Outdoor unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing outdoor units for refrigeration cycle apparatuses, such as air conditioning systems, require cumbersome operations to maintain data communication and diagnosis, leading to increased workload and potential interference from weather conditions.

Innovation Solution

A communication unit is integrated into the outdoor unit's housing, positioned for easy access and protected from weather, utilizing near-field communication technology to enable contactless data communication without the need for opening or closing a cover, using a nonmagnetic material and ventilation openings for effective radio wave transmission and protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a cover is provided to shield the transmitter-receiver from wind and rain, then the transmitter-receiver is protected from weather, but the worker must open and close the cover which increases workload and causes work delay

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweather protectionVSAvoidcover operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The transmitter-receiver is extracted from the enclosed space behind the cover and positioned in the ventilation opening itself. This allows the communication component to be directly accessible for NFC operations while still being partially protected by the housing structure, eliminating the need for separate cover opening/closing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The ventilation opening serves dual purposes: it allows radio waves to pass through for heat exchange while also serving as the access point for the transmitter-receiver. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate dedicated cover for the communication component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the cover is open to perform data setting or diagnosis, then access to the transmitter-receiver is enabled, but rain or snow infiltrates into the inside of the outdoor unit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata accessVSAvoidwater infiltration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The transmitter-receiver is positioned in the ventilation opening rather than behind a sealed cover, allowing data access without opening a protective cover. The NFC communication occurs in the open area where radio waves can pass through, eliminating the need to compromise the housing seal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The ventilation opening acts as an intermediary space that allows both radio wave transmission and physical access to the transmitter-receiver without requiring the housing to be opened. This intermediate position enables communication while maintaining the integrity of the indoor housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the transmitter-receiver is provided in an opening in the housing, then data communication is enabled, but the transmitter-receiver is exposed to wind and rain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidweather exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The transmitter-receiver is extracted from the protected interior space and positioned in the ventilation opening. This position allows it to be accessible for NFC communication while the housing structure itself provides partial protection from direct weather exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing structure acts as a flexible protective shell that can be designed with openings for communication while maintaining overall protection. The opening is positioned and sized to allow radio wave transmission while minimizing direct exposure to weather elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 solution simplifies data communication and diagnosis by eliminating the need for cover operation, reducing workload and preventing weather interference, allowing efficient data exchange even in adverse conditions.

Implementation Method 1

The transmitter-receiver operates with the electricity generated by electromagnetic induction due to radio waves transmitted from the information terminal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The communication unit is provided in the housing at a position facing the ventilation opening and performs contactless data communication with a nearby information terminal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio wave transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10330337B2Outdoor unit

Publication Date: 2019.06.25 TOSHIBA CARRIER CORP

AI summary

According to one embodiment, an outdoor unit is provided with a housing, an outdoor heat exchanger, and a communication unit. The housing has a ventilation opening and contains the outdoor heat exchanger. The communication unit is disposed within the housing at a position facing the ventilation opening and performs contactless data communication with a nearby information terminal.