Indoor AC Holder Plate Structure for Easier Refrigerant Pipe Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing frame structure of wall-mountable air conditioners lacks sufficient working space for easy connection and separation of refrigerant pipes, making it difficult to install or remove the indoor unit without risking damage or accidents.
Innovation Solution
An improved frame structure with a detachable holder plate that slides into an insertion portion, featuring a protrusion rib and guide portion for easy opening and closing, allowing secure connection and separation of refrigerant and connection pipes without additional separation members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the holder plate is fixed at the lower end of the indoor unit, then the indoor unit can be stably fixed onto the wall surface, but no working space is secured for connecting or separating refrigerant pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The holder plate is divided into a fixed portion attached to the indoor unit and a movable portion that can slide relative to the fixed portion. This segmentation allows the holder plate to provide stable support when closed while creating working space when opened, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of pipe connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder plate transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic structure with a movable portion that can slide between closed and opened positions. This dynamic capability enables the holder plate to adapt between providing stable support during normal operation and creating working space during installation or maintenance.
2Ease of operation
If the refrigerant pipe is provided at the rear lower end for aesthetic appeal, then the interior appearance is improved, but it becomes difficult to connect or separate the refrigerant pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The holder plate is segmented into fixed and movable portions, allowing the frame structure to maintain its simple aesthetic design while the movable portion creates temporary working space for pipe connection operations at the rear lower end.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable portion of the holder plate acts as an intermediary mechanism that temporarily modifies the frame structure to provide working space, then returns to its original position to maintain the simple aesthetic appearance, thus mediating between operational ease and design simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If additional separation members are used to provide working space, then pipe connection becomes easier, but the device complexity and risk of damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The function of providing working space is merged into the holder plate itself through its movable portion, eliminating the need for additional separation members. This integration reduces device complexity while maintaining ease of pipe connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder plate is given multiple functions: it provides stable support during normal operation and creates working space during pipe connection operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate additional members, reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An indoor unit of an air conditioner includes a frame of the indoor unit; a heat exchanger mounted on the frame and having a refrigerant pipe in which a refrigerant flows; a hanger plate mounted on a rear surface of the frame and configured to fix the frame onto a wall surface; and a holder plate mounted on a lower portion of the frame and connecting the frame and the hanger plate. An end of the refrigerant pipe is placed in a space formed by the frame, the holder plate, and the hanger plate. The holder plate is movably connected on a lower portion of the frame, so the refrigerant pipe is accessible to a user to perform an operation of connecting or separating the refrigerant pipe to or from a connection pipe connected to an outdoor unit without rotating the frame.