Outdoor Air Conditioner Base Structure for Freeze-Resistant Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing outdoor air conditioner bases are prone to water accumulation, which can lead to freezing issues due to stagnant defrost water or rainwater, affecting the operation of the outdoor device.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a base with a stepped edge and integrated drain holes, along with a blocking portion to direct liquid flow away from critical components and facilitate drainage, preventing water from accumulating and freezing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the base is designed with a simple flat structure, then the manufacturing cost is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but water accumulation occurs leading to freezing issues that worsen operational reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The base is segmented into multiple functional zones: a first base body portion for component support, a second base body portion with convex shape for water collection, and a blocking portion to direct water flow. This segmentation allows the base to simultaneously maintain manufacturing simplicity while preventing water accumulation through its geometric design that guides water to drainage holes.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking portion acts as an intermediary element between the heat exchanger and the drainage holes. It mediates water flow by blocking direct paths and redirecting water toward the drainage holes, preventing water accumulation around critical components while maintaining a simple overall base structure.
2Reliability
If the base includes drainage holes and blocking portions to prevent water accumulation, then operational reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage holes are integrated directly into the first base body portion, and the blocking portion is formed as part of the base structure itself rather than as separate components. This merging approach prevents water accumulation and improves reliability while avoiding the complexity of additional detachable parts or complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The base structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it supports heat exchangers and other components, provides drainage through integrated holes, and directs water flow through its geometric blocking portions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate drainage systems or additional components, maintaining simplicity while improving reliability.
3Reliability
If the base uses a convex-shaped second portion to collect and drain water, then water drainage is improved preventing freezing, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The convex shape is applied locally to the second base body portion rather than the entire base. This localized geometric feature creates effective water collection and drainage guidance in the critical area where water accumulation occurs, while the rest of the base maintains simpler geometry that is easier to manufacture with standard precision tolerances.
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 solution ensures smooth drainage of liquids, preventing freezing and maintaining the operational integrity of the outdoor air conditioner by effectively managing water accumulation on the base.
Implementation Method 1
a base body on which a first seat part supporting a compressor is disposed; an edge part disposed on an outside of the base body... one or more drain holes which are defined in the base body to guide discharge of water existing in the base
Data Source
AI summary
An outdoor device for an air conditioner is provided. The outdoor device may include a cabinet, and a base provided at a lower portion of the cabinet. The base may include a base body, on which at least one first seat that supports at least one compressor may be provided, an edge portion disposed along a circumference of the base body and on which at least one second seat that supports a heat exchanger may be disposed, and one or more drain holes defined in the base body to guide discharge of liquid existing in or contained within the base. The at least one first seat and the at least one second seat may be integrated with each other.