Rotating Heat Exchanger Layout for Compact Air Conditioner Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioners face challenges in optimizing the installation space and efficiency of indoor units, particularly in terms of heat exchange surface area and compactness, which affects their operational efficiency and installation flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The air conditioner design incorporates a housing system with adjustable front and rear panels that allow for translational or rotational movement of the heat exchanger and blower units, expanding the heat exchange surface area during operation and minimizing the overall thickness when inactive, utilizing a driver mechanism to interlock and move these components for efficient airflow and space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the heat exchanger is made larger to increase heat exchange surface area, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but the installation space and thickness of the indoor unit increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to change position between a retracted state (reducing installation space) and an extended state (increasing heat exchange surface area). The driving device enables the heat exchanger to dynamically adjust its position based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger is configured to move along the airflow direction (front-rear dimension) rather than expanding in all directions. This dimensional approach allows the heat exchange surface area to be increased by extending forward into the airflow path, while the thickness and side dimensions of the indoor unit remain compact.
2Area of moving object
If the heat exchanger is extended forward to increase heat exchange surface area, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but the overall thickness of the indoor unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger transitions from a static to a dynamic configuration, moving forward during operation to maximize heat exchange surface area while retracting when not in use to maintain a compact profile. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between extended surface area and compact thickness.
3Productivity
If the heat exchanger and blower are interlocked and moved together, then airflow efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger and blower are mechanically coupled through a common support structure, allowing them to move together as an integrated unit. This merging of functions simplifies the control mechanism while ensuring coordinated movement for optimized airflow efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves multiple functions: it holds both the heat exchanger and blower, provides the mechanical linkage for their coordinated movement, and acts as part of the airflow path. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall 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 design enhances operational efficiency by expanding the heat exchange surface area during use while maintaining a compact size when not in operation, reducing power consumption and improving installation flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger configured to perform heat exchange
Implementation Method 2
a compressor provided within the housing to compress a refrigerant
Implementation Method 3
a fan configured to generate air flow within the indoor unit
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioner is provided. A location of, an angle between, or a distance between, a heat exchanger and a blower may be varied based on whether or not the air conditioner is operating. A number of drivers for moving the heat exchanger and/or the blower may be reduced and reliability of the driver be enhanced. Size of the air conditioner may be reduced, and efficiency may be improved.