Air Conditioner Drainage Fitting Locking Structure Against Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air-conditioner drainage devices are prone to leakage due to accidental separation of the drainage fitting from the waste collecting box when turned against the tightening direction.
Innovation Solution
A drainage fitting comprising an elongated connector with an annular protrusion, guide members, and a locating member that inserts into guide recesses to prevent separation by maintaining contact with the annular protrusion, even if the connector is accidentally rotated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the drainage fitting is connected by screwing or engaging conventional ways, then the installation is simple, but the connection is not secure and may be accidentally separated causing leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage fitting is divided into multiple functional components: a connector for attachment, a locating member with positioning protrusions for precise alignment, and a sealing member for leak prevention. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall connection security
Solution Approach 2:
The locating member acts as an intermediary between the connector and the drainage hole, providing precise positioning through its protrusions that engage with corresponding recesses. This intermediary component ensures accurate alignment and prevents accidental separation while maintaining installation simplicity
2Reliability
If the drainage fitting uses a secure connection method, then leakage is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locating member integrates multiple functions into a single component: positioning (through protrusions), alignment (through guide surfaces), and retention (through engagement with the connector). This merging reduces the number of separate parts needed while ensuring reliable leakage prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member is nested within the connector structure, and the locating member is positioned within the drainage hole assembly. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional elements to be compactly integrated without increasing overall device complexity, while maintaining reliable leakage prevention
Data Source
AI summary
A drainage fitting is mounted to an air-conditioner drainage device having a waste collector provided with an inlet and an outlet. The drainage fitting is composed of a drainage connector having an annular protrusion externally and defining an upper part and a lower part, between which the annular protrusion is located, the lower part being mounted inside the outlet, the annular protrusion being stopped against the waste collector; at least two guide members being fixed to the waste collector and located at two opposite sides around the outlet and each having a guide recess facing the other, and a locating member having a hollow portion, against which the upper part of the drainage connector can be stopped, and having two sides inserted into the guide recesses to lie against the annular protrusion.