Ceiling-Embedded AC Panel Mounting With Pre-Positioned Screws
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ceiling-embedded air conditioner mounting structures face issues with screw loss, misalignment, and reduced workability due to the temporary nature of screw fastening and integrated screw-hanging mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A ceiling-embedded air conditioner design featuring a panel fastening screw with a small diameter unthreaded intermediate portion and an advanceable panel fastening member with a screw engaging groove, along with temporary hooks for hanging, ensures secure and easy mounting of the decorative panel without the risk of screw loss and improves workability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fastening screw is attached to the decorative panel for mounting, then the screw can be easily fastened to the indoor unit body, but the screw may fall or be lost during the mounting process
Solution Approach 1:
The panel fastening screw is preliminarily mounted to the indoor unit body before the decorative panel is installed. The screw is inserted into the mounting hole and positioned in advance, so when the decorative panel is attached, the screw is already in place and can be immediately engaged by the panel fastening member, eliminating the risk of screw loss during mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel fastening member acts as an intermediary between the decorative panel and the panel fastening screw. It includes a screw engaging groove that selectively engages with the head portion of the screw, providing a reliable connection mechanism that prevents screw loss while maintaining ease of installation.
2Reliability
If a mounting screw member with an integrated fastening screw and temporary hanging portion is provided on the decorative panel, then screw loss is prevented, but the workability of temporary hanging is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into separate functional components: the panel fastening screw mounted on the indoor unit body, the panel fastening member on the decorative panel, and separate temporary hanging portions. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving overall workability while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing the screw on the decorative panel as in conventional designs, the screw is invertedly positioned on the indoor unit body in advance. This inversion simplifies the mounting process by allowing the decorative panel to be hung temporarily and then secured by engaging the pre-positioned screw, improving workability while preventing screw loss.
3Manufacturing precision
If the fastening screw is fastened in alignment with a lower hole, then proper fastening is achieved, but workability is reduced due to alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The panel fastening member includes a screw engaging groove that automatically aligns with and engages the head portion of the panel fastening screw. This self-aligning mechanism eliminates the need for manual alignment by the installer, as the groove naturally guides the screw into the correct position, maintaining manufacturing precision while improving workability.
Data Source
AI summary
In a ceiling-embedded air conditioner, a panel fastening screw that fastens a decorative panel to an indoor unit body embedded in a ceiling is previously mounted to the indoor unit body and has an intermediate portion having a small diameter with no threaded portion.