Refrigerant Distribution Unit Layout for Shorter Air Conditioner Piping
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of a distribution unit in air conditioners requires refrigerant pipes to be bent multiple times, leading to increased flow resistance and poor energy efficiency, and the complex, lengthy pipe arrangement results in a poor exterior appearance and higher costs.
Innovation Solution
A distribution unit that can be installed in any direction relative to the indoor units, allowing for flexible mounting positions and detachment from the outdoor unit, with a design that includes a recess in the outdoor unit housing for the distribution unit, minimizing pipe lengths and simplifying the pipe arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the distribution unit is fixed to the outdoor unit, then the refrigerant pipe lines become complicate and lengthy, but the connection between distribution unit and outdoor unit is stable
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution unit is separated from the outdoor unit, allowing independent positioning. The refrigerant pipes are divided into separate segments that can be routed independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining connection integrity through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution unit is made movable relative to the outdoor unit, enabling flexible installation in various directions. This dynamic positioning capability allows optimization of pipe routing to minimize bends and length, while connection stability is maintained through robust coupling mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the refrigerant pipe is bent multiple times to connect the distribution unit to the indoor unit, then the connection is achieved, but the flow resistance increases and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution unit can be positioned dynamically in various directions relative to the outdoor unit and indoor units. This flexibility enables direct, short pipe routing without multiple bends, minimizing flow resistance and energy loss while maintaining ease of installation in different spatial configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution unit is positioned in three-dimensional space around the outdoor unit, utilizing vertical and lateral dimensions to achieve direct pipe connections. This spatial optimization eliminates the need for multiple horizontal bends, reducing refrigerant flow resistance and improving energy efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the distribution unit is installed in a direction different from the indoor unit installation direction, then the mounting flexibility is improved, but the refrigerant pipe line becomes lengthy and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution unit can be mounted in any direction relative to the outdoor unit, providing adaptability to different indoor unit configurations. The movable design allows the distribution unit to be oriented optimally to minimize pipe length, regardless of the indoor unit installation direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution unit is designed with universal mounting capabilities that work with various indoor unit positions and orientations. This multi-functional design allows the same distribution unit to be installed in different directions and locations, optimizing pipe routing for each specific configuration without increasing pipe length.
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 solution reduces refrigerant flow resistance, minimizes pipe lengths, and improves the appearance and cost-effectiveness of the air conditioning system by allowing the distribution unit to be mounted in various spaces without restriction.
Implementation Method 1
The outdoor unit is provided with an outdoor unit heat exchanger for making the refrigerant to heat exchange with the outside air where the outdoor unit is installed
Implementation Method 2
the refrigerant circulating the indoor units is collected to the same outdoor unit and distributed to the indoor units through a compression process
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
The present invention relates to an air conditioner and to an outdoor unit. More particularly, the present invention relates to an air conditioner having a plurality of indoor units, wherein said air conditioner comprises a distribution unit which is accommodated in an outdoor unit of the air conditioner and connected to the outdoor unit and indoor units, or which is separated from the outdoor unit and connected to the outdoor unit and indoor units to distribute refrigerant to the plurality of indoor units.