Split Air Conditioner for Recreational Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning systems for recreational vehicles, such as mobile homes and boats, compromise lighting and ventilation when replacing glass dome structures, as they obstruct light entry and fresh air supply, despite providing better temperature control.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioner design that fits within a cutout previously occupied by a glass dome, featuring a first housing unit outside and a second housing unit inside, with a connecting section allowing vertical light entry and accommodating condenser and compressor placement outside to maintain light passage while ensuring efficient air supply, and incorporating a compact evaporator and ducts for cooling and heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a glass dome is replaced by a conventional roof air conditioner, then temperature control is improved, but light entry and fresh air supply are blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The air conditioner is divided into two separate housing units: a first housing unit positioned outside the body and a second housing unit positioned inside the body. This segmentation allows the external components to be isolated from the light path while internal components provide cooling functions, thereby maintaining temperature control without completely blocking light entry through the cutout.
Solution Approach 2:
The air conditioner utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning the first housing unit above the cutout and the second housing unit below it, with connecting sections routing supply lines vertically. This three-dimensional arrangement allows light to pass through the cutout area while air conditioning components are distributed above and below, resolving the conflict between temperature control and light entry.
2Temperature
If a glass dome is replaced by a conventional roof air conditioner, then temperature control is improved, but fresh air supply is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The air conditioner is divided into two separate housing units: a first housing unit positioned outside the body and a second housing unit positioned inside the body. This segmentation allows the external components to be isolated from the light path while internal components provide cooling functions, thereby maintaining temperature control without completely blocking light entry through the cutout.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting section acts as an intermediary structure that houses the supply lines (refrigerant lines, control lines) and routing elements between the external first housing unit and the internal second housing unit. This intermediary arrangement allows air conditioning functionality while maintaining pathways for fresh air supply through the cutout area.
3Temperature
If a glass dome is replaced by an air conditioner attached to the roof, then temperature control is improved, but structural changes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The air conditioner is designed with a universal mounting configuration that can be installed in a cutout previously occupied by a glass dome without requiring structural modifications to the body. The first and second housing units with connecting sections provide a standardized interface that fits existing cutouts, enabling the air conditioner to serve multiple functions (cooling, heating, ventilation) while maintaining compatibility with existing vehicle structures.
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 maintains light entry and fresh air supply while providing effective temperature control, allowing 95% of the cutout area for light passage and 5% for air conditioning lines, offering improved comfort and versatility by combining ventilation, lighting, and air conditioning functions in a compact unit.
Implementation Method 1
A second air circuit is used to cool the condenser, through which the heat extracted from the interior is released to the outside air
Implementation Method 2
A first air circuit serves to cool the interior, with the air flow circulating in this area being cooled via an evaporator
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6a~6b
AI summary
The invention relates to an air conditioner (1), arranged in the region of an opening (78) of a build up (20) in a way, such that functional devices and control devices are arranged about a section of the build up in a way, such that air and light can get through the opening in the build up. In the region of the opening in the build up, a preferably transparent remote controlled hatch (21), a shutter and a screen (75) are arranged. The invention thus combines the advantages of glass domes with those of roof top air conditioners and can preferably be used on caravans or boats.