Panel structure, and air conditioner having same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Air conditioners pose a pollution risk due to dust accumulation and lack a designated place for bolts during assembly and disassembly, leading to easy loss.

Innovation Solution

A panel body structure with a storage portion featuring a magnetic adsorption element and limiting ribs to securely store and retrieve bolts, preventing loss during assembly and disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a storage portion with magnetic adsorption element is added to the panel body, then bolt retention capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebolt retention capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage portion is integrated into the panel body structure, merging the storage function with the existing panel design. The magnetic adsorption element is embedded within the panel body's limiting space, combining multiple functions (structural support, storage, and magnetic retention) into a unified design that minimizes additional complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic adsorption element acts as an intermediary between the panel body and the bolts, providing a non-mechanical retention mechanism. This intermediary approach allows bolts to be held securely without requiring physical slots or compartments, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If limiting ribs and enclosing plates are added to form a limiting space, then stability of magnetic adsorption element is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of magnetic adsorption elementVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The limiting space is created by dividing the panel body into functional zones using limiting ribs and enclosing plates. This segmentation provides precise positioning and stable mounting for the magnetic adsorption element, while each component (ribs, plates, and space) can be manufactured and assembled independently, managing manufacturing complexity through modular construction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple third limiting ribs are spaced or staggered, then magnetic adsorption element positioning is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic adsorption element positioningVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The third limiting ribs are arranged in a staggered or spaced asymmetric pattern rather than a uniform grid. This asymmetric arrangement provides effective positioning and support for the magnetic adsorption element while reducing the total number of ribs needed, thereby improving positioning precision without proportionally increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 effectively prevents bolt loss and improves user experience by providing a designated, secure space for storing and retrieving bolts, enhancing the stability of the magnetic adsorption element and ensuring bolts are not easily shaken or fallen.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic adsorption element, the magnetic adsorption element is connected with the surface of the panel body, and the magnetic adsorption element is usable for adsorbing the bolts

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic adsorption: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3792558B1Panel structure, and air conditioner having same
Publication Date: 2025.03.26 GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCE INC OF ZHUHAI
  • EP3792558B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3792558B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3792558B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention discloses a panel body structure, including: a panel body (10); and a storage portion (20), the storage portion (20) is disposed on a surface of the panel body (10), and the storage portion (20) is used for storing bolts for installing an air conditioner. In addition, the invention further discloses an air conditioner with the panel body structure.