Air conditioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioner connectors with resin housings require complex structures and multiple parts to remove static electricity, increasing complexity and part count.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioner design featuring a resin housing with an insertion hole for a communication module, a control board, and pattern wiring that discharges static electricity to ground before electrical connection, simplifying the configuration while effectively removing static electricity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a resin housing is used for the connector body, then manufacturing cost and weight are reduced, but static electricity cannot be discharged effectively
Solution Approach 1:
A conductive member is introduced as an intermediary element between the communication module and ground. This conductive member serves as a mediator that enables static electricity discharge functionality in the otherwise insulating resin housing, allowing the housing to maintain its manufacturing advantages while achieving the required electrostatic protection
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive member is positioned to contact the communication module before the module is fully inserted into the connector body. This preliminary contact establishes an electrostatic discharge path in advance, ensuring that static electricity is discharged before the module becomes electrically connected to the main circuit, thereby preventing damage
2Reliability
If a positioning spring and screw structure are added to the resin housing, then static electricity can be discharged, but the number of parts and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive member integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides electrostatic discharge, serves as a guide for module insertion, and establishes electrical connection. This merging eliminates the need for separate positioning springs and screws, reducing part count while maintaining static electricity discharge capability
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - electrostatic discharge, mechanical guidance, and electrical connection. This multi-functionality reduces the overall complexity of the connector structure by eliminating the need for dedicated components for each function
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 solution allows for effective static electricity removal with a simplified configuration, preventing component malfunctions and damage, even when the housing is made of resin.
Implementation Method 1
a pattern wiring provided on a board surface and discharging static electricity from the communication module before the communication module is electrically connected to the first connector. The pattern wiring is electrically connected to ground of the indoor equipment via the wiring
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioner includes an indoor equipment, a wiring connected to the indoor equipment at one end, and a communication interface connected to another end of the wiring and electrically connected to the indoor equipment via the wiring. The communication interface includes a housing made of resin, an insertion hole formed in the housing and into which a communication module of a cartridge type is inserted, and a control board provided inside the housing. The communication interface includes a first connector provided on a board surface of the control board and electrically connected to the communication module. The communication interface includes a pattern wiring provided on the board surface and discharging static electricity from the communication module before the communication module is electrically connected to the first connector.