Indoor AC Drain Assembly Layout for Easier Pipe and Pump Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioners face difficulties in disassembling and assembling refrigerant and drain pipes, which complicates repairs and reduces the lifespan of the indoor unit due to reduced rigidity at cut portions for pipe passage.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a drain assembly with a pump and water container, allowing for easier management and replacement of components, and a separable outer case to facilitate access and improve rigidity, while the refrigerant pipe is positioned to avoid interference with the drain pipe, enhancing assembly and disassembly processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the refrigerant pipe and drain pipe are led out through a cut portion in the case, then pipe installation is enabled, but the rigidity of the case is reduced and lifespan is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The case is divided into an upper case and a lower case that can be separably coupled. The refrigerant pipe and drain pipe pass through the boundary between upper and lower cases rather than through cut portions in a single case body. This segmentation allows pipe installation while maintaining the structural integrity and rigidity of each case portion.
2Ease of operation
If the refrigerant pipe and drain pipe are led out through the case, then pipe connection is enabled, but disassembly and assembly become difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The case is segmented into separable upper and lower portions with the pipes passing through the interface. This allows the upper case to be removed independently for pipe maintenance while the lower case remains in place, significantly easing disassembly and assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump is extracted from the conventional integrated drain pan configuration and positioned separately in the lower case. The drain pipe connects to the pump which is externally accessible. This extraction allows the pump and pipe connections to be serviced independently without disassembling the entire case structure.
3Volume of stationary object
If the pump is integrated with the drain pan, then space is saved, but management and replacement of the pump becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is extracted from the drain pan assembly and positioned separately in the lower case. The drain pipe connects the drain pan to the externally positioned pump. This extraction makes the pump independently accessible for management, maintenance, and replacement while using space efficiently through vertical arrangement.
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 simplifies maintenance, extends the lifespan of the indoor unit by improving pipe management and assembly efficiency, and enhances structural rigidity, making repairs more accessible and efficient.
Implementation Method 1
a pump disposed in the drain assembly and connected to the drain pipe
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 7~8
AI summary
An air conditioner is disclosed. The air conditioner includes a case, a heat exchanger disposed in the case, a drain pan disposed below the heat exchanger, a drain pipe connected to the drain pan and extending to the outside of the case through an outer wall of the case, a drain assembly extending in a direction away from the case to accommodate the drain pipe therein, and a pump disposed in the drain assembly and connected to the drain pipe. Accordingly, repair of the drain pipe and the pump is facilitated.