Vertical Marine Air Conditioning Layout for Tight Installation Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioning systems for nautical vehicles face challenges in installation due to limited space, requiring compact designs that accommodate surrounding objects and plumbing constraints.
Innovation Solution
The air conditioning system features a vertically mounted evaporator and condenser with a drain pan that includes an integral pedestal and posts for stabilization, a vibration-reducing mounting assembly, and a shroud structure with noise-reducing covers, allowing for efficient use of space and easy installation in confined areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the air conditioning system is installed in a nautical vehicle with limited space, then the system must be compact to accommodate surrounding objects and plumbing constraints, but this limits the available space for component placement and increases installation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components (compressor, condenser, evaporator, drain pan) into a single integrated assembly that functions as one unit. The condenser and evaporator are mounted vertically on the drain pan, and the entire assembly is housed within a compact enclosure, reducing the number of separate installations needed while maintaining all required functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from horizontal component layout to vertical mounting configuration. The condenser and evaporator are mounted vertically on the drain pan, utilizing the vertical dimension to reduce the horizontal footprint of the system, thereby achieving compactness suitable for limited nautical vehicle spaces
2Area of stationary object
If the condenser and evaporator are mounted vertically to save space, then the system occupies less horizontal area, but the mounting structure becomes more complex requiring specialized support mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is integrated into the drain pan itself, which serves dual functions: as the base for the refrigeration components and as the mounting platform for the vertically oriented condenser and evaporator. This eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets or support structures
Solution Approach 2:
The drain pan is designed with integral mounting features including posts and attachment points that automatically provide support for the vertical components when the assembly is installed. The structure is self-supporting, requiring no external mounting hardware or complex installation procedures
3Device complexity
If the compressor is mounted directly to the drain pan for stability, then the system structure is simplified, but vibration from the compressor increases and affects system performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces vibration isolation elements (such as rubber mounts or dampers) as intermediary components between the compressor and the drain pan. These intermediaries absorb and reduce vibration while maintaining the simple direct-mounting structure, preventing vibration transmission to other components
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 configuration enables compact and efficient installation in nautical vehicles, reducing vibration and noise while maintaining effective cooling performance, and allows for flexible orientation and drainage management.
Implementation Method 1
The compressor is mounted to the drain pan through a vibration-reducing mounting assembly
Implementation Method 2
a condenser defined by a loop of coil and a blower
Implementation Method 3
The evaporator and the condenser are mounted in a substantially vertical manner
Data Source
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AI summary
An air conditioning system including: a drain pan; a compressor and an evaporator. An embodiment includes a condenser defined by a loop of coil; and a blower, wherein the evaporator and the condenser are mounted in a substantially vertical manner. In another embodiment the evaporator has an inlet and an outlet and occupies a second mounting area; the system further includes a condenser defined by a loop of coil and located adjacent the inlet, the condenser occupying a third mounting area; a blower located adjacent the outlet; and a shroud structure houses the compressor, the evaporator and the condenser. The shroud structure includes an opening adjacent the condenser so that air enters the inlet after passing substantially through the loop.