Outdoor AC Base Structure for Drainage and Freeze Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing outdoor air conditioner units face issues with defrosting water or rainwater accumulating in the base, leading to freezing and operational disruptions due to inadequate drainage, which affects the stability and efficiency of the device.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a base with inclined drain holes and a support guide device that increases the area for heat exchanger support, along with a blocking portion to prevent liquid from flowing into the base body, ensuring efficient drainage and preventing freezing by guiding liquids through strategically positioned drain holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the base is designed with a simple structure, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but liquid drainage becomes insufficient causing freezing
Solution Approach 1:
The base is segmented into multiple functional regions: a first region with a first drain hole for primary drainage, a second region with a second drain hole for secondary drainage, and a blocking portion to control liquid flow direction. This segmentation allows efficient liquid management while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the base are given different local qualities: the first region has a first drain hole positioned at a lower level for primary drainage, the second region has a second drain hole for alternative drainage path, and the blocking portion is strategically placed to control liquid flow. Each local region is optimized for its specific drainage function.
2Reliability
If drain holes are added to improve drainage, then liquid removal is enhanced, but the base structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage system is segmented into multiple drain holes (first drain hole in the first region, second drain hole in the second region) that work together to provide redundant drainage paths. This segmentation enhances drainage reliability without requiring a completely complex structural redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding complex active drainage mechanisms, the invention uses passive drainage through strategically positioned holes and a blocking portion that naturally guides liquid flow. The blocking portion inverts the expected flow path by preventing liquid from reaching the second region directly, forcing it through the first drain hole first.
3Reliability
If the blocking portion is positioned to prevent liquid flow into the base body, then freezing is prevented, but liquid drainage path is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking portion inverts the natural liquid flow path by positioning itself to prevent liquid from directly reaching the second region. This forces liquid to be drained through the first drain hole in the first region first, ensuring the blocking portion's protective function while maintaining drainage efficiency through the segmented hole system.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking portion performs preliminary action by preventing liquid from reaching the second region before freezing can occur. This proactive blocking ensures that liquid is drained through the controlled path of the first drain hole, preventing freezing issues before they arise.
4Reliability
If multiple drain holes are implemented, then drainage coverage is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base is segmented into regions with different drain holes, allowing comprehensive drainage coverage through a modular approach. Each region with its drain hole can be relatively simple in design, but together they provide extensive drainage coverage across the entire base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Each local region is optimized with appropriate drain hole positioning and sizing for its specific drainage needs. The first region has the first drain hole for primary drainage, while the second region has the second drain hole for supplementary drainage, allowing simple localized manufacturing for each region that collectively achieves comprehensive coverage.
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 configuration allows for smooth drainage of liquids, preventing freezing and ensuring stable operation by maintaining a sufficient area for heat exchanger support while effectively managing water accumulation, thus enhancing the operational reliability of outdoor air conditioner units.
Implementation Method 1
a drain hole extending inclined in a direction in which the heat exchanger is placed
Data Source
AI summary
An outdoor device for an air conditioner is provided. The outdoor device may include a cabinet including at least one suction panel, a base provided at a lower portion of the cabinet, and a compressor and heat exchanger, which may be provided on the base. The base may include a base body, on which the compressor may be provided, an edge portion provided along a circumference of the base body, the edge portion including at least one seat that supports the heat exchanger, and a support guide provided on the edge portion to increase an area by which the heat exchanger may be supported.