Air Conditioner Support Using Opposing Interior and Exterior Forces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning unit support systems fail to securely attach units to buildings without damaging the structure and comply with safety regulations, especially in urban areas where units are prone to falling and require stringent installation guidelines.
Innovation Solution
A modular air conditioning unit support system that applies outward and inward forces to both interior and exterior building surfaces using adjustable components like cross bars, air conditioning unit supports, and struts, allowing for secure attachment without modifying the building, and accommodating various unit and building dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air conditioning units are secured using support structures built into the building, then the units are securely attached, but the building is permanently altered or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into multiple separate components: a first support structure that contacts the interior surface, a second support structure that contacts the exterior surface, and connection elements that link them. This segmentation allows the building to remain intact while the distributed support structures provide secure attachment without requiring permanent modification to the building structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system introduces intermediary elements (support structures and connection elements) that mediate between the air conditioning unit and the building surfaces. These intermediaries distribute the attachment forces across multiple contact points on both interior and exterior surfaces, eliminating the need to directly modify or damage the building structure while maintaining secure attachment.
2Productivity
If air conditioning units are positioned to prevent hot air from entering the building, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the units become prone to falling from the window
Solution Approach 1:
The support system transitions from a single-plane attachment (either interior or exterior only) to a three-dimensional configuration that engages both interior and exterior surfaces of the building. By distributing support across multiple dimensions and surfaces, the system simultaneously achieves secure attachment to prevent falling and maintains the positioning needed for efficient hot air exhaust.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-sided support structure creates counterbalancing forces that resist the downward gravitational force on the air conditioning unit. The first support structure on the interior surface and the second support structure on the exterior surface work together to provide opposing support forces, effectively counteracting the weight and preventing the unit from falling while maintaining proper positioning for cooling operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for securing an air conditioning unit to a building without the need for any alteration and/or damage to the building itself. The system includes a cross bar, an air conditioning unit support, and a strut. The arrangement of the components results in the cross bar applying an outward force to an interior surface of the building and strut applying an inward force to an exterior surface of the building in response to the downward force exerted on the air conditioning unit support. The sum of the forces applied on the surfaces of the building is sufficient to secure the air conditioning unit to the building.