Air Conditioner Control Box Stepped Venting to Prevent Rainwater Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor units of air conditioners face issues with rainwater entering the control box through air discharge ports, leading to potential electrical problems and fires.
Innovation Solution
The outdoor unit design features a stepped portion on the upper surface of the control box with air outlet ports, a blocking rib, and a sleeve along the edge of each outlet port, shielded by an upper cover, which directs rainwater away from the discharge ports and forms an exhaust path to prevent rainwater entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If air outlet ports are formed on the upper surface of the control box for air discharge, then air circulation and cooling are improved, but rainwater can enter the control box through these ports
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a stepped portion that creates a vertical dimension (height difference) between the air outlet ports and the upper surface of the control box. This dimensional change allows air to discharge horizontally through the ports while rainwater, which falls vertically, cannot reach the ports due to the stepped barrier, thus solving the contradiction between air circulation and rainwater prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The stepped portion acts as an intermediary structure between the air outlet ports and the external environment. It mediates the conflict by allowing air passage while blocking rainwater, enabling both functions to coexist without direct exposure of the ports to precipitation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the control box structure is simplified without protective features, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but rainwater protection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The control box upper surface is segmented into different levels (steps), creating distinct functional zones. The stepped portion is a simple structural division that is easy to manufacture while effectively preventing rainwater entry, thus maintaining manufacturing simplicity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stepped portion is locally applied only at the air outlet port areas where rainwater protection is needed, rather than complicating the entire control box structure. This localized approach maintains overall manufacturing simplicity while providing targeted protection where required.
Data Source
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AI summary
An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a case; and a control box installed in the case, wherein a stepped portion protrudes from an upper surface of the control box, and a plurality of air outlet ports are formed at the stepped portion.