Refrigerant Baffle Housing for Quieter Air Conditioner Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioners face challenges in reducing noise caused by unstable refrigerant flow, which can lead to irregular refrigerant noise and flow instability.
Innovation Solution
The air conditioner incorporates a noise reduction device with a simple configuration that stabilizes the flow of unstable refrigerant by using a structure body with baffles and a frame, which reduces the need for complex welding and minimizes the device's size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a noise reduction device is added to stabilize refrigerant flow, then refrigerant noise is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The noise reduction device is merged with the existing refrigerant passage structure. The housing integrates with the indoor heat exchanger assembly, and the baffle structure is combined within the same spatial envelope, eliminating the need for separate noise reduction components and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The noise reduction device is nested within the existing indoor unit structure. The housing contains the baffle structure, which is positioned within the refrigerant passage of the indoor heat exchanger. This nested arrangement allows the noise reduction function to be achieved without adding external components or increasing the overall device footprint.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a noise reduction device with complex structure is used, then refrigerant flow stability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The noise reduction device is segmented into simple functional components: a housing and internal baffle structures. These segments can be manufactured separately using standard fabrication processes and then assembled, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining flow stabilization effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The baffle structure parameters (shape, size, positioning) are optimized to achieve flow stabilization with minimal material usage. By carefully selecting geometric parameters, the device achieves effective noise reduction using simple, easily manufacturable forms rather than complex structures.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If additional noise reduction components are added, then refrigerant noise is reduced, but spatial efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The noise reduction housing is merged with the indoor heat exchanger assembly, sharing the same spatial envelope. The baffle structure is positioned within the existing refrigerant passage volume, eliminating the need for additional space and maintaining spatial efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The noise reduction device is nested within the existing indoor unit structure. The housing contains the baffle structure, which is positioned within the refrigerant passage of the indoor heat exchanger. This nested arrangement allows the noise reduction function to be achieved without increasing the overall device footprint.
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 noise reduction device effectively reduces irregular refrigerant noise and stabilizes the refrigerant flow, increasing spatial efficiency and reducing material costs by minimizing the number of parts and avoiding additional configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The air conditioner incorporates a noise reduction device with a simple configuration that stabilizes the flow of unstable refrigerant by using a structure body with baffles and a frame
Data Source
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AI summary
An air conditioner includes a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, an indoor heat exchanger, and a noise reduction device configured to reduce flow noise of a refrigerant. The noise reduction device includes a housing including a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet, and a plurality of baffles disposed inside the housing. The baffles include a first baffle and a second baffle that partition an inside of the housing into a plurality of spaces in a flow direction of the refrigerant. Each of the first baffle and the second baffle includes a hole through which the refrigerant passes. The holes of the first and second baffles are respectively disposed at centers of the first and second baffles at positions corresponding to each other in the flow direction of the refrigerant.