Unit device of refrigeration cycle apparatus

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refrigeration cycle apparatuses using flammable or slightly flammable refrigerants face challenges in integrating a refrigerant sensor without modifying the unit device design, as these refrigerants have a higher specific gravity than air, leading to sensor failures due to water condensation.

Innovation Solution

A unit device with a storage box attached to the outer wall of the unit body, containing a sensor that detects refrigerant leakage, eliminates the need for space within the unit body for the sensor and prevents water condensation from adhering to it.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a sensor is provided inside the unit body to detect refrigerant leakage, then the detection function is achieved, but the unit body design must be modified to provide space for the sensor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefrigerant leakage detectionVSAvoidunit body design modification

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is extracted from the unit body and relocated to the storage box, which is positioned outside the unit body. This allows the sensor to detect refrigerant leakage while avoiding the need to modify the unit body design for sensor accommodation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Measurement precision

If the sensor is positioned below the refrigerant pipe to detect refrigerant leakage, then the detection accuracy is improved, but water condensation droplets may adhere to the sensor causing failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefrigerant leakage detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor operation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Enables the detection of refrigerant leaks without modifying the unit device design and prevents sensor failures caused by water condensation, allowing for efficient and maintenance-friendly operation.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor that detects leakage of the refrigerant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas detection:

Implementation Method 2

droplets of water of, for example, condensation which is produced during an operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus, may adhere to the sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Data Source

PatentUS11262104B2Unit device of refrigeration cycle apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP

AI summary

A unit device of a refrigeration cycle apparatus forms part of a refrigerant circuit using flammable or slightly flammable refrigerant. The unit device includes a unit body and a storage box. The storage box is provided with a sensor that detects leakage of the refrigerant and a communicating portion that communicates with the unit body. The storage box is attached to an outer wall portion of the unit body.