RELATIVE VIBRATION DAMPING SYSTEM FOR HVAC SYSTEMS

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and specifically, to damping components of HVAC systems.

This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

Environmental control systems are utilized in residential, commercial, and industrial environments to control environmental properties, such as temperature and humidity, for occupants of the respective environments. The environmental control system may control the environmental properties through control of an air flow delivered to and ventilated from the environment. For example, an HVAC system may transfer heat between an air flow and refrigerant flowing through the HVAC system. The HVAC system may include several components to facilitate in the heat transfer. It is now recognized that some of the components may vibrate during operation of the HVAC system, which may affect operation of the components.

SUMMARY

A summary of certain embodiments disclosed herein is set forth below. It should be understood that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of these certain embodiments and that these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Indeed, this disclosure may encompass a variety of aspects that may not be set forth below.

In one embodiment, a heating and cooling system includes a bracket insert configured to be adjustably positioned between a compressor of the heating and cooling system and a refrigerant reservoir of the heating and cooling system. The heating and cooling system further includes an adjustable band configured to be disposed about the compressor and the refrigerant reservoir, wherein the adjustable band is configured to be adjustable to bias the compressor and refrigerant reservoir toward one another.

In one embodiment, a damping system for a heating and cooling system includes a first bracket that includes a first flange disposed on a first side of the first bracket, a second bracket that includes a second flange disposed on a second side of the second bracket, and an adjustable band configured to be disposed about the compressor and the refrigerant reservoir, where the adjustable band is adjustable to bias the compressor and refrigerant reservoir toward one another. Additionally, the first flange is configured to abut a compressor of the heating and cooling system and the second flange is configured to abut a refrigerant reservoir of the heating and cooling system, where the first bracket and the second bracket are configured to adjustably couple to one another.

In one embodiment, a heating and cooling system includes a compressor configured to pressurize refrigerant flowing through the heating and cooling system, a refrigerant reservoir configured to be in fluid communication with the compressor and configured to store liquid refrigerant, a bracket assembly that includes a first bracket and a second bracket, and an adjustable band configured to be disposed about the compressor and the refrigerant reservoir. The first bracket includes a first end configured to abut the compressor and the second bracket includes a second end configured to abut the refrigerant reservoir, and the first bracket and the second bracket are configured to be adjustably coupled to one another. Furthermore, the adjustable band is configured to be adjustable to bias the compressor and refrigerant reservoir toward one another.

DRAWINGS

Various aspects of this disclosure may be better understood upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic of an environmental control for building environmental management that may employ one or more HVAC units, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the environmental control system of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a schematic of a residential heating and cooling system, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a schematic of an embodiment of a vapor compression system that can be used in any of the systems of FIGS. 1-3, in accordance with an aspect the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of components that may be used in any of the systems of FIGS. 1-4 including a vibration damping system, in accordance with an aspect the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a bracket insert of the vibration damping system of FIG. 5, in accordance with an aspect the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a top view of another embodiment of a bracket insert of the vibration damping system of FIG. 5, in accordance with an aspect the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a top view of another embodiment of a bracket insert of the vibration damping system of FIG. 5, in accordance with an aspect the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a top view schematic of an embodiment of a band of the vibration damping system of FIG. 5, in accordance with an aspect the present disclosure; and

FIG. 10 is a top view schematic of an embodiment of the vibration damping system of FIG. 5, in accordance with an aspect the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more specific embodiments will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation are described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

The present disclosure is directed to heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. HVAC systems flow refrigerant through a refrigerant circuit to enable heat exchange between the refrigerant and other fluid flows, such as air flows. The refrigerant circuit includes a compressor configured to pressurize gaseous or vaporous refrigerant into a high pressure and temperature gas or vapor. The high pressure and temperature refrigerant is discharged into a condenser to cool and condense the refrigerant into a liquid, and then the liquid refrigerant flows through an evaporator. In the evaporator, the liquid refrigerant evaporates into a gaseous or vaporous refrigerant again as it exchanges heat with another fluid flow, such as an air flow to be supplied to a conditioned space.

The HVAC system may also include additional components, such as a refrigerant reservoir. In some embodiments, the refrigerant reservoir is an accumulator configured to block liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor by filtering and storing liquid refrigerant from a mixture of liquid and gaseous refrigerant flowing from the evaporator to the compressor. In additional or alternative embodiments, the refrigerant reservoir may be a compensator configured to store and return refrigerant into the refrigerant circuit based on an operating mode of the HVAC system. That is, the compensator may withdraw refrigerant out of circulation in the refrigerant circuit when the HVAC system, such as a heat pump, is in a heating mode configured to heat a conditioned space serviced by the HVAC system. Furthermore, the compensator may return refrigerant to the refrigerant circuit when the HVAC system is in a cooling mode configured to cool the conditioned space serviced by the HVAC system.

During operation of the HVAC system, components of the HVAC system may vibrate. For example, the compressor may vibrate, for example, due to operation of a coupled motor. Additionally, the refrigerant reservoir may also vibrate, for example, due to operation of the refrigerant reservoir and/or due to vibration of the compressor propagated to the refrigerant reservoir. The vibration of components of the HVAC system may affect operation of the components, which may decrease a useful life of the HVAC system. In some embodiments, the vibration frequency of the refrigerant reservoir and the vibration frequency of the compressor may interfere with operations of the refrigerant reservoir and the compressor, respectively. In some instances, these vibrations may increase stress at sections of the compressor and/or the refrigerant reservoir, such as at connecting points between the compressor and the refrigerant reservoir.

Thus, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, it is presently recognized that a system to damp components of the HVAC system may enable the components to operate more effectively. Specifically, a damping system to stiffen the components together may increase operating efficiency of the components. In some embodiments, the damping system includes a bracket insert, which may be a single part and/or an assembly that includes multiple parts, configured to be inserted between the components and a band configured to wrap around the components. The combination of the bracket insert and the band tightens and holds the components together to restrict relative movement, and therefore relative vibration, of the components.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system for building environmental management that may employ one or more HVAC units. In the illustrated embodiment, a building 10 is air conditioned by a system that includes an HVAC unit 12. The building 10 may be a commercial structure or a residential structure. As shown, the HVAC unit 12 is disposed on the roof of the building 10; however, the HVAC unit 12 may be located in other equipment rooms or areas adjacent the building 10. The HVAC unit 12 may be a single packaged unit containing other equipment, such as a blower, integrated air handler, and/or auxiliary heating unit. In other embodiments, the HVAC unit 12 may be part of a split HVAC system, such as the system shown in FIG. 3, which includes an outdoor HVAC unit 58 and an indoor HVAC unit 56.

The HVAC unit 12 is an air cooled device that implements a refrigeration cycle to provide conditioned air to the building 10. Specifically, the HVAC unit 12 may include one or more heat exchangers across which an air flow is passed to condition the air flow before the air flow is supplied to the building. In the illustrated embodiment, the HVAC unit 12 is a rooftop unit (RTU) that conditions a supply air stream, such as environmental air and/or a return air flow from the building 10. After the HVAC unit 12 conditions the air, the air is supplied to the building 10 via ductwork 14 extending throughout the building 10 from the HVAC unit 12. For example, the ductwork 14 may extend to various individual floors or other sections of the building 10. In certain embodiments, the HVAC unit 12 may be a heat pump that provides both heating and cooling to the building with one refrigeration circuit configured to operate in different modes. In other embodiments, the HVAC unit 12 may include one or more refrigeration circuits for cooling an air stream and a furnace for heating the air stream.

A control device 16, one type of which may be a thermostat, may be used to designate the temperature of the conditioned air. The control device 16 also may be used to control the flow of air through the ductwork 14. For example, the control device 16 may be used to regulate operation of one or more components of the HVAC unit 12 or other components, such as dampers and fans, within the building 10 that may control flow of air through and/or from the ductwork 14. In some embodiments, other devices may be included in the system, such as pressure and/or temperature transducers or switches that sense the temperatures and pressures of the supply air, return air, and so forth. Moreover, the control device 16 may include computer systems that are integrated with or separate from other building control or monitoring systems, and even systems that are remote from the building 10.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the HVAC unit 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the HVAC unit 12 is a single package unit that may include one or more independent refrigeration circuits and components that are tested, charged, wired, piped, and ready for installation. The HVAC unit 12 may provide a variety of heating and/or cooling functions, such as cooling only, heating only, cooling with electric heat, cooling with dehumidification, cooling with gas heat, or cooling with a heat pump. As described above, the HVAC unit 12 may directly cool and/or heat an air stream provided to the building 10 to condition a space in the building 10.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2, a cabinet 24 encloses the HVAC unit 12 and provides structural support and protection to the internal components from environmental and other contaminants. In some embodiments, the cabinet 24 may be constructed of galvanized steel and insulated with aluminum foil faced insulation. Rails 26 may be joined to the bottom perimeter of the cabinet 24 and provide a foundation for the HVAC unit 12. In certain embodiments, the rails 26 may provide access for a forklift and/or overhead rigging to facilitate installation and/or removal of the HVAC unit 12. In some embodiments, the rails 26 may fit into “curbs” on the roof to enable the HVAC unit 12 to provide air to the ductwork 14 from the bottom of the HVAC unit 12 while blocking elements such as rain from leaking into the building 10.

The HVAC unit 12 includes heat exchangers 28 and 30 in fluid communication with one or more refrigeration circuits. Tubes within the heat exchangers 28 and 30 may circulate refrigerant, such as R-410A, through the heat exchangers 28 and 30. The tubes may be of various types, such as multichannel tubes, conventional copper or aluminum tubing, and so forth. Together, the heat exchangers 28 and 30 may implement a thermal cycle in which the refrigerant undergoes phase changes and/or temperature changes as it flows through the heat exchangers 28 and 30 to produce heated and/or cooled air. For example, the heat exchanger 28 may function as a condenser where heat is released from the refrigerant to ambient air, and the heat exchanger 30 may function as an evaporator where the refrigerant absorbs heat to cool an air stream. In other embodiments, the HVAC unit 12 may operate in a heat pump mode where the roles of the heat exchangers 28 and 30 may be reversed. That is, the heat exchanger 28 may function as an evaporator and the heat exchanger 30 may function as a condenser. In further embodiments, the HVAC unit 12 may include a furnace for heating the air stream that is supplied to the building 10. While the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2 shows the HVAC unit 12 having two of the heat exchangers 28 and 30, in other embodiments, the HVAC unit 12 may include one heat exchanger or more than two heat exchangers.

The heat exchanger 30 is located within a compartment 31 that separates the heat exchanger 30 from the heat exchanger 28. Fans 32 draw air from the environment through the heat exchanger 28. Air may be heated and/or cooled as the air flows through the heat exchanger 28 before being released back to the environment surrounding the rooftop unit 12. A blower assembly 34, powered by a motor 36, draws air through the heat exchanger 30 to heat or cool the air. The heated or cooled air may be directed to the building 10 by the ductwork 14, which may be connected to the HVAC unit 12. Before flowing through the heat exchanger 30, the conditioned air flows through one or more filters 38 that may remove particulates and contaminants from the air. In certain embodiments, the filters 38 may be disposed on the air intake side of the heat exchanger 30 to prevent contaminants from contacting the heat exchanger 30.

The HVAC unit 12 also may include other equipment for implementing the thermal cycle. Compressors 42 increase the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant before the refrigerant enters the heat exchanger 28. The compressors 42 may be any suitable type of compressors, such as scroll compressors, rotary compressors, screw compressors, or reciprocating compressors. In some embodiments, the compressors 42 may include a pair of hermetic direct drive compressors arranged in a dual stage configuration 44. However, in other embodiments, any number of the compressors 42 may be provided to achieve various stages of heating and/or cooling. As may be appreciated, additional equipment and devices may be included in the HVAC unit 12, such as a solid-core filter drier, a drain pan, a disconnect switch, an economizer, pressure switches, phase monitors, and humidity sensors, among other things.

The HVAC unit 12 may receive power through a terminal block 46. For example, a high voltage power source may be connected to the terminal block 46 to power the equipment. The operation of the HVAC unit 12 may be governed or regulated by a control board 48. The control board 48 may include control circuitry connected to a thermostat, sensors, and alarms. One or more of these components may be referred to herein separately or collectively as the control device 16. The control circuitry may be configured to control operation of the equipment, provide alarms, and monitor safety switches. Wiring 49 may connect the control board 48 and the terminal block 46 to the equipment of the HVAC unit 12.

FIG. 3 illustrates a residential heating and cooling system 50, also in accordance with present techniques. The residential heating and cooling system 50 may provide heated and cooled air to a residential structure, as well as provide outside air for ventilation and provide improved indoor air quality (IAQ) through devices such as ultraviolet lights and air filters. In the illustrated embodiment, the residential heating and cooling system 50 is a split HVAC system. In general, a residence 52 conditioned by a split HVAC system may include refrigerant conduits 54 that operatively couple the indoor unit 56 to the outdoor unit 58. The indoor unit 56 may be positioned in a utility room, an attic, a basement, and so forth. The outdoor unit 58 is typically situated adjacent to a side of residence 52 and is covered by a shroud to protect the system components and to prevent leaves and other debris or contaminants from entering the unit. The refrigerant conduits 54 transfer refrigerant between the indoor unit 56 and the outdoor unit 58, typically transferring primarily liquid refrigerant in one direction and primarily vaporized refrigerant in an opposite direction.

When the system shown in FIG. 3 is operating as an air conditioner, a heat exchanger 60 in the outdoor unit 58 serves as a condenser for re-condensing vaporized refrigerant flowing from the indoor unit 56 to the outdoor unit 58 via one of the refrigerant conduits 54. In these applications, a heat exchanger 62 of the indoor unit functions as an evaporator. Specifically, the heat exchanger 62 receives liquid refrigerant, which may be expanded by an expansion device, and evaporates the refrigerant before returning it to the outdoor unit 58.

The outdoor unit 58 draws environmental air through the heat exchanger 60 using a fan 64 and expels the air above the outdoor unit 58. When operating as an air conditioner, the air is heated by the heat exchanger 60 within the outdoor unit 58 and exits the unit at a temperature higher than it entered. The indoor unit 56 includes a blower or fan 66 that directs air through or across the indoor heat exchanger 62, where the air is cooled when the system is operating in air conditioning mode. Thereafter, the air is passed through ductwork 68 that directs the air to the residence 52. The overall system operates to maintain a desired temperature as set by a system controller. When the temperature sensed inside the residence 52 is higher than the set point on the thermostat, or the set point plus a small amount, the residential heating and cooling system 50 may become operative to refrigerate additional air for circulation through the residence 52. When the temperature reaches the set point, or the set point minus a small amount, the residential heating and cooling system 50 may stop the refrigeration cycle temporarily.

The residential heating and cooling system 50 may also operate as a heat pump. When operating as a heat pump, the roles of heat exchangers 60 and 62 are reversed. That is, the heat exchanger 60 of the outdoor unit 58 will serve as an evaporator to evaporate refrigerant and thereby cool air entering the outdoor unit 58 as the air passes over the outdoor heat exchanger 60. The indoor heat exchanger 62 will receive a stream of air blown over it and will heat the air by condensing the refrigerant.

In some embodiments, the indoor unit 56 may include a furnace system 70. For example, the indoor unit 56 may include the furnace system 70 when the residential heating and cooling system 50 is not configured to operate as a heat pump. The furnace system 70 may include a burner assembly and heat exchanger, among other components, inside the indoor unit 56. Fuel is provided to the burner assembly of the furnace 70 where it is mixed with air and combusted to form combustion products. The combustion products may pass through tubes or piping in a heat exchanger, separate from heat exchanger 62, such that air directed by the blower 66 passes over the tubes or pipes and extracts heat from the combustion products. The heated air may then be routed from the furnace system 70 to the ductwork 68 for heating the residence 52.

FIG. 4 is an embodiment of a vapor compression system 72 that can be used in any of the systems described above. The vapor compression system 72 may circulate a refrigerant through a circuit starting with a compressor 74. The circuit may also include a condenser 76, an expansion valve(s) or device(s) 78, and an evaporator 80. The vapor compression system 72 may further include a control panel 82 that has an analog to digital (A/D) converter 84, a microprocessor 86, a non-volatile memory 88, and/or an interface board 90. The control panel 82 and its components may function to regulate operation of the vapor compression system 72 based on feedback from an operator, from sensors of the vapor compression system 72 that detect operating conditions, and so forth.

In some embodiments, the vapor compression system 72 may use one or more of a variable speed drive (VSDs) 92, a motor 94, the compressor 74, the condenser 76, the expansion valve or device 78, and/or the evaporator 80. The motor 94 may drive the compressor 74 and may be powered by the variable speed drive (VSD) 92. The VSD 92 receives alternating current (AC) power having a particular fixed line voltage and fixed line frequency from an AC power source, and provides power having a variable voltage and frequency to the motor 94. In other embodiments, the motor 94 may be powered directly from an AC or direct current (DC) power source. The motor 94 may include any type of electric motor that can be powered by a VSD or directly from an AC or DC power source, such as a switched reluctance motor, an induction motor, an electronically commutated permanent magnet motor, or another suitable motor.

The compressor 74 compresses a refrigerant vapor and delivers the vapor to the condenser 76 through a discharge passage. In some embodiments, the compressor 74 may be a centrifugal compressor. The refrigerant vapor delivered by the compressor 74 to the condenser 76 may transfer heat to a fluid passing across the condenser 76, such as ambient or environmental air 96. The refrigerant vapor may condense to a refrigerant liquid in the condenser 76 as a result of thermal heat transfer with the environmental air 96. The liquid refrigerant from the condenser 76 may flow through the expansion device 78 to the evaporator 80.

The liquid refrigerant delivered to the evaporator 80 may absorb heat from another air stream, such as a supply air stream 98 provided to the building 10 or the residence 52. For example, the supply air stream 98 may include ambient or environmental air, return air from a building, or a combination of the two. The liquid refrigerant in the evaporator 80 may undergo a phase change from the liquid refrigerant to a refrigerant vapor. In this manner, the evaporator 38 may reduce the temperature of the supply air stream 98 via thermal heat transfer with the refrigerant. Thereafter, the vapor refrigerant exits the evaporator 80 and returns to the compressor 74 by a suction line to complete the cycle.

In some embodiments, the vapor compression system 72 may further include a reheat coil in addition to the evaporator 80. For example, the reheat coil may be positioned downstream of the evaporator relative to the supply air stream 98 and may reheat the supply air stream 98 when the supply air stream 98 is overcooled to remove humidity from the supply air stream 98 before the supply air stream 98 is directed to the building 10 or the residence 52.

It should be appreciated that any of the features described herein may be incorporated with the HVAC unit 12, the residential heating and cooling system 50, or other HVAC systems. Additionally, while the features disclosed herein are described in the context of embodiments that directly heat and cool a supply air stream provided to a building or other load, embodiments of the present disclosure may be applicable to other HVAC systems as well. For example, the features described herein may be applied to mechanical cooling systems, free cooling systems, chiller systems, or other heat pump or refrigeration applications.

As noted above, HVAC systems may use components to facilitate heat transfer between a refrigerant and an airflow. For example, an HVAC system uses a compressor to pressurize the refrigerant and a refrigerant reservoir to optionally store refrigerant during operation of the HVAC system. When in operation, such components may vibrate, which may affect performance of the components and result in inefficient operation of the HVAC system. In some instances, vibration of one component may propagate to cause vibration of other components. In accordance with present embodiments, implementing a damping system to components of the HVAC system may decrease vibrations during operation of the HVAC system. For example, the damping system includes a band positioned around the components and a bracket insert positioned between the components. The combination of the band and the bracket insert stiffens the components of the system relative to one another to reduce relative movement and thus, relative vibration of the components. Although the present disclosure focuses primarily on applying the damping system to compressors and refrigerant reservoirs, in other embodiments, the damping system may also be applied to other suitable components of the HVAC system. The damping system may be applied to HVAC systems such as the HVAC unit 12, the residential heating and cooling system 50, or another HVAC system to damp components within the HVAC system.

To illustrate a system to damp an HVAC system, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an HVAC system 150 that includes a compressor 152 and a refrigerant reservoir 154. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the compressor 152 and the refrigerant reservoir 154 are located adjacent to one another and are coupled together via tubing 156. The tubing 156 enables the compressor 152 and the refrigerant reservoir 154 to be in fluid communication with one another, such that refrigerant may flow between the compressor 152 and the refrigerant reservoir 154. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the refrigerant reservoir 154 may be an accumulator configured to store liquid refrigerant to block the liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor 152. In additional or alternative embodiments, the refrigerant reservoir 154 is a compensator configured to adjust an amount of refrigerant flowing within the HVAC system 150, such as based on an operating mode of the HVAC system 150. However, the damping system disclosed herein may also be used with other components of the HVAC system.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the compressor 152 and the refrigerant reservoir 154 are upright or positioned substantially vertically, such that a base 158 of the compressor 152 is coupled to a first mount 160 and a base 162 of the refrigerant reservoir 154 is coupled to a second mount 164. For example, the first and second mounts 160 and 164 may couple the compressor 152 and refrigerant reservoir 154, respectively, to a base plate of an outdoor unit, such as outdoor unit 58 shown in FIG. 3. Additionally, the remainder of the compressor 152 and the refrigerant reservoir 154 may not be coupled to any other mounts. That is, the compressor 152 and the refrigerant reservoir 154 are coupled to the first mount 160 and second mount 164, respectively, on one side and the remainder of the compressor 152 and the refrigerant reservoir 154 may be described as free-standing. Additionally, in between the compressor 152 and the refrigerant reservoir 154, there may be a generally open space without intervening components of the HVAC system 150.

As will be appreciated, operation of the HVAC system 150 may cause vibrations of components of the HVAC system 150. For example, the compressor 152 may vibrate while pressurizing the refrigerant. Vibration of the compressor 152 may transfer to the refrigerant reservoir 154 via the tubing 156. Thus, the refrigerant reservoir 154 may also vibrate, potentially at a different frequency. Relative vibration of the HVAC system 150 components may affect performance, such as the flow of refrigerant between the compressor 152 and the refrigerant reservoir 154. To block or reduce such relative vibrations, a damping system 166 may be implemented onto the HVAC system 150. The damping system 166 includes a bracket insert 168 positioned in between the compressor 152 and the refrigerant reservoir 154. When positioned therebetween, a first end 170 of the bracket insert 168 abuts the compressor 152, and a second end 172 of the bracket insert 168 abuts the refrigerant reservoir 154. The first end 170 and the second end 172 may be shaped or contoured based on the size, shape, and contour of the compressor 152 and the refrigerant reservoir 154. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the compressor 152 and the refrigerant reservoir 154 are both cylindrical, but the compressor 152 has a larger circumference than the refrigerant reservoir 154. Thus, the first end 170 may be a different shape than the second end 172, such as including a radius of curvature larger than a radius of curvature of the second end 172. In some embodiments, the bracket insert 168 is adjustable to span a distance 174 between the compressor 152 and the refrigerant reservoir 154 that may vary from one system to another. Additionally, the bracket insert 168 is positioned at a height above the base 158 and the base 162. The height may be based off a height of the compressor 152 and/or the refrigerant reservoir 154, a position of the compressor 152 and/or the refrigerant reservoir 154, operation of the HVAC system 150, another suitable parameter, or any combination thereof.

In addition to the bracket insert 168, the damping system 166 includes a band 176 configured to be positioned around the compressor 152 and the refrigerant reservoir 154. In some embodiments, the band 176 is adjustable and includes an adjuster 178 to adjust a circumference of the band 176. That is, the band 176 may be adjusted such that a first section 180 is in suitable contact with the compressor 152 and a second section 182 is in suitable contact with the refrigerant reservoir 154. The band 176 may be a hose clamp, a strap, a belt, or another suitable component that wraps around the compressor 152 and the refrigerant reservoir 154. In some embodiments, the band 176 may include a flexible material configured to adjust to the respective shapes of the compressor 152 and refrigerant reservoir 154. The band 176 is positioned at a height above the base 158 and the base 162. In some embodiments, the band 176 is positioned at a height that is similar to or substantially the same as the height of the bracket insert 168. In this manner, forces generated by the band 176 act against forces produced by the bracket insert 168 and combine to reduce relative movement of the compressor 152 and the refrigerant reservoir 154 to damp the HVAC system 150.

To further show the bracket insert 168, FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the bracket insert 168. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the bracket insert 168 includes a first plate 250 and a second plate 252 overlapping with the first plate 250. In some embodiments, the second plate 252 includes a first row of holes 254 positioned along a first side 256 of the second plate 252 and a second row of holes 258 positioned along a second side 260 of the second plate 252. It should be appreciated that the holes in the first row of holes 254 and the second row of holes 258 may be positioned in a variety of manners or configurations. In some embodiments, a distance 262 between holes of the first row of holes 254 is of a different length than a distance 264 between holes of the second row of holes 258. Additionally, within each row, the holes may be evenly or unevenly spaced. That is, in some embodiments, the distance 262 may be the same between each hole for the first row of holes 254, while the distance 264 may vary between each hole for the second row of holes 258. Moreover, there is a distance 266 between holes of the first row of holes 254 and holes of the second row of holes 258. In some embodiments, the distance 266 is the same along each row of holes, but in additional or alternative embodiments, the distance 266 may vary. As an example, certain holes of the first row of holes 254 may be positioned closer or further to the first side 256 than other holes of the first row of holes 254. Similar positioning of holes of the second row of holes 258 may also be implemented. Although FIG. 6 illustrates two rows of five holes, in additional or alternative embodiments, there may be any suitable number of holes in each row and the size of each hole may be different within each row. There may also be any number of rows of holes, and the holes in each row may be configured any manner discussed above. It should be appreciated that the holes of the second plate 252 may also be configured in similar manners discussed above or in manners not already discussed in this disclosure.

The first plate 250 also include holes to align with the first row of holes 254 and the second row of holes 258 of the second plate 252. Aligning the holes of each plate enables the first plate 250 to couple with the second plate 252 in creating the bracket insert 168 to insert between components of the HVAC system 150. As with the holes of the second plate 252, the holes of the first plate 250 may also be configured in various manners, including positioned in different rows, at different distances from one another, of different sizes, or in any other configuration not already described. As such, the relative positions of the first plate 250 and the second plate 252 may be adjusted to align different holes to configure and size the bracket insert 168 for suitable use with the components of the HVAC system 150. For example, the relative position of the first plate 250 and the second plate 252 may be selected based on the distance between the components and/or the angle of the sections of the components that the first plate 250 and the second plate 252 are respectively in contact with. To fasten the first plate 250 and the second plate 252 together, bolts 268 may be inserted through respectively aligned holes of the first plate 250 and holes of the second plate 252. The bolts 268 may be tightened via nuts 270.

Although FIG. 6 illustrates the bolts 268 as being inserted from atop the second plate 252 and the nuts 270 positioned to couple onto the bolts 268 below the first plate 250, the bolts 268 may also be inserted from underneath the first plate 252, and the nuts 270 may couple atop the second plate 252. There may also be embodiments where, for a portion of the holes, the bolts 268 insert from above the second plate 252 and for a remaining portion of the holes, bolts 268 insert from below the first plate 250. The properties of the bolts 268, such as size, pitch, and material, may be based at least in part on parameters such as size of the holes, position of the holes, operation of the HVAC system 150, any other suitable parameter, or any combination thereof. The properties of the bolts 268 may also vary within each bracket insert 168, such as to fit into holes of different sizes. To facilitate fastening of the first plate 250 and the second plate 252, washers 272 may be used. For example, washers 272 may be positioned to contact the first plate 250, to contact the second plate 252, or both. As with the bolts 268, the properties of the washers 272 may be based at least in part on parameters of components of the HVAC system 150 and/or operation of the HVAC system 150. In order to withstand secure fastening and the operation of the HVAC system 150, the first plate 250 and the second plate 252 may include materials such as a metal, a composite, a polymer, another suitable material, or any combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the bracket insert 168 includes a first flange 274 located at the first end 170 of the first plate 250 and a second flange 276 located at the second end 172 of the second plate 252. The first flange 274 and the second flange 276 increase a surface area for the bracket insert 168 to contact the components of the HVAC system 150. As will be appreciated, the first and second flanges 274 and 276 function to distribute the force of the bracket insert 168 applied to components when the bracket insert 168 is tightly secured in between the components. The first and second flanges 274 and 276 also increase the rigidity of the bracket insert 168 when it is installed between components of the HVAC system 150. In addition, the shape of the first flange 274 and the second flange 276 may be selected to accommodate or correspond with the shape of the components of the HVAC system 150, such as including respective radius of curvatures to match the circumferences of the compressor 152 and the refrigerant reservoir 154. However, in other embodiments, the first flange 274 and the second flange 276 may be a different shape than the arcuate geometry depicted in FIG. 6. Furthermore, the first flange 274 and/or the second flange 276, rather than respectively extending upwards from the first plate 250 and the second plate 252, may extend downwards, or both upwards and downwards. The first flange 274 and/or the second flange 276 may also extend past a side, such as the first side 256 and/or the second side 260. The configuration of the first flange 274 and the second flange 276 may differ from one another and may be based at least in part on geometry of the components of the HVAC system 150 and/or operation of the HVAC system 150. The first flange 274 and the second flange 276 may be formed via bending of the respective first plate 250 and second plate 252, but in additional or alternate embodiments, the first flange 274 and/or the second flange 276 are separate components that are coupled to the first plate 250 and the second plate 252, such as via welding, fastening, riveting, gluing, another suitable method, or any combination thereof.

To further distribute and/or reduce stress or forces on the components of the HVAC system 150, padding 278 may be placed in between each respective flange and the component abutted by the flange. The padding 278 may include material such as rubber, sponge, foam, fabric, another suitable material, or any combination thereof to absorb loads or forces when the bracket insert 168 is installed between the components of the HVAC system 150. The padding 278 may also include an adhesive 280 to secure contact between the bracket insert 168 and the components. The adhesive 280 may be on one side of the padding 278, such as in contact with the component or in contact with the bracket insert 168, or the adhesive 280 may be on both sides of the padding 278.

Although FIG. 6 illustrates the first plate 250 and the second plate 252 as having a generally similar rectangle shape, in additional or alternative embodiments, the shape of the first plate 250 may be different than the shape of the second plate 252. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the first plate 250 may be placed atop the second plate 252. In additional or alternative embodiments, the first plate 250 may be positioned in different manners, such as on a side of the second plate 252. Furthermore, although the present disclosure discusses using bolts 268 and nuts 270 to fasten the first plate 250 with the second plate 252, other methods of fastening may be used, such as welding, gluing, riveting, clamping, hinging, another suitable method, or any combination thereof. As such, the bracket insert 168 may be limited in adjustments. Alternatively, other methods to adjust the positioning of the first plate 250 and the second plate 252 may be implemented, such as sliding, pivoting, rotating, or any other method to move the first plate 250 with respect to the second plate 252.

As previously mentioned, certain embodiments of the bracket insert 168 may include a single part rather than an assembly of multiple parts. FIG. 7 is a top view of an embodiment of the bracket insert 168, which is a single part configured to be positioned between the compressor 152 and the refrigerant reservoir 154. More particularly, the illustrated bracket insert 168 may be positioned between the compressor 152 and the refrigerant reservoir 154 in a number of different orientations to accommodate different distances between compressors 152 and refrigerant reservoirs 154, different sizes of compressors 152 and refrigerant reservoirs 154, and so forth. To this end, the bracket insert 168 includes a first length 300, a second length 302, and a third length 304. In some embodiments, the first length 300, the second length 302, and the third length 304 may be different than one another. For example, the first length 300 may be longer than the second length 302 and the third length 304, while the second length 302 and the third length 304 may be approximately the same length. As illustrated, the lengths 300, 302, and 304 are arranged generally cross-wise relative to one another. Accordingly, the bracket insert 168 may be positioned between the compressor 152 and the refrigerant reservoir 154 and rotated to position a desired length therebetween.

In addition, each length of the bracket insert 168 may include a set of sides positioned generally opposite of one another. Each side of the set of sides may include a particular radius of curvature such that the side may abut the compressor 152 or the refrigerant reservoir 154. That is, the first length 300 may include a first set of sides 306 with a first radius of curvature, the second length 302 may include a second set of sides 308 with a second radius of curvature, and the third length 304 may include a third set of sides with a third radius of curvature. In some embodiments, the third radius of curvature may be greater than the second radius of curvature, while the second radius of curvature may be approximately the same as the first radius of curvature. However, it should be understood that any appropriate combination of lengths and radii of curvature may be included with the bracket 168 to accommodate various distances 174 between the compressor 152 and the refrigerant reservoir 154 and/or to accommodate respective circumferences of the compressor 152 and/or the refrigerant reservoir 154. Additionally, in some embodiments, different sides of a single side of sides may include different radii of curvature. For example, one side of the first set of sides 306 may include a particular radius of curvature and the other side of the first set of sides 306 may include another radius of curvature. In general, the bracket 168 may include additional lengths, differently shaped lengths, different radii of curvature, and other modifications to accommodate typical HVAC systems 150.

The bracket insert 168 may be positioned between the compressor 152 and the refrigerant reservoir 154 based on the distance 174 and/or based on the respective circumferences of the compressor 152 and/or the refrigerant reservoir 154. Specifically, as mentioned above, the bracket insert 168 may be positioned between the compressor 152 and the refrigerant reservoir 154 and then rotated such that a suitable length of the bracket insert 168 spans the distance 174 and a suitable radii of curvature of the bracket insert 168 abuts the compressor 152 and the refrigerant reservoir 154. When positioned between the compressor 152 and the refrigerant reservoir 154, the bracket insert 168 may be wedged therebetween to securely abut the compressor 152 and the refrigerant reservoir 154.

Another embodiment of the bracket insert 168 is depicted in FIG. 8, which is a perspective view of the bracket insert 168 including a stack of brackets of different lengths that may be positioned between the compressor 152 and the refrigerant reservoir 154. As depicted in FIG. 8, the bracket insert 168 includes a first bracket 330, a second bracket 332, a third bracket 334, and a fourth bracket 336. Each bracket may include a different length 338 to accommodate different distances 174 between the compressor 152 and/or the refrigerant reservoir 154. Each bracket may also include a set of sides 340 that are opposite of one another, where each side of the set of sides 340 may include a particular radius of curvature to fit the corresponding circumference of the compressor 152 or the refrigerant reservoir 154. As with the bracket insert 168 illustrated in FIG. 7, the lengths 338 and/or radii of curvature for each set of sides 340 may be selected based at least in part on typical distances 174 between and/or respective circumferences of the compressor 152 and/or the refrigerant reservoir 154. Thus, it should be understood that the bracket insert 168 may include a different number of brackets and/or include brackets of different shapes than shown in FIG. 8.

In some embodiments, a rod 344 may extend through each bracket, such that each bracket is rotatably coupled to the rod 344. As such, when the bracket insert 168 is positioned between the compressor 152 and the refrigerant reservoir 154, a desired bracket may be rotated in a direction 346 such that the corresponding length 338 of the desired bracket extends past each width 342 of the other brackets. In this manner, the entire bracket insert 168 may be positioned between the compressor 152 and the refrigerant reservoir 154, where the selected bracket may be wedged between the compressor 152 and the refrigerant 154 without interference from the other brackets of the bracket insert 168. In some embodiments, a clamp may be used to secure the stack of brackets together, such as when the bracket insert 168 is inserted between the compressor 152 and the refrigerant 154, to block unwanted rotation of the brackets of the bracket insert 168. Specifically, the clamp may impart a force to compress the brackets together when rotation of the brackets is not desired, and the clamp may release the compressive force when rotation of the brackets is desired, such as to select the suitable bracket to span the distance 174.

The bracket inserts 168 of FIGS. 7 and 8 may each include the padding 278 depicted in FIG. 6 to be inserted between the bracket insert 168 and the compressor 152 and/or the refrigerant reservoir 154. Additionally, as with the bracket insert of FIG. 6, the bracket inserts 168 of FIGS. 7 and 8 may be formed from a material such as metal, a composite, a polymer, another suitable material, or any combination thereof. It should also be appreciated that, in some embodiments, features of the bracket insert 168 of FIG. 7 may be combined with features of the bracket insert 168 of FIG. 8, such that a stack of brackets that are shaped similar to the bracket insert 168 of FIG. 7 are rotatably coupled to the rod 344 to enable use of the bracket 168 with different possible configurations of HVAC systems 150. Generally, it should be understood that the bracket insert 168 may include any appropriate configuration of a bracket or brackets that may be positioned in between the compressor 152 and the refrigerant reservoir 154, in the manners described above.

Another component of the damping assembly 166 is illustrated in FIG. 9, which is a top view schematic of an embodiment of the band 176. The band 176 includes a loop 350 that wraps around the components of the HVAC system 150 to be secured to one another. The loop 350 includes a circumference to enclose the components. As mentioned, in some embodiments, the circumference of the loop 350 is adjusted via an adjuster 178. The adjuster 178 may be a buckle, a clamp, a fastener, a rotary adjuster, another component, or any combination thereof that loosens, tightens, and/or releases the loop 350 to permit adjustment of the size of the circumference of the loop 350. In other words, the adjuster 178 may be used to adjust the size of the circumference of the loop 350 to enable secure fastening of the band 176 to the components of the HVAC system 150, such as the compressor 152 and the refrigerant reservoir 154. Although FIG. 9 illustrates one adjuster 178, in additional or alternative embodiments, multiple adjusters 178 may be used.

As mentioned, the band 176 may be generally flexible and thus, when tightened around the components of the HVAC system 150, may conform to the components' respective shapes. By way of example, the band 176 may include metal, composite, rubber, woven fabric, plastic, webbing, another suitable material, or any combination thereof to provide the flexibility and strength for implementation with the HVAC system 150. To further secure the band 176 to each component, padding 352 may be placed in between the band 176 and the respective component to which the band 176 is secured. The padding 352 may be similar to the padding 278. That is, the padding 352 may include similar flexible material to conform to the shape of the components and may include an adhesive side to adhere to the component and/or the band 176. The padding 352 may be placed where the band 176 is in contact or abutment with the components. For example, separate pieces of padding 352 may be positioned at the first section 180 contacting the compressor 152 and the second section 182 abutting the refrigerant reservoir 154.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the HVAC system 150, further illustrating implementation of the damping system 166 with the compressor 152 and the refrigerant reservoir 154. The bracket insert 168 of the damping system 166 is inserted between the compressor 152 and the refrigerant reservoir 154 and is adjusted, such as in the manner described above, to span the distance 174 and may produce or enable forces on components of the HVAC system in directions 400. That is, the forces bias the compressor 152 and the refrigerant reservoir 154 away from one another. The band 176 wraps around the compressor 152 and the refrigerant reservoir 154 and is tightened to produce or enable forces on the components of the HVAC system 150 in the directions 402. That is, the forces bias the compressor 152 and the refrigerant reservoir 154 toward one another. As such, the resulting forces are opposite of one another and combine to tighten the compressor 152 and the refrigerant reservoir 154 together. In this manner, relative movement or vibration of the compressor 152 and the refrigerant reservoir 154 is reduced.

Additionally, the padding 278 and the padding 352 may be incorporated to relieve stress on the components produced by the respective forces. It should be appreciated that the shape of the compressor 152 and the refrigerant reservoir 154, although illustrated as generally circular in FIGS. 5 and 10, may be of any other suitable shape. In this manner, the configurations of the band 176 and the bracket insert 168 may adjust to conform to such shapes. As discussed, such adjustments includes adjustments to the shape of the first end 170, the second end 172, and/or the loop 350.

Although the damping system 166 is described as including one bracket insert 168 and one band 176, in additional or alternative embodiments, the damping system 166 includes multiple bracket inserts 168 and multiple bands 176. In such embodiments, the bracket inserts 168 and the bands 176 may be applied to the same or to different components. As such, the damping system 166 may be applied to more than two components of the HVAC system 150. The damping system 166 may also incorporate additional components not discussed herein. By way of example, the bracket insert 168 and/or the band 176 may include additional components to enhance their tightening onto the components of the HVAC system 150.

As set forth above, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide one or more technical effects useful in the operation of HVAC systems. For example, a damping system may be implemented to tighten components of the HVAC system, such as a compressor and a refrigerant reservoir to reduce relative movement or vibration of the components. The damping system includes a bracket insert configured to be inserted between the components to produce or enable forces to bias the components away from one another. The damping system also includes a band wrapped around the components to produce forces to bias the components toward one another. When both the bracket insert and the band are in place and tightened, the forces produced by the bracket insert and the forces produced by the band restrict relative movement of the components and thus, decreases relative vibrations of the components. The technical effects and technical problems in the specification are examples and are not limiting. It should be noted that the embodiments described in the specification may have other technical effects and can solve other technical problems.

While only certain features and embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated and described, many modifications and changes may occur to those skilled in the art, such as variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, and the like, without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the disclosure. Furthermore, in an effort to provide a concise description of the exemplary embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not have been described, such as those unrelated to the presently contemplated best mode of carrying out the disclosed embodiments, or those unrelated to enabling the claimed embodiments. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation specific decisions may be made. Such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure, without undue experimentation.

RELATIVE VIBRATION DAMPING SYSTEM FOR HVAC SYSTEMS

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CPC

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