Indoor Unit Front Panel Structure for Recess End Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing design of air-conditioning apparatus indoor units with a flat front panel and horizontal recess in the center, intended to enhance air intake and design aesthetics, is prone to deformation and breakage at the end portions due to external forces during mounting or dismounting, compromising strength and durability.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a flat and flush recess side portion on both sides of the front panel, covered by an upper and lower design cover, creating a shadow effect that enhances visual appeal and prevents deformation and breakage by eliminating recessed shapes at the end portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a horizontal recess is formed in the vertical center of the front panel to increase air intake and enhance design, then the air intake amount is increased and designing ability is enhanced, but the recess at the right or left end portion is liable to deform and break due to external force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the recess side portions (left and right ends of the recess) flat and flush with the front panel surface, while the central portion of the recess remains recessed. This localized differentiation strengthens the vulnerable end portions against deformation and breakage while preserving the air intake function and aesthetic design of the central recessed area.
2Strength
If the bottom surface of the recess at the right or left end portion is made shallower to reinforce strength, then strength is improved, but the recess at the end portion remains most liable to deform and break under external force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the recess side portions completely flat and flush with the front panel surface, creating a local quality difference that provides maximum strength and resistance to deformation at the vulnerable end portions, while the central portion maintains its recessed form for air intake and aesthetics.
3Shape
If the front panel is made with a flat surface shape to blend with interior design, then aesthetic design is improved, but the amount of air to be sucked from the top becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a horizontal recess in the central portion of the flat front panel, making this local area different from the surrounding flat surface. This allows the front panel to maintain its overall flat aesthetic design while the central recessed portion provides enhanced air intake capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An indoor unit of an air-conditioning apparatus includes: a front panel arranged on a front side of an indoor unit body and having a flat shaped front surface; and a design cover mounted on a front side of the front panel and including an upper design cover and a lower design cover formed separately from the upper design cover, the front panel including: a recess formed to be recessed from the front side to a back side in a center of the front panel in an up-and-down direction in front view, and extending from an inner side of a left end portion of the front panel to an inner side of a right end portion of the front panel; an air inlet formed below the recess; a left-hand recess side portion; and a right-hand recess side portion. The left-hand recess side portion is flat and flush with flat surfaces above and below the left-hand recess side portion, the right-hand recess side portion is flat and flush with flat surfaces above and below the right-hand recess side portion.