Air Conditioner Bayonet Locking Structure for Tool-Free Disassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioners require complex and inconvenient disassembly processes for cleaning, with risks of water damage and electrical shock, and stabilization of the air duct module during disassembly is complicated due to screw fixation.
Innovation Solution
A bayonet locking structure with a biasing mechanism and inclined surfaces allows for easy assembly and disassembly by converting vertical movement into horizontal, ensuring secure connection and disconnection without external force, and a sliding structure with curved arcs reduces friction noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the air duct module is fixed by a screw, then the connection between the air duct module and base component is secure, but the disassembly process becomes complicated and requires external force for stabilization
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into a locking block with locking protrusion and a locking groove, allowing the air duct module to be divided into separable first and second parts. This segmentation enables easy disassembly while maintaining secure connection during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A guide member acts as an intermediary component between the locking block and external force. The guide member with inclined surface converts the disassembly motion into locking block retraction, eliminating the need for external stabilization force during disassembly.
2Ease of operation
If the air duct module is disassembled for cleaning, then the cleaning accessibility is improved, but the risk of water damage to motor and electrical shock to user increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air conditioner is segmented into a detachable air duct module (first part) and base component (second part). This allows the air duct module to be separated for cleaning while keeping the motor and electrical components in the base component protected and stationary.
Solution Approach 2:
The air duct module containing the impeller is extracted as a separate removable unit. This extraction allows cleaning of the air duct components without exposing the motor or electrical systems to water, eliminating the risks of water damage and electrical shock.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the locking block is always extended to lock the air duct module, then the connection stability is improved, but the ease of disassembly for cleaning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking block is designed as a dynamic component that can switch between extended (locked) and retracted (unlocked) states. During normal operation, the locking block extends to provide stable connection. During disassembly, the locking block retracts along the guide member to enable easy separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking block automatically retracts when the guide member is moved during disassembly, and automatically extends when assembled. The biasing mechanism provides self-service by automatically returning the locking block to the locked position after disassembly, eliminating the need for manual intervention.
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
Simplifies the disassembly process, prevents accidental electrical contact, and stabilizes the air duct module during use and cleaning, enhancing user safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a bias spring, one end of the bias spring is arranged in the assembling and disassembling groove, the other end is connected to the locking block, and the bias spring is used for applying a biasing force, toward a direction of the locking hole, to the locking block
Implementation Method 2
one end of the guide member entering into the assembling and disassembling groove is cooperated with the locking block in an inclined surface manner, and the guide member is configured to convert a movement direction of the guide member extending into or getting away from the assembling and disassembling groove into a movement direction of the locking block extending out or retracting the assembling and disassembling groove
Implementation Method 3
a sliding structure cooperated with the first part is provided on the second part, and the first part is configured to be pulled out or pushed into the second part by the sliding structure
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An air conditioner, including: a first part (11) on which a assembling and disassembling groove (1) is provided, and a locking hole (5) is provided on the assembling and disassembling groove (1); a second part (12) having a locking structure thereon; a guide member (2) slidablely cooperated with the assembling and disassembling groove (1); a locking block (3) slidablely arranged on the guide member (2), a biasing force toward the second part (12) is provided disposed on the locking block, when the guide member (2) is moved to a locking position, the locking block (3) is configured to extend out of the locking hole (5) partially and to retract to a corresponding locking structure on the second part (12); when the guide member (2) is moved to an unlocking position, the locking block (3) is configured to retract to the assembling and disassembling groove (1) so as to disengage the first part (11) from the second part (12).