Adjustable Window Frame for Snap-Fit Air Conditioner Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional window air conditioner installation is cumbersome and hazardous due to the need for multiple parts and tools, particularly the balancing of a heavy unit on a windowsill, which poses safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A customizable window frame with adjustable side curtains and snap-fitting panels that can be easily extended and secured within a window frame, allowing for precise measurement and cutting of filler panels to fit the air conditioner unit, simplifying the installation process by eliminating the need for complex mounting and balancing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mounting bracket and accordion panel installation is used, then the air conditioner can be securely mounted in the window, but the installation process becomes complex and hazardous requiring multiple parts and tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mounting bracket, side curtains, and filler panels into an integrated window frame assembly that attaches to the air conditioner housing as a single unit. This eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets and accordion panels, reducing the number of parts and tools required while maintaining secure mounting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The window frame is divided into modular components including a main body, adjustable side curtains with channels, and separate filler panels that can be cut to size. This segmentation allows for easier handling and installation of individual components while maintaining the overall structural integrity when assembled.
2Reliability
If conventional installation method is used, then the air conditioner can be mounted, but safety risks arise from balancing heavy unit on windowsill
Solution Approach 1:
The window frame assembly is pre-attached to the air conditioner housing before installation in the window. This preliminary action allows the heavy unit to be handled as a single integrated assembly rather than requiring workers to balance it on the windowsill during installation, eliminating the safety hazard while ensuring secure mounting.
3Ease of operation
If fixed side curtains are used, then installation is simpler, but adaptability to different window sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The side curtains are designed with sliding channels that allow them to be adjusted to different positions and lengths. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same window frame assembly to adapt to various window sizes while maintaining simple installation procedures through the sliding mechanism.
4Productivity
If pre-cut filler panels are used, then installation is faster, but precision fit to specific window dimensions is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Measurement markings are pre-established on the side curtains to guide the cutting of filler panels to the exact dimensions needed for each specific window opening. This preliminary measurement action enables installers to cut panels precisely on-site while maintaining fast installation overall.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a method of installing an air conditioner unit into a window frame, the method comprising: inserting the air conditioner unit into an opening in the window frame; extending left and right adjustable side curtains until the left and right adjustable side curtains contact jarbs of the window frame; recording a left measurement of an extent at which the left adjustable side curtain extends from a left reference point of the air conditioner unit and recording a right measurement of an extend at which the right adjustable side curtain extends from a right reference point of the air conditioner unit; cutting to size a left and right outer panel by cutting along a cut line identified by indicia that matches the recorded left and right measurements; and snap-fittingly installing the cut left and right outer panel onto a frame of the left and right adjustable side curtain respectively.