Inspection window for drain pan, and air conditioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inspecting the contamination state of a drain pan in air conditioners are cumbersome, prone to positional displacement of reflective elements, and limited by restricted area, leading to reduced visibility of foreign objects.
Innovation Solution
An integrated inspection window with a reflective structure protruding upward from a transparent window portion, supported by a post, ensuring visibility of foreign objects within the drain pan without displacement, even in restricted areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the transparent element and reflective plate are assembled as individual parts, then the inspection window can be manufactured, but positional displacement occurs due to dimensional variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transparent element and reflective plate into a single integrated inspection window component. The reflective plate is formed as an integral part of the transparent element, eliminating the need for separate assembly and preventing positional displacement caused by dimensional variations in individual parts.
2Area of stationary object
If the through hole area is reduced due to space restrictions, then the inspection window can be installed in limited space, but visibility of foreign objects decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the inspection window in the vertical dimension by making the transparent element protrude upward from the drain pan bottom. This vertical extension compensates for the reduced horizontal area of the through hole, providing sufficient visibility area for foreign objects while fitting within the limited space constraints of the air conditioner housing.
3Loss of information
If the drain pan is detached for inspection, then complete visibility of contamination state is achieved, but inspection becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the inspection function from the drain pan assembly by creating a dedicated inspection window structure. This allows inspectors to view the contamination state through the transparent element without detaching the drain pan from the housing, separating the inspection operation from the complex disassembly process while maintaining complete visibility of foreign objects.
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 integrated inspection window provides clear visibility of foreign objects in the drain pan, allowing timely maintenance without disassembling the unit and reducing material costs by continuous molding of parts.
Implementation Method 1
a first reflective structure that reflects light transmitted through the window portion toward the through hole
Data Source
AI summary
An inspection window for confirming foreign objects inside a drain pan through a window portion, the inspection window includes: the window portion; a first support portion provided on the window portion; and a reflective portion supported by the first support portion above the window portion through a predetermined gap with respect to the window portion, the reflective portion includes a second surface opposite to a first surface connected to the first support portion, and the reflective portion includes, in the second surface, a first reflective structure that reflects light transmitted through the window portion. The window portion, the first support portion, and the reflective portion are integrally formed of light-transparent material. Thereby, even when the area of the window portion is restricted, visibility of the foreign objects inside the drain pan can be insured, while limiting a displacement in a position of the window portion and the reflective plate.