Drain pan extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems with horizontal evaporator coils face issues with liquid condensate being pushed horizontally by air flow, which is not captured by traditional drain pans, leading to moisture damage and contamination.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable drain pan extension that can be coupled to a drain pan, featuring adjustable notches and pins, allowing for secure configuration at various angles to effectively capture liquid condensate blown off from the evaporator coil, preventing damage to the HVAC system and surrounding areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional drain pan is used below the evaporator coil, then vertical condensate dripping is captured, but horizontal condensate blow-off caused by air flow is not captured, leading to moisture damage
Solution Approach 1:
The drain pan extension is designed with reconfigurable features including adjustable notches and pins that allow it to be positioned at different angles and orientations. This dynamic adjustability enables the extension to adapt to various airflow patterns and coil configurations, effectively capturing both vertical drips and horizontal blow-off condensate that would otherwise cause moisture damage to the HVAC system and surrounding areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extends the traditional two-dimensional drain pan concept into three dimensions by adding an extendable component that can be positioned at multiple angles. This dimensional expansion creates additional collection surfaces and angles that intercept horizontal condensate blow-off in addition to vertical drips, thereby capturing condensate from multiple directions simultaneously and preventing moisture damage more comprehensively.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the drain pan extension is made reconfigurable with adjustable notches and pins, then it can adapt to different operating conditions and coil configurations, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drain pan extension is divided into modular components including the main extension body, adjustable notches, and removable pins. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned and adjusted, enabling adaptation to different operating conditions and coil configurations. The modular design also simplifies installation and maintenance, as components can be adjusted or replaced without affecting the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The reconfigurable features of the drain pan extension, including the adjustable notches and pins, are designed to be easily manipulated by the installer during installation without requiring specialized tools or complex procedures. The system is self-configuring in the sense that the installer can directly adjust the components to the appropriate position based on the specific installation conditions, eliminating the need for additional complex adjustment mechanisms or professional service equipment.
3Productivity
If the drain pan extension is positioned to capture horizontal blow-off, then condensate collection is improved, but the angle and position must be precisely configured for optimal performance
Solution Approach 1:
The drain pan extension is pre-configured with notches and pins during manufacturing that correspond to optimal angles for capturing horizontal condensate blow-off. These pre-positioned features guide the installer to the correct configuration, ensuring effective condensate collection without requiring the installer to perform complex measurements or calculations. The preliminary design of the adjustment mechanism incorporates the optimal geometry needed for high productivity in condensate capture.
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 reconfigurable drain pan extension effectively captures liquid condensate that would otherwise cause damage, providing protection to the HVAC system and its surroundings by adjusting to different operating conditions and environments without requiring complex maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
A drain pan can be placed below the horizontal evaporator coil to capture this water as it falls in a vertical direction from the coil
Implementation Method 2
under normal operating conditions liquid water on the evaporator coil can also be pushed in a horizontal direction by air flowing across the evaporator coil
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a drain pan configured to receive liquid condensate from a horizontal evaporator coil above the drain pan and a drain pan extension coupled to the drain pan. A pin on the front and rear sides of the drain pan extension is fitted and movable within a corresponding notch in the front and rear sides of the drain pan. The drain pan extension is securably configurable in a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the drain pan extension extends above the drain pan at a first predefined angle relative to the drain pan. In the second configuration, at least a portion of the drain pan extension extends beyond the left pan side of the drain pan at a predefined angle, which may be selected for improved capture of liquid condensate from the horizontal evaporator coil.