Relocatable Chiller Interface Panel for Flexible HVAC Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional chiller systems face installation challenges due to the fixed location of their interface panels, which complicates water piping and electrical routing as the panel's position dictates the system's placement, limiting flexibility and increasing installation complexity.
Innovation Solution
A relocatable interface panel with a mounting system that includes a pivotable and translatable mounting sleeve, allowing the panel to be secured to various points on the chiller system, such as tube sheets, providing flexibility in installation orientation and reducing the complexity of water and electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the interface panel is fixed at a predetermined location during manufacture, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the installation flexibility is reduced and water piping and electrical routing become more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The interface panel is made relocatable through a mounting system that allows it to be positioned at multiple locations and orientations on the chiller system. The mounting bracket with multiple mounting points and the rotatable mounting sleeve enable the panel to be dynamically repositioned during installation to accommodate different spatial requirements and routing configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is designed to accommodate the interface panel at multiple locations and orientations on the chiller system. The mounting bracket includes multiple mounting points, and the mounting sleeve can rotate to different angles, making the mounting system universal and adaptable to various installation scenarios without requiring different mounting hardware for each location.
2Ease of operation
If the interface panel location determines the chiller system placement, then the interface panel accessibility is ensured, but the water piping routing and electrical system connection become more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system allows the interface panel to be positioned at multiple locations and orientations on the chiller system. This dynamic positioning capability enables installers to place the panel where it is most accessible for operation while simultaneously optimizing the routing of water piping and electrical connections, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the interface panel is made relocatable with multiple mounting points, then the installation flexibility is improved, but the mounting system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into distinct components: a mounting bracket with multiple mounting points, a mounting sleeve that rotates, and a mounting rod. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while keeping the overall system relatively simple. The bracket provides multiple attachment locations, the sleeve enables angular adjustment, and the rod connects the components, together achieving high flexibility without excessive complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the interface panel can be rotated and translated on the mounting rod, then the installation orientation flexibility is improved, but the mounting mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting sleeve is designed to rotate about the mounting rod axis and can also translate along the rod. This dynamic capability allows the interface panel to be positioned at various angles and distances from the chiller body, providing comprehensive orientation flexibility. The rotational and translational movements are achieved through a relatively simple sleeve mechanism that maintains low complexity while maximizing positioning options.
Data Source
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AI summary
A heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a compressor, a condenser operably connected to the compressor, and an evaporator operably connected to the compressor and to the condenser. A relocatable interface panel is in operable communication with one or more components of the HVAC system to issue commands to the HVAC system via operator inputs at the interface panel. An electrical lead connects the interface panel to the one or more components. A plurality of installation points are located at the HVAC system for installation of the interface panel thereto. The interface panel is selectably installed to an installation point of the plurality of installation points at an installation site of the HVAC system.