Air Conditioner Outdoor Unit Orifice Design to Reduce Vortex Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
The generation of noise and increased flow resistance due to vortex formation between the fan blades and the orifice in the outdoor unit of an air conditioner, which hinders quick discharge of air outside the unit.
Innovation Solution
The orifice is designed with a vortex fence protruding from its inner circumference to suppress vortex formation, and an asymmetric cross-section to increase air volume, along with a simplified assembly mechanism using misassembly prevention features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If air passes through the orifice and fan blades, then air discharge function is achieved, but vortex formation causes noise and flow resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful vortex flow is extracted and eliminated by introducing the vortex fence structure. The vortex fence protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the orifice to intercept and suppress vortex formation, separating the harmful vortex flow from the useful air discharge function.
Solution Approach 2:
The vortex fence acts as an intermediary element between the air flow and the orifice wall. This intermediate structure modifies the air flow path, preventing direct vortex formation while maintaining the overall air discharge function through the orifice.
2Quantity of substance
If orifice width is increased to improve air volume, then air discharge capacity increases, but device dimensions and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The orifice is designed with an asymmetric cross-section where the width varies along the axial direction. The first width at the front end is different from the second width at the rear end, creating an asymmetric flow path that enhances air volume while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the orifice have different width characteristics. The asymmetric design creates local variations in flow cross-section that optimize air flow properties without requiring the entire orifice structure to be complex.
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
The design reduces noise and improves air discharge efficiency by preventing vortex formation and optimizing the assembly process, enhancing air volume and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a vortex fence protruding from its inner circumference to suppress vortex formation
Data Source
AI summary
An outdoor unit of an air conditioner may include a base panel, a front panel disposed on a front end of the base panel and having a through hole formed therein, an orifice fitted to the through hole, a fan disposed behind the through hole and having at least a portion accommodated inside of the orifice, and a heat exchanger disposed on or at an edge of a rear side of the base panel. A frontward-to-backward width of a first side end of the orifice may be less than a frontward-to-backward of a second side end of the orifice.