Outdoor Unit Heat Sink Fin Layout for Airflow and Debris Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In outdoor air conditioning units where electric components are mounted horizontally, the vertical orientation of heat sink fins leads to reduced airflow and increased accumulation of foreign matter, resulting in inefficient heat dissipation.
Innovation Solution
The outdoor unit design features a heat dissipator with fins whose heat dissipation surfaces are parallel or angled between 0 to 90 degrees relative to the back surface, optimizing airflow and reducing foreign matter accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If fins are provided to extend in the vertical direction, then foreign matter accumulation on heat dissipation surfaces is reduced, but airflow passing through the space between fins is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical fin extension to horizontal fin extension, changing the spatial dimension of fin orientation. This dimensional change allows the fins to extend in the horizontal direction parallel to the airflow direction, thereby increasing airflow passage while still preventing foreign matter accumulation through the horizontal orientation configuration
2Productivity
If fins are provided to extend in the horizontal direction, then airflow passing through the space between fins is increased, but foreign matter accumulation on heat dissipation surfaces is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring fins with specific horizontal orientation angles (0 to 90 degrees relative to airflow direction) and positioning them at specific locations within the housing. This localized optimization allows the fins to maximize airflow passage in the horizontal direction while their specific angular orientation and placement prevent foreign matter accumulation on heat dissipation surfaces
3Volume of stationary object
If substrate is placed horizontally, then space utilization in housing is improved, but heat dissipation efficiency is reduced due to insufficient airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by configuring the fins with adjustable horizontal orientation angles (0 to 90 degrees) relative to the airflow direction. This dynamic angular configuration optimizes airflow passage through the fins while maintaining horizontal substrate placement, thereby improving heat dissipation efficiency without sacrificing space utilization in the housing
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 configuration enhances heat dissipation efficiency by aligning fins with airflow direction and minimizing foreign matter accumulation, improving the unit's ability to dissipate heat generated by electric components.
Implementation Method 1
the heat sink dissipates heat through heat exchange between heat dissipation surfaces of the fins and an airflow flowing through the blower chamber
Implementation Method 2
heat dissipator comprising a plurality of fins, each of the fins having a heat dissipation surface, the heat dissipator dissipating, due to the airflow, heat generated by the electric component
Data Source
AI summary
An outdoor unit includes a housing having a front surface formed with an outlet and a back surface facing the front surface, an airflow flowing through the outlet; a substrate horizontally placed in the housing, an electric component being mounted on the substrate; and a heat dissipator including a plurality of fins, each of the fins having a heat dissipation surface, the heat dissipator dissipating, due to the airflow, heat generated by the electric component. The heat dissipation surface of each of the fins is parallel to the back surface or is angled at greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees relative to the back surface in top view.