Modular Support Leg Structure for AC Units and Condensate Tanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support devices for external air-conditioning units are complex, requiring multiple components and separate coupling elements, leading to increased production, storage, and assembly costs, as well as vulnerability to corrosion due to metal construction.
Innovation Solution
A support device with self-carrying legs and integral bracket-like portions that include connection means for removably connecting pairs of legs, eliminating the need for additional coupling elements and allowing for modular configuration to support both air-conditioning units and condensate collection tanks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If portal-like frames are used to support the condensate collection tank, then the tank can be supported in a raised position, but the structure requires multiple separate components and coupling elements that increase complexity and assembly costs
Solution Approach 1:
The support leg integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides ground support, incorporates an integral bracket-like portion for tank support, and includes connection means for assembling the portal structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate coupling elements and reduces the total number of components while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support leg is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously performs grounding, tank support (via the integral bracket), and structural connection (via the connection means). This universal design allows a single component to replace multiple specialized parts, reducing complexity and assembly requirements.
2Strength
If metal portal-like frames are used for support, then the structure provides necessary strength and stability, but the metal construction is susceptible to corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The support leg is constructed from plastic material that incorporates fiberglass reinforcement, creating a composite structure that provides metal-level strength and stability while being inherently resistant to corrosion. The fiberglass-reinforced plastic combines the tensile strength of fiberglass with the corrosion resistance and formability of plastic.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate coupling elements are used to connect the portal frames, then the assembly allows for modular construction, but the number of components increases production, storage, and assembly costs
Solution Approach 1:
The connection means are integrated directly into the support leg structure rather than being separate components. This merging maintains the modular assembly capability (the portal structure can still be assembled from multiple legs) while eliminating the need for additional coupling elements, thereby reducing production, storage, and assembly costs.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the bracket-like portion is made integral with the leg, then the support structure is simplified and more stable, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fiberglass-reinforced plastic material allows for the integration of complex three-dimensional shapes (including the bracket-like portion) to be molded as a single piece. The reinforcement provides the necessary structural strength for the integral design while the plastic matrix allows for complex geometries to be formed through molding processes, making the integrated structure manufacturable.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described a support device for equipment, in particular air-conditioning installation units, comprising a support leg (2) which extends in an axial direction (X) between a first end (2a) which is provided for support on the ground and a second axially opposite end (2b), wherein the leg (2) has a self-carrying structure and comprises a bracket-like portion (4) which is formed so as to be integral with the leg (2) and which projects therefrom transversely relative to the axial direction (X), in a position between the ends (2a, 2b), the portion (4) defining a surface (4a) which is suitable for supporting in a supporting manner a condensate collection tank.