Air conditioner unit including a heating unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioner units face inefficiencies in the removal and replacement of heating units due to the thickness of heater coils, which can be blocked by the blower fan, requiring cumbersome disassembly of multiple components.
Innovation Solution
The air conditioner unit design includes a guide track and brackets that allow the heating unit to be movable along a lateral direction, eliminating the need for vertical removal and reducing the number of components to be disassembled, with the heating unit being vertically aligned with the blower fan for easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the heating unit is positioned vertically aligned with the blower fan to simplify assembly, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for guide tracks and brackets
Solution Approach 1:
The heating unit is segmented from the blower fan assembly, allowing independent removal and installation. The heating unit can be detached along the lateral direction without affecting the blower fan, simplifying maintenance operations while maintaining vertical alignment for compact design
Solution Approach 2:
A guide track structure serves as an intermediary mechanism between the heating unit and blower fan assembly. The guide track enables lateral movement of the heating unit while maintaining proper positioning, resolving the conflict between ease of removal and structural simplicity
2Power
If the heating unit thickness is increased to provide sufficient heating capacity, then the power is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to blocking by the blower fan
Solution Approach 1:
The heating unit removal path is changed from vertical direction to lateral direction. This dimensional change allows the heating unit to be removed horizontally alongside the blower fan rather than vertically through it, enabling thicker heating units with greater heating capacity while maintaining ease of operation
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 design facilitates efficient and easy removal and replacement of heating units, reducing the complexity and time required for maintenance and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The heating unit is operated to raise the temperature of air in the air passage. The heating unit of a conventional air conditioner unit is typically formed from a ceramic plate or a plurality of coils, which may for example be formed from nichrome.
Implementation Method 2
A blower fan and a heating unit are additionally provided in the indoor portion. As the blower fan is driven, the air inside the room flows through the air inlet into the air passage.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with one embodiment, an air conditioner unit is provided. The air conditioner unit includes a heater housing having peripheral surfaces defining a housing interior, the peripheral surfaces including a first sidewall and a second sidewall spaced apart along the lateral direction. The air conditioner unit further includes a guide track extending along the lateral direction between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The air conditioner unit further includes a blower fan, the blower fan including a blade assembly disposed within the interior and a motor connected to the blade assembly. The air conditioner unit further includes a heating unit comprising a first bracket and a second bracket spaced apart along the lateral direction. The heating unit further includes at least one heater bank extending along the lateral direction between the first bracket and the second bracket. The heating unit is movable along the guide track.