Air conditioning device indoor unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

The use of light transmissive members as outer shells in air-conditioning apparatus indoor units can reveal internal mounting structures, compromising the design aesthetics.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a design panel with light transmissivity and a band-shaped panel, along with a connecting member of non-light transmissive material, to create a seamless and aesthetically improved exterior while maintaining structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a light transmissive member is used as the outer shell, then the design is improved, but the internal mounting structure becomes visible through the member

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign aestheticsVSAvoidvisibility of internal structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

A covering member is introduced as an intermediary element between the light transmissive member and the mounting structure. This covering member blocks the view of the mounting structure through the light transmissive member, preventing the internal structure from being visible while preserving the aesthetic benefits of the light transmissive outer shell.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The outer shell is divided into multiple functional members: a light transmissive member for aesthetic purposes and a separate covering member for obscuring the mounting structure. This segmentation allows each member to fulfill its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between visibility and aesthetics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3415833B1Air conditioning device indoor unit
Publication Date: 2022.08.03 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3415833B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3415833B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3415833B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An outer shell panel includes: a front panel which is provided on a front surface portion of a body casing; and side panels which are arranged on side surface portions of the body casing. The side panels each include: a base member which is provided on a side end portion of the front panel; a connecting member has a flat plate shape and has no light transmissivity, the connecting member including a first surface and a second surface formed on to the opposite side of the first surface, and being attached to the base member, with the first surface located to face the base member; and a design panel which has a flat plate shape and has light transmissivity, the design panel being attached to a peripheral edge of the connecting member to be opposite to the second surface of the connecting member.