Remote heat exchanger unit with configurable air discharge of a transport climate control system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current transport climate control systems face challenges in providing optimal airflow and temperature distribution within multi-zone transport units, requiring complex configurations and technician intervention for zone-specific climate control.

Innovation Solution

A configurable remote heat exchanger unit with a separable air duct system and bi-directional fans, allowing adjustable airflow discharge directions and variable louvers to optimize air distribution and temperature control in climate-controlled spaces without the need for extensive technician involvement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed airflow discharge arrangement is used in remote heat exchanger units, then the system structure is simple, but the airflow distribution cannot be optimized for different zone configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveairflow discharge configurationVSAvoidair duct system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air duct system is divided into multiple separable ducts that can be independently configured. Each duct can be detached and repositioned to create different airflow patterns, allowing the system to adapt to various zone configurations without requiring a completely different duct design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The air duct system incorporates movable and adjustable components that allow dynamic reconfiguration. The separable ducts can be positioned at different angles and locations, enabling the system to adapt its airflow discharge arrangement based on the specific zone layout requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If complex airflow configurations are implemented to optimize zone-specific climate control, then airflow distribution improves, but technician intervention is required for configuration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveairflow configuration easeVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The separable air duct system is designed to be easily configured by end users without requiring technician intervention. The modular design allows customers to independently adjust and reposition the ducts to match their zone configurations, eliminating the need for professional service for routine adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed climate control settings are used, then the system is simple to operate, but optimal temperature distribution across different zones cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclimate control adaptabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The remote heat exchanger unit with separable air ducts serves multiple functions by adapting to different zone configurations. The same basic unit can be configured for various airflow patterns and zone layouts, making it a universal solution that replaces the need for multiple specialized configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 efficient and customizable climate control in transport units by allowing non-technical users to configure airflow and temperature settings, improving air distribution and temperature uniformity across zones.

Implementation Method 1

at least one heat exchanger coil over which air received through the air intake is directed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

a separable air duct system configured to variably direct conditioned air received from the air outlet out from the configurable remote heat exchanger unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAirflow regulation: Valve

Data Source

PatentEP4265449A1Remote heat exchanger unit with configurable air discharge of a transport climate control system
Publication Date: 2023.10.25 THERMO KING CORP
  • EP4265449A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4265449A1 patent drawingFigure 2A-i~2A-iv
  • EP4265449A1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A configurable remote heat exchanger unit (200) of a transport climate control system providing climate control within a climate controlled space of a transport unit is provided. The configurable remote heat exchanger unit (200) includes an air intake (202A, 202B), at least one heat exchanger coil (205) over which air received through the air intake is directed to the air outlet (212), an air outlet (212), and a separable air duct system (215) configured to variably direct conditioned air received from the air outlet (212) out from the configurable remote heat exchanger unit (200).