Ceiling concealed air-conditioning apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Resin components in ceiling concealed air-conditioning apparatuses experience backlash during assembly due to molding variations and stress on spring fulcrums, affecting durability and operability.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a locking element with long and short plate springs supported by main and auxiliary ribs, which absorb deformation and distribute stress, ensuring smooth engagement and improved durability by dispersing reaction forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If resin components are used for the locking element and spring part, then manufacturing ease and cost are improved, but backlash occurs during assembly due to molding variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining resin and metal materials. The locking element is made of resin for ease of molding, while metal plate springs are incorporated to provide precise elastic force and prevent backlash. This composite approach allows the resin component to be easily manufactured while the metal springs ensure assembly precision and eliminate the backlash problem that would occur with purely resin-based spring mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If a single spring mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but durability deteriorates due to stress concentration on the spring fulcrum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single spring mechanism into multiple plate springs (first plate spring and second plate spring) positioned at different locations. This segmentation distributes the stress that would previously concentrate on a single fulcrum point, thereby improving durability. Although this increases structural complexity slightly, the enhanced reliability and reduced stress concentration on individual fulcrums justify the added complexity.
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
The solution reduces backlash and enhances operability by stabilizing the engagement of the suction grille with the decorative panel, improving the overall durability and functionality of the apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
plate springs provided on respective sides of the locking element perpendicular to a sliding direction of the locking element, the plate springs extending vertically in opposite directions to each other
Data Source
AI summary
The ceiling concealed air-conditioning apparatus includes: a body containing a heat exchanger, a fan and an opening port; a decorative panel disposed below the body and configured to cover a periphery of the opening port; and a suction grille including, a rotary shaft attachable to the decorative panel and being configured to cover the opening port, wherein the suction grille includes: a locking element mounted on the suction grille so that it can slide and configured to be locked with the decorative panel; plate springs on respective sides of the locking element perpendicular to a sliding direction of the locking element and extending vertically in opposite directions; and spring supports configured to support both end faces of the respective plate springs at different positions, the plate springs include a long plate spring and a short plate spring placed such that the long plate spring engages the decorative panel first.