Cassette Air Conditioner Suction Grill Support Against Drooping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cassette type air conditioners with larger suction grills face issues where the outer ends tend to droop down due to inadequate support, leading to instability and potential air leakage.

Innovation Solution

The indoor unit incorporates a grill restriction member that couples the suction grill to the panel on both sides, preventing drooping by using fixing and switching members, along with a panel bracket and grill restriction member to maintain the grill's position and ensure proper airflow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the suction grill size is increased to improve airflow capacity, then the airflow performance is improved, but the grill becomes unstable and tends to droop down

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveairflow capacityVSAvoidgrill stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into multiple segments: fixing members at the front and rear ends, and grill restriction members at both sides. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function - the fixing members provide anchoring points while the grill restriction members prevent drooping, collectively stabilizing the larger suction grill without compromising airflow capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If the suction grill is securely fixed to prevent drooping, then the stability is improved, but the maintenance and filter replacement become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrill stabilityVSAvoidmaintenance accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The switching member enables dynamic transformation of the grill's fixed state. When the switching member moves between its first and second positions, it releases the grill restriction members from the panel brackets, allowing the suction grill to be easily removed for maintenance while maintaining stability during normal operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If the grill restriction member is added to prevent drooping, then the stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrill stabilityVSAvoidsupport structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The grill restriction members serve multiple functions: they prevent drooping by restricting the outer ends of the suction grill, act as connection points for easy removal when combined with the switching member, and work cooperatively with the fixing members to provide comprehensive support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2857762B1Indoor unit for cassette type air conditioner
Publication Date: 2019.02.06 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2857762B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2857762B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2857762B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Provided is an indoor unit of a cassette type air conditioner. In the indoor unit, a grill restriction member for coupling the suction grill to a panel to prevent an outer end of the suction grill from drooping down is provided to maintain a more stable coupling state and prevent dew condensation or noise from occurring.