Air Conditioner Front Panel Support With Auto-Locking Angle Limit
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing supporting mechanisms for glass front panels in air conditioners are inadequate, as they fail to securely hold the panel at an opening location and restrict the opening angle, making installation, repair, and maintenance inconvenient and prone to damage.
Innovation Solution
A supporting structure comprising upper and lower sheet-shaped supporting rods connected by a hinge and a restricting and locking mechanism, which automatically locks the rods in a straight line when extended, securely holding the front panel at a fixed angle and preventing excessive opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a supporting rod mechanism is used to hold the front panel, then the front panel can be held at opening location, but the opening angle cannot be restricted and the rod must be manually positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting rod system automatically positions itself through the bayonet connection mechanism. When the front panel is opened, the supporting rod extends and locks into place automatically without requiring manual intervention to position or secure it, making the system self-servicing.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting rod transitions from a folded state during normal operation to an extended locked state when the front panel is opened. The bayonet connection allows dynamic transformation between these states, providing automatic angle restriction and secure positioning without complex additional mechanisms.
2Shape
If the front panel is made of glass for aesthetic appearance, then the aesthetic feeling is improved, but the weight increases making existing supporting mechanisms ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting structure is divided into multiple components: upper supporting rod, lower supporting rod, hinge connection, and bayonet locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the bayonet connection providing secure mechanical locking capability for the heavy glass panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting mechanism combines multiple material properties and structural features: sheet-shaped metal rods for structural strength, hinge joints for rotational movement, and bayonet connections for secure locking. This composite approach creates a supporting system capable of handling heavy glass panels effectively.
3Ease of operation
If the supporting rods are extended to hold the front panel, then the front panel can be positioned, but the rods are exposed and affect the aesthetic appearance when closed
Solution Approach 1:
When the front panel is closed, the upper and lower supporting rods are folded and nested within the indoor unit housing. The bayonet connection allows the rods to be compactly stored inside the unit, making them invisible during normal operation and preserving the aesthetic appearance of the glass front panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting rods dynamically transition between a compact folded position during normal operation and an extended locked position when the front panel is opened for maintenance. This dynamic behavior allows the system to maintain aesthetic appearance while providing positioning capability when needed.
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
Enables convenient and secure positioning of the front panel during installation, repair, and maintenance, preventing damage by restricting the opening angle and ensuring the rods are hidden when closed.
Implementation Method 1
one end of the upper supporting rod (31) is rotatably connected with one end of the lower supporting rod (32) by a hinge structure
Implementation Method 2
a restricting and locking mechanism is disposed at the joint between the upper supporting rod (31) and the lower supporting rod (32)
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A supporting structure for front panel of indoor unit of air conditioner comprises an upper supporting rod and a lower supporting rod. The front panel is rotatably connected with the front panel body by a hinge, one end of said upper supporting rod is rotatably connected with one end of said lower supporting rod by a hinge structure. A restricting and locking mechanism is disposed at the joint between said upper supporting rod and said lower supporting rod. The restricting and locking mechanism comprises baffles and an elastic plate disposed on the upper supporting rod, and comprises flanks and a bulge disposed on the lower supporting rod. When the front panel is closed, the upper and lower supporting rods are in a folded state and hidden inside the indoor unit; when the front panel is opened, the upper and lower supporting rods are extended in a straight line which can be automatically locked by the restricting and locking mechanism so that the front panel can be held at the opening location, which is convenient for the repair and maintenance of air conditioner; at the same time, the opening angle of the front panel is restricted, thereby the damages to the front panel, the front panel body and other parts caused by exceeded opening of the front panel can be avoided.