Ceiling-Embedded AC Pipe Draw Structure for Leak-Safe Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The mechanical strength of the pipe draw portion in ceiling-embedded air conditioners is low, leading to potential gaps between the seal portion of the heat insulator and the end plates of the heat exchanger, causing non-heat exchanged air to leak.
Innovation Solution
A ceiling-embedded air conditioner design that includes a pipe draw portion with enhanced mechanical strength, featuring a pipe cover with a draw hole for electric wires, a wire cover with a folded hold plate to engage with the pipe cover, and a foamed resin heat insulator with a seal portion that presses against the heat exchanger's end plate when the wire cover is engaged, preventing the end portion of the casing main body from opening outward.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the pipe draw portion is formed by cutting out part of the casing main body, then the refrigerant pipes and electric wire can be drawn to the outside, but the mechanical strength of the pipe draw portion becomes low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a reinforcement plate that is预先 (in advance) installed at the pipe draw portion before the casing main body is assembled. This reinforcement plate is built into the structure during manufacturing, strengthening the area where pipes and wires need to be drawn through the casing. The reinforcement plate is positioned to cover the cutout portion and extend into the interior space, providing structural support before any assembly or operation occurs.
2Ease of manufacture
If the mechanical strength of the pipe draw portion is low, then the structure is easier to manufacture, but gaps form between the seal portion of the heat insulator and the end plates of the heat exchanger
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement plate is预先 installed to maintain the structural integrity of the pipe draw portion, preventing deformation that would cause gaps between the heat insulator seal portion and heat exchanger end plates. This preliminary structural support ensures reliable sealing without complicating the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement plate acts as an intermediary element between the cutout portion and the surrounding casing structure. It mediates the stress distribution and maintains the geometric stability of the pipe draw portion, ensuring that the seal portion remains in proper contact with the heat exchanger end plates without requiring complex manufacturing procedures.
3Ease of operation
If the end portion of the casing main body opens outward, then assembly is simpler, but non-heat exchanged air leaks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement plate is预先 positioned to prevent the end portion of the casing main body from opening outward during assembly and operation. This preliminary structural support maintains the closed state of the casing, preventing air leakage while not interfering with the assembly process. The reinforcement plate is designed to be integrated into the casing structure, allowing straightforward assembly without requiring additional fastening operations.
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
The enhanced mechanical strength at the pipe draw portion prevents the end portion of the casing main body from opening outward, reducing air leaks and improving sealing performance.
Implementation Method 1
a foamed resin heat insulator with a seal portion that presses against the heat exchanger's end plate
Data Source
AI summary
A ceiling-embedded air conditioner includes: a pipe draw portion that is provided at one corner portion of a casing main body to draw refrigerant pipes together with an electric wire; a pipe cover that fixes the peripheries of the refrigerant pipes and has a draw hole for the electric wire; a wire cover that is provided on the bottom surface of the casing main body and cover a wire guide groove for the electric wire; a cover plate that is included in the wire cover, covers the wire guide groove, and is screwed to a predetermined place on the casing main body side; and a hold plate that is included in the wire cover and is folded at a right angle from one end of the cover plate to engage with a pipe cover end portion of the pipe cover on the bottom surface side of the casing main body.