Heat Source Unit Flexible Strap Assembly for Ergonomic Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat source units for heat pumps are difficult to handle due to their weight and size, especially in limited spaces, and existing handle solutions are not ergonomically suitable for all users and require additional design and cost considerations.
Innovation Solution
A flexible, adjustable strap is integrated into the heat source unit's packaging, allowing easy lifting and carrying by adapting to the user's size, which can be wrapped around hands for ergonomic handling and can be used to swing the unit into place, eliminating the need for integrated handles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If integrated handles are incorporated into the casing of the heat source unit, then the unit can be lifted and carried to the installation site, but the position of the handles may not be ergonomically appropriate for all users and may not be accessible in limited installation spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed integrated handles with flexible straps that can be dynamically positioned and adjusted. The straps can be wrapped around the user's hands at different heights and positions, allowing the lifting mechanism to adapt to different user sizes and installation space constraints, thus resolving the contradiction between fixed handle positioning and ergonomic adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of handle position from fixed (integrated handles at specific locations on the casing) to variable (flexible straps that can be positioned anywhere along their length). This parameter change allows the same lifting mechanism to serve multiple ergonomic configurations and installation scenarios
2Ease of operation
If integrated handles are incorporated into the casing of the heat source unit, then the unit can be lifted and carried, but additional parts and design work are required, increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the lifting function from the permanent structure of the heat source unit (integrated handles in the casing) and separates it into a removable packaging component (flexible strap). This allows the lifting capability to be provided without modifying the heat source unit casing, thereby reducing design complexity and manufacturing costs while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses simple, inexpensive flexible straps as temporary lifting aids that are discarded after installation. These cheap, single-use straps eliminate the need for permanent, costly integrated handles, achieving the same lifting function with minimal design and manufacturing investment
3Reliability
If the heat source unit is packaged with side walls and top encasing the unit, then the unit is protected during transportation, but the unit needs to be lifted from the bottom after removing the packaging, which may be difficult in limited spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the flexible strap into the packaging structure before the heat source unit is placed inside. The strap is pre-positioned at the bottom of the packaging, so that when the unit is removed from packaging, the strap remains attached to the unit and is immediately ready for lifting. This preliminary action eliminates the need for separate handle installation or repositioning after packaging removal
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the packaging function with the lifting function by integrating the flexible strap into the packaging structure. The same packaging that protects the unit during transport also provides the lifting mechanism, combining two functions into one system and eliminating the need for separate integrated handles on the unit itself
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7A~7C
AI summary
Heat source unit of an air conditioner comprising the heat source unit (10), the heat source unit comprising a casing (11) having a bottom portion (17) having opposite longitudinal edges (19) and opposite transverse edges (20); and below the bottom portion (17) of the casing (11), the flexible strap (40) having opposite ends (41) extending from the opposite longitudinal edges (19) of the bottom portion (17) of the casing (11) and being configured for being gripped.