Air handling unit with integral inner wall features
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air handling units face challenges with complex and time-consuming installation and component rearrangement due to the need for multiple brackets and supports, and difficulties in removing and replacing components, especially when configuring for different orientations relative to gravity.
Innovation Solution
The air handling unit features interior cabinet walls with integrated mounting channels and features, such as integral drain pans, that reduce the need for additional brackets and supports, allowing for easier component retention and reconfiguration without the need to rearrange components for different installation orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If multiple brackets and supports are used to retain removable components, then the structural stability is improved, but the installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting channels are integrated directly into the cabinet walls, merging the support structure function with the cabinet wall itself. This eliminates the need for separate brackets and supports, reducing installation complexity while maintaining structural stability through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The cabinet walls serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, act as mounting surfaces through integrated channels, and contribute to thermal insulation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of additional components needed, simplifying installation while maintaining stability.
2Reliability
If multiple brackets and supports are installed for component retention, then the component stability is improved, but the installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting channels are pre-formed as integral features of the cabinet walls during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for on-site assembly of multiple brackets and supports, reducing installation time while ensuring component stability through the pre-configured integrated channels.
3Ease of operation
If components are designed for easy removal and replacement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The removable components are designed to interface with segmented mounting channels in the cabinet walls. This segmentation allows components to be easily removed and replaced while the integrated nature of the channels within the cabinet wall structure maintains overall structural integrity.
4Strength
If the cabinet walls are made thicker to improve structural integrity, then the strength is improved, but the thermal insulation performance may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cabinet walls utilize composite construction combining structural materials for strength with insulating materials for thermal performance. This composite approach allows the walls to maintain structural integrity without requiring excessive thickness, preserving thermal insulation performance by incorporating appropriate insulating layers within the wall structure.
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 simplifies the installation and operation of air handling units by integrating mounting features into the cabinet walls, reducing the complexity of component placement and allowing for efficient use in various orientations, while also enhancing structural integrity and thermal resistance through the use of insulating materials like polyurethane foam.
Implementation Method 1
an insulator disposed between the interior wall and the outer skin
Data Source
AI summary
An air handling unit has an interior wall configured to selectively retain a removable component of the air handling unit. An air handling unit has an interior wall configured as a drain pan. An air handling unit has an outer skin joined to the interior wall, an insulator disposed between the interior wall and the outer skin, and the interior wall has a mounting channel configured to selectively retain a removable component of the air handling unit.