Modular Frame Segment Design for HVAC Housing Assembly Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional HVAC system housings are difficult to manufacture in a desirable manner, limiting their arrangement, functionality, and increasing production costs and time.
Innovation Solution
A frame structure for HVAC systems comprising frame segments and connectors that allow for the assembly of multiple integrated housing sections, enhancing manufacturing flexibility and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional housing manufacturing methods are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but manufacturing flexibility and functionality are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple frame segments (first frame segment, second frame segment, third frame segment, fourth frame segment) that can be independently manufactured and then assembled together. Each frame segment contains specific features (protrusions, recesses, channels) that enable modular construction, allowing the HVAC system to be configured in different arrangements while simplifying individual component manufacturing.
2Productivity
If traditional housing designs are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but production time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame segments are pre-configured with integration channels, protrusions, and recesses during manufacturing. These preliminary structural features enable rapid assembly without requiring complex field modifications or additional fastening operations, significantly reducing production time while maintaining manufacturing simplicity for each individual component.
3Ease of operation
If traditional housing structures are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but access to internal components becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The frame segments are designed with nested integration channels and interlocking features (protrusions fitting into recesses) that allow panels and internal components to be accessed by disassembling sections of the housing. The fourth frame segment integrates with the first frame segment through these nested features, creating a structure that is both complex internally but simple to access when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A frame segment for a frame of a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a protrusion formed on an interior side of the frame segment and configured to engage with a first panel of the HVAC system, a first recess formed at an exterior side, opposite the interior side, of the frame segment, and a second recess formed at the exterior side of the frame segment. The first recess is configured to receive a second panel of the HVAC system, and the second recess is configured to receive a third panel of the HVAC system.