Outdoor unit of air conditioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioner outdoor units face challenges in effectively controlling the temperature of electronic boxes due to air cooling methods, which makes it difficult to maintain optimal operating conditions for heat-generating components like printed circuit boards, and require separation for maintenance, complicating service processes.
Innovation Solution
An outdoor air conditioner unit design that incorporates a heat dissipation module with a refrigerant flow and a support system, including a heat sink and refrigerant tube, to efficiently cool heat-generating elements on the printed circuit board, allowing for secure mounting and easy service access without alignment issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If air cooling method is used for electronic box, then cooling function is provided, but temperature control effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies hydraulic cooling by circulating refrigerant through channels in the heat dissipation module to cool the printed circuit board. The refrigerant flow through the heat dissipation module efficiently removes heat from the electronic components, providing superior temperature control compared to air cooling methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat dissipation module serves as an intermediary between the printed circuit board and the refrigerant cooling system. It includes heat dissipation fins and channels that facilitate efficient heat transfer from the electronic components to the circulating refrigerant, enabling effective temperature control.
2Ease of repair
If electronic box heat exchanger is integrated, then assembly is simplified, but maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cooling system into a separate heat dissipation module that can be independently removed from the electronic box. The heat dissipation module is detachably connected to the printed circuit board, allowing it to be separated for maintenance without removing the entire electronic box or other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat dissipation module employs a dynamic connection system with positioning protrusions and recesses that allow for easy attachment and detachment. The module can be quickly installed and removed through simple positioning actions, enabling rapid maintenance and service without complex assembly procedures.
3Temperature
If heat dissipation module is added, then cooling performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the heat dissipation module: it combines the heat exchange channels, heat dissipation fins, and mounting structure into a single integrated component. This consolidation provides effective cooling while reducing the number of separate parts compared to traditional distributed cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat dissipation module serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a heat exchanger with refrigerant channels, provides thermal management through heat dissipation fins, and serves as a structural mounting component with positioning features. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite adding cooling capability.
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 design enhances temperature control for heat-generating components, simplifies maintenance by minimizing module shaking and alignment needs, and protects the heat sink from foreign matter, ensuring reliable operation and easy assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a heat dissipation module (50) contacting the heat generating element (28) or the printed circuit board (30), the heat dissipation module (50) allowing refrigerant to flow therethrough
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An outdoor unit of an air conditioner is disclosed. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner includes an outdoor unit body, a printed circuit board having a heat generating element installed thereat, an electronic box mounted in the outdoor unit body, the electronic box having the printed circuit board installed therein, a heat dissipation module contacting the heat generating element, the heat dissipation module allowing refrigerant to flow therethrough, and a heat dissipation module support mounted in the outdoor unit body such that the heat dissipation module is fixed to the heat dissipation module support to support the heat dissipation module. Shaking of the heat dissipation module can be minimized when the electronic box is separated, thereby improving reliability of the heat dissipation module.