Air conditioner shutoff switch and flush system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air conditioner shut off switches do not provide both a shut off and flush function, leading to issues with water drain pan overflow.

Innovation Solution

A combined air conditioner shutoff switch and flush system comprising an inflow tube, main body, cap, electronic end piece, flush pipe, pressure fitting, and flush container, which allows for efficient shut off and flush functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional shut off switch is used, then the shut off function is provided, but the flush function is not available leading to water drain pan overflow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater drain pan overflow preventionVSAvoiddual shut off and flush function

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the shut off switch and flush system into a single integrated device. The control valve assembly includes both a shut off mechanism with actuator and a flush mechanism with flush valve, allowing both functions to be performed by one device rather than requiring separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control valve assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it can shut off water flow to prevent overflow, and it can also provide a flush function to clear the drain pan. The single device accommodates both shut off and flush operations, making it a universal solution for water management in air conditioning units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a combined shut off and flush system is implemented, then both shut off and flush functions are provided, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual shut off and flush functionVSAvoidcontrol valve assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control valve assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a body portion, a control valve assembly with shut off mechanism, and a flush mechanism with flush valve. This segmentation allows each component to be designed and manufactured separately, then assembled into the complete dual-function device, managing complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flush valve is positioned within the control valve assembly structure, with the drain pan positioned below to receive flushed water. This nested arrangement allows the flush function to be integrated within the existing control valve housing rather than requiring a completely separate external system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS12492840B1Air conditioner shutoff switch and flush system

Publication Date: 2025.12.09 HERNANDEZ ZELAYA RODOLFO

AI summary

An inflow tube having a passageway there through. A main body having a through-housing chamber therein, and an intake tube. A cap coupled to the main body with the cap having a downwardly disposed closed end tube. An electronic end piece having a circuit portion is nested in the downwardly disposed closed end tube of the cap. A flush pipe having a passageway running there through. A pressure fitting coupled to the flush pipe. Lastly, a flush container having an open and close valve.