Air conditioner chassis structure, air conditioner outdoor unit, and air conditioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
The condensate in air conditioner outdoor units tends to spread due to negative pressure at the drainage hole, leading to issues like heat exchanger and fan blade damage, and reduced air supply volume.
Innovation Solution
The drainage hole in the air conditioner chassis is partially exposed at the air inlet side of the heat exchanger, allowing it to communicate with external space, reducing negative pressure and improving drainage efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the drainage hole is provided at the bottom of the heat exchanger, then the drainage function is provided, but significant negative pressure is generated at the drainage hole when the fan operates, causing condensate to spread along the airflow direction and obstructing drainage
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage hole is extended from a simple bottom-hole configuration to a multi-dimensional structure that exposes the drainage hole at both the bottom surface and the air inlet side surface of the heat exchanger. This spatial extension allows condensate to drain through multiple pathways, preventing obstruction caused by negative pressure at a single drainage location.
Solution Approach 2:
The air inlet side exposure of the drainage hole acts as an intermediary pathway between the condensate accumulation area and the external environment. This intermediate drainage route relieves the negative pressure effect by providing an alternative escape path for condensate, preventing it from being forced along the airflow direction.
2Productivity
If the drainage hole is exposed at the air inlet side of the heat exchanger, then air circulation at the bottom of the heat exchanger is improved and negative pressure is reduced, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The air inlet side surface of the heat exchanger serves dual functions: it maintains its primary role for heat exchange while simultaneously exposing the drainage hole to improve drainage efficiency. This multi-functional design allows the same structural surface to fulfill multiple purposes without adding separate dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage hole structure is merged with the heat exchanger housing structure. The drainage hole is formed by extending through the heat exchanger housing from the bottom surface to the air inlet side surface, combining the drainage function with the existing heat exchanger structure rather than adding a separate drainage system.
3Reliability
If the drainage hole is completely enclosed, then it provides drainage function, but external accumulated water can flow back into the chassis structure through the drainage hole
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage hole is configured to extend from the bottom surface upward to expose at the air inlet side surface, creating a three-dimensional drainage pathway. This spatial configuration allows the drainage hole to discharge condensate at a location that is less susceptible to external water accumulation, preventing backflow while maintaining drainage functionality.
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 enhances drainage efficiency, prevents condensate from flowing back into the unit, and allows easy observation of blockages, ensuring stable drainage and preventing damage to components.
Implementation Method 1
the drainage hole extends through two opposite surfaces in a thickness direction of the chassis main body
Implementation Method 2
a significant negative pressure is likely to be generated at the drainage hole provided at the bottom of the heat exchanger
Data Source
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AI summary
An air conditioner chassis structure, an air conditioner outdoor unit, and an air conditioner are disclosed, wherein the air conditioner chassis structure is configured to support a heat exchanger. The air conditioner chassis structure includes a chassis main body with a drainage hole provided below the heat exchanger. The drainage hole extends through two opposite surfaces in a thickness direction of the chassis main body, and is at least partially exposed at an air inlet side of the heat exchanger and communicates with an external space at the air inlet side of the heat exchanger.