Ceiling Air Conditioner Blowoff Path Reinforcement With Low Airflow Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ceiling-embedded air conditioners face issues with the mechanical strength of air blowoff paths in drain pans, which can lead to cracking and increased ventilation resistance due to conventional reinforcement support columns obstructing airflow.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating arch-shaped reinforcement support columns with inclined portions and a peak portion that protrude more upward than the air blowoff path opening surface, reducing the column's volume and minimizing obstruction, while maintaining mechanical strength through a sandwich structure with a core material and foamed resin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional reinforcement support column is provided in the air blowoff path, then the mechanical strength of the air blowoff path is improved, but the column obstructs airflow and increases ventilation resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The support column is designed to protrude upward beyond the opening surface of the air blowoff path on the inflow side, utilizing the vertical dimension to position the reinforcement outside the airflow path while still providing structural support to the rectangular through hole in the drain pan
Solution Approach 2:
The support column features an arch-shaped curved surface that provides structural strength while minimizing obstruction to airflow compared to a straight vertical column, allowing air to flow more smoothly over the curved surface
2Ease of operation
If the air blowoff path is made as a long rectangular through hole, then it can guide conditioned air effectively, but it is likely to become cracked in the middle of the long side
Solution Approach 1:
The air blowoff path is segmented by providing multiple support columns at different positions along the rectangular through hole, dividing the long structure into smaller sections that are less prone to cracking while maintaining the overall air guiding function
Data Source
AI summary
A ceiling-embedded air conditioner includes: a ceiling-embedded casing main body that includes inside thereof a turbo fan and a heat exchanger disposed to surround the outer periphery of the turbo fan; a decorative panel that is mounted on a bottom surface of the casing main body and has an air blowoff opening; a drain pan that is provided on the bottom surface of the casing main body; an air blowoff path that is a through hole with rectangular cross section, the air blowoff path being provided in the drain pan and guiding conditioned air heat-exchanged by the heat exchanger to the air blowoff opening; and a reinforcement support column that is provided between long sides of the air blowoff path and includes a portion protruding more upward than an opening surface of the air blowoff path on an inflow side.