Outdoor Unit Sliding Compressor Module for Rear-Access Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioner outdoor units require inconvenient and time-consuming procedures for replacing or repairing compressors, as the front compressor must be demounted to access the rear compressor, even if the rear compressor is the one needing service, due to their fixed structural arrangement.
Innovation Solution
The outdoor unit incorporates a compressor module on a sliding or rotary structure, allowing for easy mounting and demounting by exposing the compressor module outside the unit through a sliding or rotating plate, reducing the need to demount operational compressors and minimizing space usage while reducing vibration transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If compressors are arranged in a fixed structural configuration within the outdoor unit, then the unit maintains structural stability and compactness, but accessing the rear compressor requires demounting the front compressor, increasing maintenance time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a movable sliding plate that can shift position to expose different compressors. The sliding plate moves along guide rails, allowing the rear compressor to be accessed by sliding the plate forward, thereby eliminating the need to demount the front compressor while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the compressor housing into multiple accessible sections using the sliding plate mechanism. The sliding plate divides the housing into front and rear accessible zones, allowing independent access to each compressor without disrupting the entire structure, thus improving repair ease while maintaining overall structural stability.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple compressors are installed in a compact outdoor unit, then space utilization is improved, but maintenance of individual compressors becomes inconvenient due to limited access space
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding plate provides dynamic access to compressors arranged in a compact configuration. By moving the sliding plate, technicians can access either the front or rear compressor without requiring additional space outside the unit, thus maintaining compact footprint while improving maintenance convenience through movable access pathways.
3Strength
If the sliding plate is made heavy for structural stability, then the housing maintains rigidity, but the sliding mechanism becomes harder to operate and more energy-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counterweight principles by using guide rails and rollers to support the sliding plate's weight. The guide rails bear the load of the sliding plate, allowing it to maintain structural rigidity while the rolling contact reduces friction, making the sliding operation easier and less energy-consuming despite the plate's weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct friction-based sliding with a roller-based mechanical system. Rollers are installed on the sliding plate to roll along the guide rails, substituting high-friction sliding contact with low-friction rolling contact, thereby reducing the force needed to operate the sliding mechanism while maintaining structural stability.
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 user and technician convenience, reduces maintenance time, and allows for more efficient space utilization by enabling quick access and replacement of compressor modules without disrupting operational units, while also minimizing vibration impact on the base plate.
Implementation Method 1
The base plate may include a linear guide rail linearly extending from the inside of the case towards the opening, and the sliding plate may include a linear roller movable along the linear guide rail
Implementation Method 2
The base plate may include a curved guide rail curvedly extending along a circumferential direction with respect to the rotary shaft, and the sliding plate may include a curved roller movable along the curved guide rail
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
There is disclosed an outdoor unit comprising a case provided to define an exterior design and comprising a plurality of side panels having an inlet hole providing a path for sucking external air, a base plate supporting the plurality of the side panels, an upper panel having an outlet hole for discharging the external air sucked via the inlet hole to the outside; a heat-exchanger provided in the case and configured to exchange heat with the external air sucked via the inlet hole; a sliding plate slidingly provided in the base plate and supporting the compressor module and movable via the opening to expose the compressor module outside the case; and a compressor module configured to supply a refrigerant that exchanging heat with the external air to the heat-exchanger, such that the compressor module may be manipulative outside and demounted when the sliding plate is located in the exposure position.