Modular Air Handling Assembly with Magnetic Locking and Guided Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current combined air handling systems are complex to assemble and disassemble, making them inconvenient for users to manage and maintain.

Innovation Solution

The air handling system employs magnetic attraction and a guide groove/guide post structure for easy connection and disconnection of modules, allowing for simple assembly and disassembly without tools, and includes an electrically conductive sheet for guiding and electrical connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If magnetic attraction is used to connect components, then assembly and disassembly convenience is improved, but connection strength may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly and disassembly convenienceVSAvoidconnection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines magnetic attraction with mechanical interlocking structures (guide grooves and guide posts) to create a hybrid connection system. The magnetic force provides easy assembly and disassembly, while the mechanical structures ensure firm connection and proper alignment, resolving the contradiction between convenience and strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system uses composite connection mechanisms combining magnetic fields and mechanical structures. The magnetic components work together with the guide groove and guide post structures to achieve both ease of operation and sufficient connection strength simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If guide groove and guide post structure is added, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment function is segmented into separate guide groove and guide post components, allowing independent optimization of each element while maintaining simple overall structure. This segmentation enables precise alignment without requiring complex integrated structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The guide groove and guide post act as intermediary elements between the magnetic connection components, providing a simple mechanical interface that ensures precise alignment during assembly without adding significant structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If electrically conductive sheet is provided in guide groove, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The guide groove structure serves multiple functions: mechanical alignment guidance and electrical conduction. By making the guide groove electrically conductive, it simultaneously provides structural guidance and electrical connection, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical conduction function is merged into the existing guide groove structure rather than being implemented as a separate component. This integration maintains manufacturing simplicity while ensuring reliable electrical connections between stacked units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution simplifies the assembly and disassembly process, making the system user-friendly and ensuring a firm structure while allowing for modular functionality and space efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The top cover and the adjacent air handling device, the base and the adjacent air handling device, and, if the air handling system comprises more than one air handling device, the adjacent air handling devices are all connected to each other by means of magnetic attraction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3165837B1Air treatment system
Publication Date: 2018.04.11 QINGDAO HAIER AIR CONDITIONER GENERAL CORP LTD
  • EP3165837B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3165837B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3165837B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

An air handling system comprising: a top cover (1), a base (5) and at least one air handling device provided between the top cover (1) and the base (5), wherein the top cover (1) and the adjacent air handling device, the base (5) and the adjacent air handling device, and the adjacent air handling devices are all connected to each other by means of magnetic attraction.