Ceiling-embedded air conditioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
The air blowoff paths in ceiling-embedded air conditioners are prone to cracking and reduced air volume due to conventional reinforcement support columns that hinder air flow.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating arch-shaped reinforcement support columns with inclined portions and a peak portion that protrude more upward than the opening surface of the air blowoff path, formed as part of a foamed resin drain sheet, to enhance mechanical strength while minimizing ventilation resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional transverse beam support column is provided in the air blowoff path, then the mechanical strength of the drain pan is improved, but the air volume and ventilation resistance are reduced due to obstruction of air flow
Solution Approach 1:
The support column is extended in the vertical dimension to protrude above the air blowoff path opening surface. This dimensional extension allows the support structure to provide mechanical reinforcement while being positioned above the air flow path, thereby maintaining air volume while improving structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The support column is formed with a curved upper surface that arches upward from the air blowoff path. This curved configuration provides structural reinforcement while minimizing obstruction to air flow, as the curved shape allows air to pass more smoothly compared to a flat or protruding structure.
2Device complexity
If the air blowoff path is formed as an elongated rectangular through hole penetrating the drain pan, then the structure is simple, but the path is prone to cracking particularly in the middle of the long side
Solution Approach 1:
An arch-shaped support column is provided within the air blowoff path. This curved structural element acts as a reinforcement that prevents cracking in the elongated rectangular path, particularly at the middle of the long side where cracks are most likely to occur, while maintaining the overall simplicity of the through-hole design.
3Strength
If the support column protrudes more upward than the opening surface of the air blowoff path, then the mechanical strength is enhanced, but the ventilation resistance may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support column features a curved upper surface that arches upward. This curved configuration allows the column to protrude above the air blowoff path opening surface to provide mechanical strength while minimizing obstruction to air flow, thereby reducing ventilation resistance compared to flat or blocky protruding structures.
Data Source
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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.