Indoor AC Drain Pan Assembly With Integrated Grounding Inserts
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of ground wiring for reducing noise terminal voltage in indoor air conditioning units is cumbersome and prone to tangling due to the existing configuration of electrical parts boxes and drain pans, making the assembly process difficult and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The integration of first and second insert metal parts, electrically connected and formed integrally, allows for the electrical parts box to be securely attached to the drain pan, eliminating the need for ground wiring and simplifying the assembly process by providing a grounded path through the hanger bolts and casing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate insert metal parts are used for fixing the drain pan and electrical parts box, then the electrical parts box can be mounted on the drain pan, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming due to separate installation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the first insert metal part (for fixing the drain pan) and the second insert metal part (for mounting the electrical parts box) into a single integrated component. This merged insert metal part is embedded in the drain pan during molding, allowing both the drain pan fixation and electrical parts box mounting to be achieved through one component, thereby simplifying the assembly process and reducing the number of installation steps.
2Reliability
If ground wiring is installed separately after mounting the electrical parts box, then noise terminal voltage can be reduced, but the wiring process becomes troublesome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the ground wiring function into the insert metal part during the molding process. The insert metal part is pre-configured with ground wiring connections, so that when it is embedded in the drain pan, the ground path is already established. This eliminates the need for separate ground wiring installation after the electrical parts box is mounted, saving time and simplifying the assembly process while maintaining noise reduction effectiveness.
3Strength
If the electrical parts box is made of metallic material, then structural strength is improved, but noise terminal voltage increases due to electrical interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the insert metal part as an intermediary element between the drain pan and the electrical parts box. This insert metal part serves multiple functions: it provides a mounting structure for the electrical parts box, establishes a ground connection path, and acts as an electrical shield. By positioning the insert metal part between the metallic electrical parts box and the drain pan, it mediates the electrical interference while maintaining the structural strength benefits of the metallic box.
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 configuration reduces the complexity and cost of assembly by eliminating the need for ground wiring, improving workability and reducing parts costs while ensuring effective noise reduction.
Implementation Method 1
the first insert metal part and the second insert metal part are electrically connected and integrally formed
Data Source
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AI summary
An indoor unit body (2) of an air conditioning apparatus having an openable lower surface contains an electrical parts box (13), a heat exchanger (7), a drain pan (10), and an air blower (3) inside. A dress panel (3) closes the opening section of the lower surface of the indoor unit body (2). The drain pan (10) has first insert metal parts (24) for fixing the drain pan (10) to the indoor unit body (2) and second insert metal parts (25) for attaching and fixing the electrical parts box (13) to the drain pan (10). The first insert metal parts (24) and the second insert metal parts (25) are electrically connected and integrally formed with the drain pan (10).