Decorative panel for air conditioner, and in-room unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Condensed water from the peripheral protrusion portion of decorative panels in air conditioner indoor units can penetrate the ceiling surface, causing degradation.
Innovation Solution
A decorative panel with a panel extension portion and a movement restrictor, such as a notch or groove, on its outer peripheral surface to prevent water from moving onto the ceiling surface, reducing condensation penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the decorative panel has a peripheral protrusion portion extending along the ceiling surface, then the aesthetic appearance and coverage are improved, but condensed water can penetrate the ceiling surface causing degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral protrusion portion is segmented by introducing notches that divide the continuous surface into separate sections. This segmentation creates discrete water collection zones that prevent condensed water from spreading across the entire peripheral surface and penetrating the ceiling, while maintaining the overall aesthetic coverage function.
Solution Approach 2:
The notches act as intermediary structures between the peripheral protrusion portion and the ceiling surface. These notches serve as water collection channels that intercept condensed water before it can reach the ceiling, functioning as a mediating element that protects the ceiling while preserving the decorative panel's shape.
2Device complexity
If the decorative panel is downsized, then the device complexity is reduced, but the coverage area and aesthetic effect may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The solution adds a vertical dimension to the peripheral protrusion portion by introducing notches that create depth and three-dimensional structure. This dimensional change allows the panel to maintain effective water restriction functionality without increasing the horizontal coverage area, thus avoiding complexity increase while preserving aesthetic effect.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A decorative panel (40) is attached to a lower portion of an indoor unit body (30) inserted and installed in an opening (O) of a ceiling (U). A panel body (41) of the decorative panel (40) includes a panel central portion (400) having an inlet (401a) and an outlet (402a) and covering a lower surface of the indoor unit body (30), and a panel extension portion (404) extending from the entire periphery of the panel central portion (400) along a ceiling surface (U1). A movement restrictor (60) for restricting movement of water from an outer peripheral surface (404a) of the panel extension portion (404) to the ceiling surface (U1) is provided on an outer peripheral surface (404a) of the panel extension portion (404), and is formed along an outer periphery of the panel extension portion (404).