Folded Drainage Mechanism for Air Conditioner Backflow Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drainage mechanisms for air conditioning systems face issues with backflow of drain water into the drain pan when the pump stops, due to clogging of backflow check valves and lack of sufficient pipe gradient, especially in narrow spaces.
Innovation Solution
A drainage mechanism with a connecting part, a first flow path, and a second flow path, where the folded part changes the water direction from upward to downward, and the second flow path has an inner diameter of 13 mm or less, allowing for easy installation and avoiding obstacles, while the larger flow path area of the folded part helps in forming entrapped air to prevent backflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a backflow check valve is installed to prevent drain water from returning to the drain pan, then backflow prevention is improved, but the valve may become clogged and fail
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the backflow prevention function from a mechanical check valve and relocates it to the drainage mechanism structure itself through the folded part and air trap configuration. This eliminates the check valve component that is prone to clogging while maintaining the backflow prevention function through the air barrier created in the folded part.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces air as an intermediary substance in the folded part to prevent backflow. The air trap acts as a mediator that blocks the reverse flow of drain water without requiring a mechanical valve, thus avoiding clogging issues while maintaining reliable backflow prevention.
2Productivity
If a large diameter pipe is used for the second flow path to ensure smooth water flow, then drainage efficiency is improved, but installation becomes difficult in narrow spaces and around obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different pipe diameters in different locations of the drainage system. The first flow path uses a larger diameter for efficient water flow, while the second flow path uses a smaller diameter (13 mm or less) for easy installation in narrow spaces. The folded part with its larger flow path area compensates for the smaller second flow path diameter, maintaining overall drainage efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses the folded part to create a three-dimensional configuration that compensates for the smaller pipe diameter in the second flow path. By increasing the flow path area in the folded part through spatial arrangement, the system maintains adequate flow capacity even with a smaller diameter pipe that is easier to install.
3Reliability
If the folded part has a large flow path area to facilitate air entrapment for backflow prevention, then backflow suppression is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the folded part structure with the drainage mechanism in a way that the folded part serves multiple functions: it changes the flow direction from upward to downward and simultaneously creates an air trap for backflow prevention. This integration achieves backflow suppression without adding separate complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The folded part uses curved geometry to change the flow direction and create the air trap. The curved structure naturally facilitates air entrapment through its geometry, achieving backflow prevention through simple shape design rather than complex mechanical components.
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 mechanism effectively suppresses backflow of water into the drain pan even when the pump stops, ensuring reliable drainage and reducing the risk of clogging, while allowing for flexible and obstacle-avoiding installation in narrow spaces.
Implementation Method 1
Since the flow path area of the folded part is larger than the flow path area of the second flow path, entrapped air is likely to be formed in the folded part. If entrapped air exists in the folded part, even if the drain pump stops, the backflow of the water that has flowed from the first flow path to the second flow path via the folded part is suppressed.
Implementation Method 2
a drain pump that sucks water from a drain pan receiving the water in an air conditioning indoor unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A drainage mechanism (60) is connected to a drain pump that sucks water from a drain pan. The drainage mechanism (60) includes a connecting part (62a) connected to the drain pump, a first flow path (64), a folded part (65), and a second flow path (68). The first flow path (64) extends upward from the connecting part (62a). The folded part (65) includes a first end (65a) connected to an upper end of the first flow path (64) and a second end (65b) on the opposite side of the first end (65a). The folded part (65) changes the direction of drain water flowing inside from upward to downward. The second flow path (68) extends from the second end (65b). The second flow path (68) is a pipe with an inner diameter of 13 mm or less. The flow path area of the folded part (65) is larger than the flow path area of the second flow path (68).