Indoor Unit Front Panel Structure to Restrain Warping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing indoor units with resin front panels experience warping issues due to increased downward force when the panel is inclined during operation, leading to a spoiled appearance and reduced structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
The indoor unit features a front panel that moves horizontally, reducing its inclination and the downward force on the central part, along with an outlet panel that closes the gap between the front panel and the casing, and a design that inclines the front panel towards the back surface, maintaining a thinner appearance and increasing air volume through a wider central inlet port.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the front panel is made significantly inclined during operation, then air flow efficiency is improved, but the downward force on the central part increases causing warping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the movement direction parameter of the front panel from significant inclination to substantially horizontal movement. This parameter change reduces the downward force on the central part while maintaining air flow efficiency through the drive mechanism's horizontal displacement design.
Solution Approach 2:
The front panel is designed with a curved shape where the central part protrudes forward, creating a dome-like structure that naturally resists warping under downward force while maintaining aesthetic appearance and structural integrity during horizontal movement.
2Strength
If a reinforcing rib is provided on the back surface, then strength is improved, but the front surface appearance is spoiled due to denting
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding reinforcing ribs that cause surface denting, the patent uses a curved dome-shaped design of the front panel itself. This curvature provides inherent structural strength to resist warping while maintaining a smooth, aesthetically pleasing front surface without visible reinforcements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different structural qualities to different parts of the front panel - the central part has a protruding curved shape for strength and appearance, while the peripheral areas maintain a flatter profile, creating a differentiated local quality that satisfies both aesthetic and structural requirements.
3Productivity
If the front panel moves away from the casing, then air intake is improved, but warping occurs due to increased downward force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the movement parameter from significant inclination to substantially horizontal movement. This allows the front panel to move away from the casing for air intake while maintaining a consistent downward force distribution that prevents warping of the central part.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved dome shape of the front panel provides structural rigidity that resists warping during horizontal movement away from the casing, allowing effective air intake while maintaining panel stability through its geometric strength.
Data Source
AI summary
When a front panel moves away from a front surface of a casing, a central part of the front panel is warped. An indoor unit of the present invention includes a casing, a front panel provided forward of the casing, and a drive mechanism moving the front panel away from the front surface of the casing. The front panel is curved so that its central part protrudes forward. The drive mechanism moves the front panel in a substantially horizontal direction.