Air Conditioner Sensor Box Gearbox Design to Reduce Wiring Complexity

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing indoor units for air-conditioning apparatuses have complex and elongated wiring configurations due to the movement of motors and sensors, leading to potential damage and increased size.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a gearbox that holds a sensor box for rotation and movement along a first axis, with separate motors for rotation and movement, and a shaft with a gear that transmits rotational force, allowing only the sensor box wiring to move with the sensor, thus simplifying and shortening the wiring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the motor and sensor are moved together with the sensor box, then the sensor box can rotate and move along the first axis, but the wiring becomes elongated and complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor box movement capabilityVSAvoidwiring configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into stationary components (motor, gearbox housing) and movable components (sensor box with gear). The motor remains fixed in the housing while only the sensor box and gear move together, segmenting the movable elements from the stationary elements to simplify wiring connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The motor is extracted from the movable sensor box assembly and fixed separately in the gearbox housing. This extraction eliminates the need for the motor wiring to move with the sensor box, significantly simplifying the wiring configuration while preserving the sensor box's movement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the motor and sensor are moved together with the sensor box, then the sensor box can rotate and move along the first axis, but the indoor unit becomes larger

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor box movement capabilityVSAvoidindoor unit size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor box is merged with the gear into a single movable assembly, allowing both components to move together along the first axis and rotate. This consolidation reduces the overall space required compared to having separate motor and sensor assemblies, enabling compact indoor unit design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor box and gear are designed as a dynamic movable assembly that can translate along the first axis and rotate, allowing the system to achieve versatile sensor positioning within a compact space. The movable design eliminates the need for large stationary housings that would be required if all components were fixed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the wiring is elongated and complicated, then the sensor box can be moved and rotated, but the wiring is liable to be degraded or damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor box movement capabilityVSAvoidwiring durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The motor is extracted from the movable sensor box assembly and fixed in the housing, so that only the sensor box wiring needs to move. This extraction dramatically reduces wiring movement and elongation, thereby improving wiring durability and reducing the risk of degradation or damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into stationary motor components and movable sensor components. This segmentation allows the motor wiring to remain fixed and short, while only the sensor wiring moves, significantly improving overall wiring reliability and reducing degradation risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration reduces the risk of wiring degradation and damage while downsizing the indoor unit by keeping the motors stationary and only the sensor box wiring moving, resulting in a more compact and reliable system.

Implementation Method 1

a first motor configured to apply a force causing the sensor box to rotate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

a second motor configured to apply a force causing the gearbox to move along the first axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

a shaft inserted through the gearbox to be rotated by receiving the force from the first motor, in which, in the gearbox, the shaft is inserted, and the gear is accommodated so that a rotational force transmitted from the shaft is transmitted to the sensor box

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS10465938B2Indoor unit for air-conditioning apparatus

Publication Date: 2019.11.05 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP

AI summary

Provided is an indoor unit for an air-conditioning apparatus including: a sensor box accommodating a sensor configured to detect light; a gearbox configured to hold the sensor box so as to be rotatable, and to be moved along a first axis together with the sensor box; a first motor configured to apply a force causing the sensor box to rotate; a second motor configured to apply a force causing the gearbox to move along the first axis; and a shaft inserted through the gearbox to be rotated by receiving the force from the first motor, in which, in the gearbox, the shaft is inserted, and the gear is accommodated so that a rotational force transmitted from the shaft is transmitted to the sensor box, the gear being movable along the first axis.