Indoor AC Drain Pump Access Through a Threaded Drain Port
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Solution Overview
Problem
The maintenance of ceiling-embedded air conditioner indoor units is hindered by the complexity and time-consuming process of accessing the drain pump, which requires removing decorative panels and the drain pan, and the existing discharge plugs require significant force for attachment and detachment, leading to poor operability and potential moisture condensation issues.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a drain pump insertion port with a female thread and a closing member with a male thread, featuring a water drain hole and groove for controlled drainage, allowing for easier maintenance by reducing the need for special heat exchanger processing and improving operability through a screw-cap structure and antimicrobial materials to prevent bacterial growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the drain pump is disposed within the indoor unit body requiring removal of decorative panel, electric part box and drain pan for maintenance, then the drain pump can be integrated into the unit structure, but the maintenance operation time becomes extremely long
Solution Approach 1:
The drain pump is segmented from the main unit structure by providing a dedicated insertion port in the drain pan. This allows the drain pump to be independently accessible as a separate component, enabling maintenance without removing the entire decorative panel, electric part box, or drain pan assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The drain pump is extracted from the deep interior of the unit by providing direct access through the drain pan insertion port. This extraction of the maintenance path allows technicians to access and service the drain pump without having to remove and reassemble multiple surrounding components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a discharge plug with small diameter is used to seal the discharge hole, then large amount of drain water discharge can be prevented, but significant force is required for attachment and detachment operations
Solution Approach 1:
The closing member provides dynamic control of the insertion port, allowing it to be opened partially or fully depending on the maintenance needs. This dynamic capability enables controlled drain water discharge while maintaining secure sealing when closed, eliminating the need for excessive force required by fixed small-diameter plugs.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing member changes the effective opening parameter of the insertion port from fully open to fully closed or partially open positions. This parameter control allows regulated drain water flow while maintaining ease of operation through simple rotational motion rather than requiring significant attachment/detachment force.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If heat insulating material is stuck to drain cap surface to prevent moisture condensation, then moisture condensation can be addressed, but expense in time increases and peeling may occur due to long-term usage
Solution Approach 1:
The heat insulating function is merged directly into the closing member structure by forming the insulating layer as an integral part of the member itself. This eliminates the separate step of sticking external heat insulating material, reducing application time and eliminating the risk of peeling during long-term usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat insulating layer is preliminarily formed on the closing member during manufacturing before the product is put into service. This preliminary action ensures moisture condensation prevention is already in place, eliminating the need for field application of heat insulating material and ensuring long-term reliability without peeling issues.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An indoor unit of an air conditioner includes a heat exchanger (6) accommodated inside a indoor unit body (1) which is a housing whose lower face is opened, a drain pan (7) which is disposed below the heat exchanger and receives drain water generated at the heat exchanger, a drain pump (10) which is detachably disposed within the indoor unit body, sucks drain water accumulated in the drain pan and discharges the drain water to the outside, a drain port (8) which is disposed at a bottom face wall section of the drain pan, the port being an opening portion through which the drain pump is insertable, and a drain cap (18) which openably closes the drain pump insertion port.