Clip member and installation structure including same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Installing ceiling-mounted indoor units of air conditioners requires significant working space due to the need for full-threaded bolts and nuts, which is difficult to secure in narrow spaces.
Innovation Solution
A clip member and installation structure that includes a supporting member fixed to the ceiling wall and a clip member with a penetration portion, extension, and engaging portion, allowing for selective locking and unlocking to a hanger bar, minimizing the required working space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If full-threaded bolts and nuts are used to fix the indoor unit to the ceiling, then the indoor unit can be securely installed, but a sufficient working space is required which is difficult to secure in narrow spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The installation structure is divided into multiple components: a supporting member fixed to the ceiling wall, a hanger bar connected to the indoor unit, and a clip member that connects the supporting member to the hanger bar. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently, eliminating the need for extensive working space while ensuring secure installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip member utilizes rotational movement around the supporting member to achieve locking and unlocking of the hanger bar. This dimensional change from linear assembly to rotational operation allows the installer to work from a limited space, as the rotational action can be performed with minimal clearance.
2Reliability
If full-threaded bolts and nuts are used for ceiling installation, then reliable fixation is achieved, but the installation process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The complex threading and fastening operations are extracted from the installation process. The supporting member is pre-fixed to the ceiling wall, and the clip member with its engaging portion automatically locks to the hanger bar, eliminating the need for on-site threading and nut fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip member's engaging portion is designed to automatically lock to the hanger bar through rotational movement, creating a self-servicing locking mechanism that does not require additional fastening steps or complex assembly procedures.
3Reliability
If full-threaded bolts and nuts are used, then the indoor unit can be firmly attached, but the installation time and effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting member is designed to be pre-fixed to the ceiling wall before the indoor unit installation. This preliminary action prepares the mounting structure in advance, allowing the clip member and hanger bar to be quickly connected without requiring time-consuming fastening operations during the main installation process.
Data Source
AI summary
An installation structure for a ceiling-mounted indoor unit includes: a supporting member including an end portion fixed to a ceiling wall and configured to pass through a hanger bar connected to the indoor unit; and a clip member including: a body including a penetration portion in which the supporting member is configured to pass through, an extension extending along a length of the supporting member from the body, and an engaging portion extending from an end portion of the extension and configured to be locked to the hanger bar.