HVAC Drain Pan Structure With Integrated Evaporator Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HVAC system drain pans are bulky and inefficient in space utilization due to the need for additional support structures to hold the evaporator, leading to increased overall dimensions and reduced space efficiency within the HVAC enclosure.
Innovation Solution
A drain pan with a basin and a raised surface that includes protrusions to support the evaporator, allowing it to rest directly on the drain pan while directing condensate towards a drain port, thereby eliminating the need for external support frames and optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional drain pans with separate support structures are used, then the evaporator can be supported, but the overall assembly becomes bulky and occupies significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the support structure and drain pan into a single integrated component. The raised surface with protrusions forms both the support function and the drain pan function, eliminating the need for separate support structures and reducing overall assembly volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The drain pan is designed to perform multiple functions: it supports the evaporator through raised surfaces and protrusions, collects condensate in its basin, and provides a draining surface with compound slope for condensate flow. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated support structures.
2Strength
If additional support structures are added to hold the evaporator, then the evaporator is properly supported, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is merged with the drain pan body, creating a unified component rather than separate parts. The protrusions and raised surfaces are integral features of the drain pan, reducing the number of components and simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The drain pan serves as both the collection vessel for condensate and the support structure for the evaporator. This multi-functional design reduces device complexity by eliminating dedicated support components while maintaining both drainage and support functions.
3Volume of stationary object
If the evaporator is positioned lower to save space, then space utilization improves, but condensate drainage becomes less effective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a compound slope with two distinct slope portions: a first slope portion for the main drainage path and a second slope portion near the drain port. This multi-dimensional slope configuration ensures effective drainage even with reduced assembly height by optimizing the gradient in different spatial directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The draining surface features localized variations in slope angle and direction. The compound slope provides different slope characteristics in different regions: a gentler first slope for overall flow and a steeper second slope near the drain port to ensure complete drainage, maintaining drainage efficiency in a compact configuration.
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
This configuration reduces the overall height of the evaporator assembly, enabling more efficient space utilization within the HVAC enclosure while effectively collecting condensate, thus enhancing the system's space-saving capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a draining surface formed in the basin, the draining surface having a compound slope including a first slope extending along a length of the drain pan and a second slope extending along a width of the drain pan, such that the draining surface is configured to direct condensate towards the drain port
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system that includes a drain pan. The drain pan is configured to collect condensate into a basin of the drain pan from an evaporator of the HVAC system and to direct the condensate from the basin via a drain port of the drain pan. A draining surface is formed in the basin and includes a compound slope including a first slope extending along a length of the drain pan and a second slope extending along a width of the drain pan. A raised surface extends from the draining surface and includes protrusions extending from a spine that extends along a side of the drain pan. The raised surface is configured to support the evaporator of the HVAC system.