Fillable AC Mounting Pad for Wind Stability and Theft Deterrence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing AC pads fail to securely raise and anchor outdoor split air conditioning units off the ground, preventing theft and stability in high winds, due to weight and handling issues, with current solutions being impractical, expensive, or fragile.
Innovation Solution
A hollow plastic AC pad with a gelling formulation that converts water to a solid, allowing complete filling and providing uniform support, combined with adjustable securing straps and optional anchors for increased stability and theft deterrence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If prefabricated plastic pads are used, then ease of installation is improved, but wind resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pad undergoes a parameter change in density and structural properties through the gelling process. Water is injected into the hollow pad and converted to a gel substance, transforming the pad from a lightweight structure to a heavy, wind-resistant structure while maintaining the same physical form and installation simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gelling formulation causes water to undergo a phase transition from liquid to gel state within the pad. This phase change increases the density and weight of the pad contents, providing the necessary wind resistance while the pad itself remains a lightweight, easy-to-install structure.
2Reliability
If preformed solid concrete pads are used, then wind resistance is improved, but ease of installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pad is segmented into a lightweight hollow shell structure that can be easily transported and installed, separate from the weight-providing material (water/gel) that is added later. This segmentation allows the structural component to be lightweight while the functional weight component is added after installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow pad structure is prepared in advance and installed in its lightweight state, then the water/gel weight is added subsequently. This preliminary action of installing the empty pad first avoids the handling difficulties of pre-filled heavy concrete pads.
3Ease of operation
If foam interior pads are used, then ease of installation is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pad uses a flexible yet strong plastic shell structure that can be manufactured to high structural standards, rather than relying on fragile foam interiors. The shell is designed to withstand handling during installation and provide structural integrity throughout the pad's service life.
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 solution provides a lightweight, cost-effective, and rugged AC pad that securely raises and anchors the unit, preventing tipping and theft, even in high winds, while maintaining structural integrity and ease of installation.
Implementation Method 1
A hollow plastic AC pad with a gelling formulation that converts water to a solid
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting pad system and method for an HVAC outdoor unit that includes providing a lightweight fillable pad shell containing a gelling material and having securing slots extending from an underside surface to an upperside surface of the shell. The shell is filled with water through a port at its upper surface. Prior to leveling the filled pad on the soil at the site and installation of the outdoor unit, securing straps are inserted into the slots from the underside surface of the shell so as to extend through an upper surface thereof. The filling port is covered when the HVAC unit is placed on top of the pad. One or more securing anchors can be used to anchor the pad to the ground, which are also covered when the HVAC unit is place on top of the pad and an anti-theft cable can be employed to further prevent theft.