertical arrangement that can be produced with standard fabrication processes, while the vertical separation naturally eliminates tool interference during operation without requiring complex assembly procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
To achieve both improving operability of stop valves and downsizing an outdoor unit, the outdoor unit for an air-conditioner includes a valve fixing frame provided on the base frame, and a plurality of stop valves fixed to the valve fixing frame. A beam of the valve fixing frame includes a first notch opened upward, in which a first stop valve is disposed therein, and a second notch opened downward, in which a second stop valve is disposed therein. The first stop valve and the second stop valve are different in installation height in a vertical direction with reference to the installation surface.