Indoor unit and air conditioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Workers face difficulties in attaching and detaching antimicrobial-agent-containing kits to drain pans in air-conditioning units, particularly due to visibility issues and challenges in identifying the correct attachment position in dim spaces.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a securing plate at the upper edge of the drain pan with a detachable antimicrobial-agent-containing case that can be easily attached and detached, featuring a case-attaching portion, a container portion, and an arm that connects to the air inlet, allowing for secure and visual confirmation of attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the antimicrobial-agent-containing kit is attached to the drain pan in the conventional manner, then the drain pan can be kept clean, but the worker faces difficulty in visually checking the inside and identifying the attaching position in a dim space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the attachment dimension by providing an attaching portion at the upper edge of the sidewall of the drain pan, allowing the antimicrobial-agent-containing case to be attached from the upper side rather than from within the dim interior space. This dimensional change enables workers to easily visually check and attach the case without reaching into hard-to-see areas.
2Ease of operation
If the securing plate is provided at the upper edge of the sidewall, then the attachment becomes easily visible and accessible, but the structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the drain pan structure by separating the securing function into a distinct securing plate component provided at the upper edge of the sidewall. This segmentation allows the attaching portion to be independently designed and positioned for optimal accessibility while maintaining the overall simplicity of the drain pan structure.
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 design enables easy and proper attachment and detachment of the antimicrobial-agent-containing case, improving maintenance efficiency by providing a clear visual pathway and secure locking mechanism, reducing the complexity of maintenance tasks in dimly lit spaces.
Implementation Method 1
Since components of the antimicrobial agent in the container are dissolved into the drain water, an antimicrobial characteristic is imparted to the wet area.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An indoor unit according to the present invention includes a securing plate 9 provided at an upper edge of a sidewall of a drain pan 7 that collects drain water generated from an indoor heat exchanger 110; and an antimicrobial-agent-containing case 11 that contains an antimicrobial agent 24 and includes a case frame 15 positioned in an area where the drain water is collected, a case-attaching portion 13 conforming to the securing plate 9 and being detachably attached to the securing plate 9, and an arm 12 connecting the case frame 15 and the case-attaching portion 13. The antimicrobial-agent-containing case 11 is attached to the securing plate 9 from an opening of an air inlet from which air is taken into a body 1.