Folded Drainage Hose Layout for Air Conditioner Backflow Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drainage mechanisms for air conditioning systems face challenges in efficiently directing condensate water from indoor units to the outside, particularly in narrow ceiling spaces where pipe gradients are insufficient, leading to issues like backflow and clogging.
Innovation Solution
A drainage mechanism connected to a drain pump, featuring a flexible hose with an integrated first flow path and a folded part that changes the water direction from upward to downward, combined with a copper pipe second flow path with an inner diameter of 13 mm or less, which reduces flow path resistance and minimizes backflow by creating entrapped air, allowing smooth drainage without the need for a significant pipe gradient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional drainage pipe is used in narrow ceiling spaces, then the pipe can be installed, but the insufficient pipe gradient causes backflow and clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage hose is configured with a folded part that creates a curved path, changing water flow direction from upward to downward. This curvature allows the hose to navigate narrow ceiling spaces while maintaining effective drainage through the folded configuration rather than requiring long straight pipes with gradient
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage hose is divided into distinct functional sections: a first flow path for upward water discharge, a folded part for direction change, and a second flow path for downward discharge. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function optimally, with the folded part creating entrapped air to prevent backflow
2Adaptability or versatility
If the second flow path has a small inner diameter to fit narrow spaces, then installation is easier, but flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The folded part has a larger flow path area compared to the second flow path. This local quality difference creates a transition zone where water flows from the narrower second flow path into the larger folded part, reducing flow resistance and preventing clogging while maintaining the compact design
3Reliability
If the folded part creates entrapped air to minimize backflow, then drainage reliability improves, but the flow path area must be larger
Solution Approach 1:
The folded part configuration naturally creates entrapped air pockets that act as air barriers to prevent backflow. Instead of viewing the larger flow path area as a disadvantage, the design utilizes this space to create beneficial air entrapment that protects the system from backflow and clogging
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 effectively suppresses backflow and ensures smooth drainage, reducing the risk of clogging and maintenance needs, while allowing for installation in narrow spaces without rising above obstacles, thus enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the drainage process.
Implementation Method 1
A flow path area of the folded part is larger than a flow path area of the second flow path... creates entrapped air, allowing smooth drainage
Data Source
AI summary
A drainage mechanism is connected to a drain pump that sucks water from a drain pan. The drainage mechanism includes a connecting part that connects to the drain pump, a first flow path, a folded part, and a second flow path. The first flow path extends upward from the connecting part. The folded part has a first end connected to an upper end of the first flow path and a second end on a side opposite to the first end. The folded part changes a direction of the water flowing therein from upward to downward. The second flow path extends from the second end. The second flow path is a pipe that has an inner diameter of 13 mm or less. The flow path area of the folded part is larger than the flow path area of the second flow path.