Outdoor unit for air conditioning system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air conditioning systems face issues with vibration and stress on suction/discharge pipes due to relative movement between machine room parts, leading to increased unit size and noise, and inadequate sound absorption and insulation.

Innovation Solution

The outdoor unit employs a rigid coupling structure between the compressor, accumulator, and oil separator, using rigid coupling members and vibration-proof members to synchronize the behavior of these components, reducing pipe length and stress, and incorporating a base with reinforcing ribs for enhanced support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the compressor is installed using anti-vibration rubber (grommet) to reduce noise and vibration, then vibration and noise are reduced, but relative movement between machine room parts occurs causing stress on suction/discharge pipes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration and noiseVSAvoidstress on suction/discharge pipes
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the mounting system into two distinct segments: the compressor is mounted on a vibration-proof member (grommet) that is flexibly coupled to the lower plate, while the accumulator and oil separator are rigidly coupled directly to the lower plate. This segmentation allows the compressor to be isolated from vibration while other components remain fixed, preventing relative movement between machine room parts and eliminating stress on the suction and discharge pipes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the length of suction pipe and discharge pipe is increased to reduce vibration and stress, then vibration and stress are reduced, but the machine room space must be expanded increasing outdoor unit size

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration and stress on pipesVSAvoidoutdoor unit size
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the mounting system so that the compressor is flexibly mounted while other components are rigidly mounted, the invention eliminates relative movement between machine room parts. This allows the suction and discharge pipes to be kept short without experiencing excessive vibration or stress, thereby avoiding the need to expand the machine room space and increasing outdoor unit size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the compressor is coupled to grommet while accumulator and oil separator are coupled in rigid structure, then vibration is reduced, but relative motion occurs between compressor and other parts

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevibrationVSAvoidrelative position of machine room parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies segmentation by creating two distinct mounting groups: the compressor is isolated on a vibration-proof member allowing it to absorb vibrations independently, while the accumulator and oil separator are rigidly coupled to the lower plate maintaining stable relative positions. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing vibration reduction without causing relative motion between machine room parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Stress or pressure

If machine room parts are arranged to accommodate longer pipes, then pipe stress is reduced, but sound absorption and insulation space is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestress on pipesVSAvoidsound absorption and insulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the mounting system to eliminate relative movement between machine room parts, the invention allows the use of shorter suction and discharge pipes that are properly supported. This reduces pipe stress while freeing up machine room space that can then be used for sound absorption and insulation materials, resolving the contradiction between pipe stress reduction and acoustic performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 effectively reduces vibration and stress on suction and discharge pipes, compacts the machine room space, and facilitates sound absorption and insulation, while increasing the tightening force of nuts for secure assembly.

Implementation Method 1

a vibration-proof member (170) supporting the base (160)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration isolation: Damping

Implementation Method 2

the grommet 30 is coupled to the lower plate 40 of the outdoor unit case by a fastening member 50 including a caulking bolt 51 and a nut 53

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4506628B1Outdoor unit for air conditioning system
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4506628B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4506628B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4506628B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An outdoor unit for an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a case forming an exterior of the outdoor unit; a base installed on a lower plate of the case; a vibration-proof member supporting the base between the lower plate and the base; and a machine room part including a compressor and accumulator connected to each other by a refrigerant suction pipe, and installed on the base, wherein the compressor and the accumulator each may be coupled to the base with a rigid coupling structure. Accordingly, when the compressor is driven, the compressor, the accumulator, and the base behave with the same behavior pattern, so that vibration and stress acting on the suction pipe and discharge pipe of the compressor can be effectively reduced.