Flexible Collection Bib for Air Conditioner Cleaning Runoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cleaning air conditioning unit fins often result in water and cleaning fluids being dispersed and difficult to manage, potentially soiling surrounding furniture and requiring the unit to be moved, which complicates the maintenance process.
Innovation Solution
A conical, flexible plastic bib is positioned under the air conditioning unit to collect and direct cleaning fluids to a floor drain or container, using arcuate ribs and adjustable cords to maintain the bib's open position and ensure efficient fluid disposal without moving the unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional cleaning methods are used without a collection apparatus, then the cleaning process is simple, but water and cleaning fluids disperse and soil surrounding furniture
Solution Approach 1:
A collection bib is introduced as an intermediary device between the air conditioner unit and the floor. The bib captures and channels cleaning fluids and debris that would otherwise disperse and soil furniture, effectively mediating the harmful effect while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The collection apparatus extracts and removes cleaning fluids and debris from the cleaning environment, separating them from the area where furniture is located. This extraction prevents the harmful effect of soiling while the apparatus itself can be easily removed after use
2Ease of operation
If the air conditioning unit is moved during cleaning, then fluids can be disposed of more easily, but the maintenance process becomes more complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The collection bib is designed to be self-contained and self-managing. It automatically captures and channels fluids to a collection point without requiring the air conditioner unit to be moved. The bib can be independently installed and removed, making the system self-service oriented and eliminating time loss from unit relocation
3Reliability
If a rigid collection structure is used, then fluid collection is effective, but the structure cannot adapt to different unit positions and configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The collection bib is constructed from flexible material that can conform to different positions and configurations of air conditioner units. This flexibility maintains reliable fluid collection effectiveness while adapting to various installation scenarios, eliminating the need for rigid structures that would lack versatility
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 allows for efficient and tidy disposal of cleaning fluids, preventing furniture soiling and eliminating the need to move the air conditioning unit during maintenance, while maintaining thermodynamic efficiency by keeping the cleaning process contained.
Implementation Method 1
a conical or funnel shaped having its large open end positioned near the unit and its small open end positioned to direct water and fluid toward a floor drain
Data Source
AI summary
A device for collecting waste cleaning fluid and debris from an installed A/C unit by placing and supporting a funnel shaped collection bib under the A/C unit by means of device mounting brackets placed behind the A/C unit, the bib being held open by an arcuate rib attached to the mounting brackets, and by a supporting cord passing through the rib, brackets, and bib hem and being cinched against the device.