Indoor Unit Front Panel Structure to Conceal Casing Interior
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Solution Overview
Problem
The appearance of indoor air conditioner units deteriorates as the inside of the casing becomes visible when the front panel moves away from the casing during operation.
Innovation Solution
The indoor unit design includes extension parts on the front panel that extend outward from the casing ends, and a curved front surface that increases thickness towards the center, along with recessed screw fixing portions and protrusions to minimize visibility of internal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the front panel is moved away from the front surface of the casing during operation, then air intake is improved, but the inside of the casing becomes visible and appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The front panel is segmented into multiple parts: a main panel that moves away from the casing for air intake, and extension parts that remain at the ends to cover the casing. This segmentation allows the functional movement of the panel while maintaining aesthetic coverage through the extension parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension parts protrude outward from the ends of the front panel in a direction perpendicular to the main panel's movement. This dimensional extension creates an L-shaped configuration that simultaneously enables air intake through panel movement and maintains appearance by covering the casing ends.
2Strength
If the front surface of the casing is curved to increase thickness toward the center, then structural strength is improved, but the inside of the casing becomes more visible and appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The front panel is divided into a central portion that follows the curved profile for structural strength and end portions (extension parts) that extend outward to cover the curved casing ends. This segmentation allows the central part to provide structural reinforcement while the extension parts maintain aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the front panel have different functions: the central portion is curved to match the casing's structural shape for strength, while the extension parts at the ends are designed to cover and conceal the curved ends, providing a flat aesthetic appearance where needed.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
During operation of an indoor unit, the inside of a casing is easily seen while a front panel is moving away from the front surface of the casing, and hence the appearance of the indoor unit is deteriorated. An indoor unit of the present invention includes a casing 5 and a front panel 7 provided forward of the casing 5 and movable away from the front surface of the casing 5. The front surface of the casing 5 (the front surface of a front grill 6) is curved at around its ends in the longitudinal direction so that the thickness of the indoor unit increases toward a central part in the longitudinal direction. The front panel 7 is curved so that its central part protrudes forward and includes extension parts 71 which extend outward as compared to the ends of the front surface of the casing 5 (the front surface of the front grill 6).