Refrigerant Distribution Box Layout for Multi-Zone Air Conditioners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-type air conditioners face issues with increased pipe lengths and flow resistance due to complex piping, which affects energy efficiency and aesthetics, and require separate communication cables for control signals between units.
Innovation Solution
The air conditioner incorporates a detachable distribution device with electronic expansion valves and a sub-controller that minimizes pipe lengths, eliminates the need for separate communication cables, and optimizes the installation space by integrating the distribution device within the outdoor unit, reducing installation costs and improving aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional multi-type air conditioners use complex piping to connect multiple indoor units to the outdoor unit, then the system can serve multiple zones, but the pipe length increases and flow resistance increases, reducing energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a distribution box as an intermediary component between the outdoor unit and multiple indoor units. The distribution box receives refrigerant from the outdoor unit and distributes it to multiple indoor units through separate pipes, acting as a mediator that enables multi-zone capability while managing pipe length and flow resistance more effectively than direct complex piping between the outdoor unit and each indoor unit
2Area of stationary object
If conventional air conditioners use complex piping configurations to reach distant indoor units, then coverage area increases, but pipe length increases causing higher flow resistance and reduced energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the piping system by introducing a distribution box that divides the refrigerant distribution into separate branches. Instead of using long, complex pipes that detour around obstacles, the system is segmented into manageable sections: the main pipe from the outdoor unit to the distribution box, and then separate shorter pipes from the distribution box to each indoor unit. This segmentation reduces overall pipe length and simplifies the piping configuration while maintaining wide coverage area
3Reliability
If conventional air conditioners require separate communication cables for control signals between outdoor and indoor units, then control functionality is maintained, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the communication cable function into the existing refrigerant pipes by implementing communication functionality through the control lines already present in the refrigerant pipe connections. The outdoor unit and indoor units exchange control signals through these integrated communication pathways, eliminating the need for separate communication cables and reducing installation complexity while maintaining reliable control signal transmission
4Adaptability or versatility
If refrigerant pipes detour around the outdoor device to reach indoor units, then installation flexibility increases, but pipe length increases and aesthetics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution box serves as a strategic intermediary that is positioned in a location that optimizes pipe routing. By placing the distribution box at an optimal location near the outdoor unit, the system achieves installation flexibility for multiple indoor unit positions while minimizing pipe length. The distribution box acts as a hub that allows pipes to radiate outward to various indoor units without requiring long detours around the outdoor device
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 reduces pipe lengths, enhances energy efficiency, minimizes installation costs, and simplifies the connection process while maintaining effective control over refrigerant flow and distribution, addressing the challenges of complex piping and communication in conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
liquid and vapor refrigerant pipe assemblies provided with electronic expansion valves mounted thereon
Implementation Method 2
an outdoor unit including a compressor
Implementation Method 3
an outdoor heat exchanger
Implementation Method 4
a plurality of indoor units, each of which may include an indoor heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioner is provided that may minimize lengths of pipes connecting a plurality of indoor devices and an outdoor device, facilitate connection between respective refrigerant pipes through a distribution device, and omit a separate cable to transmit/receive a control signal between the plurality of indoor devices and the distribution device.