Air conditioning external unit shade and method of use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shades and covers for outdoor condenser units in air conditioning systems either hinder airflow, fail to provide adequate sun protection, or require continuous repositioning, leading to reduced efficiency and increased wear due to overheating and UV exposure.
Innovation Solution
A removable shade comprising a lightweight frame secured to the condenser unit and a radially extending canopy that shields at least three sides from the sun without obstructing airflow, creating a separation barrier between hot exhaust and fresh air to enhance efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional shades and covers are used to shield the condenser unit from the sun, then sun protection is improved, but airflow is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The shade structure is segmented into multiple panels (first panel, second panel, third panel) that can be individually positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows each panel to be optimized for sun protection while maintaining gaps between them for airflow, resolving the contradiction between shielding and ventilation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shade panels are designed to be adjustable and repositionable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic optimization of both sun protection and airflow based on environmental conditions. The panels can be tilted, rotated, or removed as needed to balance shading effectiveness with air intake requirements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional shades require continuous repositioning to maintain effectiveness, then sun protection is improved, but device complexity and maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shade panels are pre-configured with attachment mechanisms and positioning features that enable easy installation in optimal positions. The design anticipates seasonal and daily sun angle variations by providing predetermined adjustment positions, eliminating the need for continuous monitoring and repositioning while maintaining effective sun protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The shade structure incorporates self-adjusting features such as flexible mounting systems and gravity-assisted positioning that allow the panels to automatically orient themselves toward optimal shading positions based on sun angle, reducing or eliminating the need for manual intervention and complex control systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a shade structure is designed to shield multiple sides of the condenser unit, then sun protection is improved, but airflow obstruction increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different panels of the shade structure are designed with varying degrees of opacity, ventilation openings, and angles tailored to the specific sun exposure patterns of each side of the condenser unit. This localized optimization ensures maximum sun protection on heavily exposed sides while maintaining better airflow on sides requiring less shielding, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive shading and airflow efficiency.
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
The shade improves condenser unit efficiency by up to 10% by maintaining optimal operating conditions, reducing utility costs, and extending the unit's lifespan while minimizing wear and tear.
Implementation Method 1
a canopy adapted to be secured to the frame, wherein the canopy comprises an integral one-piece unit that, when in assembled configuration with the frame, extends radially and substantially horizontally from the top surface of the condenser unit on at least three sides thereof and forms a shape that substantially shields at least three sides of the condenser unit from the sun
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for improving production efficiency of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. The present invention provides a shade comprising a frame and a canopy that extends radially from the top of a condenser unit, thereby creating shade over the sides of the condenser unit and creating a separation of heated air above the shade and fresh air below. The canopy is adapted to receive the frame or to be secured to the frame. The frame may comprise a plurality of ribs which are assembled in a configuration that supports the canopy on the frame. The frame is secured to the condenser unit via a variety of securements, including bungee cords and hooks or clips. The canopy is shaped to conform to the condenser unit to effectively shield the condenser unit from the deleterious effects of the sun on at least one or more sides.