Indoor Unit Water Retaining Structure for Clean Filter Washing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioners with automatic filter cleaning modules face contamination issues due to effluent from the washing module flowing into the condensate area, which reduces the effectiveness of filter cleaning and poses health risks.
Innovation Solution
The indoor unit incorporates a water retaining structure between the condensate and effluent areas, with a water outlet hole and an inclined bottom in the effluent area to prevent effluent from flowing into the condensate area, ensuring clean condensate water and improved filter cleaning efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the effluent area is arranged adjacent to and above the condensate area with a water outlet hole, then the effluent can be drained out through gravity, but the effluent is prone to flow into the condensate area causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the water collection system into two separate drainage paths: one for effluent (through the water outlet hole in the effluent area) and one for condensate water (through the drain pipe connected to the condensate area). This segmentation prevents mixing of effluent and condensate water while maintaining independent drainage functionality for each area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an isolation structure (such as a partition wall or barrier) between the effluent area and condensate area that acts as an intermediary element. This structure physically separates the two water flows at the water outlet hole interface, preventing effluent from entering the condensate area while allowing both areas to maintain their drainage functions.
2Extent of automation
If the washing module uses condensate water to wash the filter screen, then automatic cleaning function is achieved, but effluent contamination reduces the cleaning effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the water circulation system into a clean water path (condensate water from condensate area to washing module) and a dirty water path (effluent from effluent area to drain pipe). This ensures that effluent cannot contaminate the condensate water supply, maintaining the reliability and effectiveness of the automatic filter cleaning function.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolation structure between effluent area and condensate area serves as a protective intermediary that safeguards the cleanliness of condensate water. This barrier prevents effluent from migrating to the condensate area, ensuring that the washing module continuously receives clean condensate water for effective filter screen cleaning.
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 design effectively prevents effluent from contaminating the condensate water, enhancing the cleaning effect of the filter screen and reducing health-related issues associated with air conditioner use.
Implementation Method 1
The bottom of the effluent area is inclined downwards to the condensate area
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an indoor unit and an air conditioner. The indoor unit includes: a chassis, a washing module, and a water retaining structure. The chassis includes a condensate area and an effluent area adjacent to the condensate area and positioned above the condensate area. A portion of a bottom of the effluent area adjacent to the condensate area defines a water outlet hole. The washing module is mounted on the chassis and has a discharge pipe extending into the effluent area. The water retaining structure is arranged between the condensate area and the effluent area. A top end of the water retaining structure is connected to the washing module, and a lower end of the water retaining structure is in front of the water outlet hole to shield a part of the water outlet hole.