HVAC Base Pan Assembly with Adjustable Slope for Liquid Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems face issues with liquid accumulation in enclosures, which can lead to performance degradation and reduced longevity due to liquid contacting equipment and structures, and existing solutions do not effectively address the need for efficient liquid drainage without specialized tools or processes.
Innovation Solution
A base pan assembly with a sloped design is integrated into the HVAC system, featuring a main body with a downward slope from the interior to the exterior edge to direct liquid out of the enclosure, coupled with an elevation system that adjusts the slope for secure installation without requiring specialized tools or processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a base pan assembly with a sloped design is integrated into the HVAC system, then liquid drainage efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base pan assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a base pan with integrated slope, an elevation system with adjustable legs, and mounting brackets. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while simplifying the overall assembly and installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The elevation system incorporates adjustable legs that can be dynamically positioned to achieve the optimal slope angle for liquid drainage. This dynamic adjustability ensures effective liquid flow while allowing for simple installation and adaptation to different installation scenarios without increasing overall device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an elevation system is coupled to the base pan to adjust the slope, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elevation system is designed as a self-adjusting mechanism where the adjustable legs can be easily positioned and locked into place during installation. The system serves itself by providing inherent stability and proper slope alignment without requiring external specialized tools or complex adjustment procedures, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining simplicity.
3Productivity
If the base pan is designed with a slope extending from inner portion to outer edge, then liquid drainage is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base pan incorporates a localized slope feature specifically at the inner portion that directs liquid toward the outer edge. This localized quality approach ensures effective liquid drainage in the critical area while allowing the rest of the base pan to be manufactured with standard precision tolerances, thereby improving liquid flow directionality without excessively increasing manufacturing precision requirements.
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 base pan assembly effectively directs liquid out of the enclosure, reducing accumulation and enhancing operational efficiency and ease of installation, thereby improving HVAC system performance and longevity while minimizing manufacturing and installation costs.
Implementation Method 1
a base pan including a main body having a slope extending from an inner portion of the main body to an outer edge of the main body
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a base pan assembly configured to couple to a base of an enclosure of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, where the base pan assembly includes a base pan including a main body having a slope extending from an inner portion of the main body to an outer edge of the main body and an elevation system coupled to the base pan, where the elevation system actuatable to adjust the slope of the main body.