Indoor AC Frame Structure for Easier Refrigerant Pipe Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing frame structure of wall-mountable air conditioners lacks sufficient working space for easy connection and separation of refrigerant pipes, making it difficult to install or remove the indoor unit from the wall surface without risking damage or creating operational disturbances.
Innovation Solution
An improved frame structure with a detachable holder plate that can be selectively opened or closed to facilitate the connection and separation of refrigerant pipes, featuring an insertion portion, interference holes, and a protrusion rib for guiding movement, allowing for secure fixing and easy access for pipe operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the holder plate is fixed at the lower end of the indoor unit, then the indoor unit can be stably fixed onto the wall surface, but no working space is secured for connecting or separating refrigerant pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The holder plate is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be shifted from its initial position to create working space. The plate can be moved in the vertical direction to provide access to the refrigerant pipes while maintaining structural support for the indoor unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder plate is separated from the main frame structure, allowing independent movement. This segmentation enables the plate to be displaced to create working space without compromising the overall stability of the indoor unit mounting system.
2Shape
If the refrigerant pipe is positioned at the rear lower end for aesthetic appeal, then the interior appearance is improved, but connection and separation operations become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The movable holder plate serves as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the conflict between aesthetic positioning and operational accessibility. When the plate is moved, it creates temporary working space that allows access to the refrigerant pipes without requiring permanent structural changes or compromising the aesthetic design.
3Ease of operation
If additional separation members are used to create working space, then pipe connection becomes easier, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder plate performs multiple functions: it provides structural support for the indoor unit, serves as a mounting surface, and when moved, creates working space for pipe connections. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional separation members or auxiliary tools, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An indoor unit of an air conditioner having an improved frame structure in which a refrigerant pipe that connects an outdoor unit and the indoor unit can be easily connected. The indoor unit of the air conditioner includes: a frame; a heat exchanger mounted on the frame and having a refrigerant pipe in which a refrigerant flows; a hanger plate mounted on a rear surface of the frame and fixing the frame onto a wall surface; and a holder plate mounted on a lower portion of the frame, fixing the frame and the hanger plate, and supported by a fixing member of the wall surface. The holder plate selectively opens/closes the lower portion of the frame so that a pipe connection operation can be easily performed.