Outdoor AC Compressor Noise Cover With Cushion Removal Reminder

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Solution Overview

Problem

During the transportation and installation of outdoor air-conditioning units, the anti-vibration cushioning part is often forgotten to be removed as it is disposed inside the noise insulation unit and out of sight, leading to operational inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

An outdoor air-conditioning unit design that includes a noise isolation unit with an attention-attracting section, such as a label, positioned outside the unit to remind installation workers to remove the anti-vibration cushion, ensuring visibility and facilitating its removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the anti-vibration cushioning part is disposed inside the noise insulation unit to reduce vibration during transportation, then the vibration protection function is improved, but the visibility for removal is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration protectionVSAvoidvisibility for removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

An attention-attracting section (label or mark) is introduced as an intermediary element that does not directly participate in vibration protection but serves as a visual mediator to提醒 workers to remove the cushioning part. This intermediary resolves the contradiction by providing visibility without affecting the cushioning function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The attention-attracting section uses visual differentiation (color, contrast, or distinctive marking) to make the cushioning part visible against the background of the noise insulation unit. This visual change allows workers to easily locate and remove the cushioning part while maintaining its vibration protection function when installed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If the anti-vibration cushioning part is placed inside the noise insulation unit, then the vibration protection function is improved, but the risk of forgetting removal is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration protectionVSAvoidremoval completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The attention-attracting section serves as a reliable intermediary that continuously reminds workers about the presence of the cushioning part throughout the installation process, eliminating reliance on memory and ensuring consistent removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The attention-attracting section is pre-positioned on the cushioning part before installation, providing advance warning to workers to check for and remove the cushioning part during the installation process, preventing forgetting to remove it.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-generated harmful factors

If the noise insulation unit is made closed to reduce noise propagation, then the noise reduction function is improved, but the visibility of internal components is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise propagationVSAvoidvisibility of internal components
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The attention-attracting section acts as an intermediary that transmits information about internal components (cushioning part) to external workers without requiring the noise insulation unit to be opened or made transparent, maintaining noise reduction while improving detectability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

By using visually distinctive markings or colors on internal components, the patent enables workers to detect and identify components through the semi-transparent or open-top noise insulation unit without compromising its noise reduction capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

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

Prevents installation workers from forgetting to remove the anti-vibration cushion, enhancing operational efficiency by making the removal process more visible and intuitive.

Implementation Method 1

an anti-vibration cushion that is interposed between the compressor and an inner surface of the noise isolation unit and prevents vibration of the compressor during transportation of the outdoor unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3611436B1Outdoor unit of air conditioner
Publication Date: 2021.07.21 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3611436B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3611436B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3611436B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An outdoor unit of an air-conditioning apparatus includes a casing, a compressor disposed on a bottom of the casing, a noise isolation unit, and an anti-vibration cushion. The noise isolation unit is disposed to cover the compressor and is a box-shaped component reducing or eliminating outward propagation of noise generated during operation of the compressor. The anti-vibration cushion is interposed between the compressor and an inner surface of the noise isolation unit, and is a component preventing vibration of the compressor during transportation of the outdoor unit. The outdoor unit further includes an attention-attracting section giving removal instructions for removing the anti-vibration cushion.