Air conditioner having a roller wheel mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional air conditioner roller mechanisms generate loud noise and suffer from fatigue failure due to elastic claws slipping on the outer wheel caliper, leading to reduced user experience and shortened mechanism life.

Innovation Solution

A friction portion is sandwiched between the driving shaft and the outer wheel, allowing the driving shaft to drive the outer wheel through friction, replacing the ratcheting structure and reducing noise and wear, thereby enhancing user experience and mechanism reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If elastic claws are used to engage with the outer wheel caliper, then the outer wheel is protected from damage and the traction wire is protected from breaking, but large noise is generated and the elastic claws slip on the outer wheel caliper

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of outer wheel and traction wireVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical engagement system (elastic claws engaging with outer wheel caliper) with a friction-based system (friction portion sandwiched between driving shaft and outer wheel). This substitution eliminates the slipping and noise problems while maintaining the protective function, as the friction transmission provides smooth power transfer without the impact and vibration characteristic of mechanical engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter from mechanical engagement (discrete contact points) to continuous friction contact. By transforming the interaction mechanism from elastic deformation and rigid engagement to friction-based force transmission, the system achieves noise reduction while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If elastic claws are used to engage with the outer wheel caliper, then the outer wheel is protected from damage and the traction wire is protected from breaking, but the probability of fatigue failure of the elastic jaws is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of outer wheel and traction wireVSAvoidlife of the mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the elastic claws entirely by replacing them with a friction portion that transmits torque through friction between the driving shaft and outer wheel. This substitution removes the source of fatigue failure (repeated elastic deformation and slipping) while maintaining the protective function against damage to the outer wheel and traction wire.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The friction portion acts as an intermediary element between the driving shaft and outer wheel, transferring torque through friction contact. This intermediary mechanism avoids the direct mechanical engagement that causes elastic claw fatigue, while still providing the necessary torque transmission and protection functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Power

If elastic claws are used to engage with the outer wheel caliper, then torque can be transmitted to the outer wheel, but the elastic claws slip on the outer wheel caliper causing noise and fatigue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque transmissionVSAvoidnoise and wear

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the elastic claw engagement system with a friction-based torque transmission system. The friction portion sandwiched between the driving shaft and outer wheel transmits torque through continuous friction contact, eliminating the slipping and impact characteristic of mechanical engagement while maintaining effective torque transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The friction-based system provides dynamic torque transmission that adapts to load conditions without the discrete engagement and disengagement of elastic claws. The continuous friction contact allows for smooth torque transfer that reduces vibration and noise while preventing the fatigue associated with repeated mechanical engagement cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 friction-based mechanism reduces noise and wear, improving user experience and extending the life of the roller mechanism by preventing damage and fatigue.

Implementation Method 1

a friction portion, sandwiched between the driving shaft and the outer wheel, the driving shaft driving the outer wheel to rotate by means of the friction portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3499144B1Air conditioner having a roller wheel mechanism

Publication Date: 2020.09.30 GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCE INC OF ZHUHAI

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Figure 3

AI summary

A roller mechanism and an air conditioner with the roller mechanism are provided. The roller mechanism includes: a driving shaft (10); an outer wheel (20), sleeved over the driving shaft (10); and a friction portion (30), sandwiched between the driving shaft (10) and the outer wheel (20), the driving shaft (10) driving the outer wheel (20) to rotate by means of the friction portion (30). The roller mechanism solves the problem of loud noise.