Outdoor unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
In outdoor units of air-conditioning apparatuses, the increasing number of terminal blocks leads to complex wiring, reducing work efficiency and making it difficult to standardize components due to varying dimensions of the terminal block securing plate.
Innovation Solution
The outdoor unit employs a terminal block securing device with first and second securing plates arranged at different angles, securing the terminal blocks in a vertical direction to prevent wiring complexity and standardize the plate's dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of terminal blocks is increased to accommodate more indoor units and extended functions, then the adaptability and versatility of the outdoor unit is improved, but the wiring becomes complex and work efficiency is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by arranging terminal blocks in a three-dimensional configuration rather than a flat two-dimensional layout. Specifically, terminal blocks are arranged on both the front surface and rear surface of the terminal block securing plate, and wiring channels are formed to guide wires through the thickness of the plate. This spatial arrangement separates wiring paths in the vertical dimension, preventing wiring superposition and reducing complexity while accommodating an increased number of terminal blocks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of terminal blocks is increased, then the adaptability and versatility of the outdoor unit is improved, but the dimension of the terminal block securing plate varies and component standardization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the standardization issue by utilizing the vertical dimension (thickness of the plate) to accommodate additional terminal blocks. Instead of increasing the horizontal area of the securing plate, the invention arranges terminal blocks on both front and rear surfaces and uses through-channels for wiring. This allows the horizontal dimensions to remain standardized while accommodating variable numbers of terminal blocks through vertical spatial arrangement.
3Ease of operation
If terminal blocks are arranged in a vertical direction on separate securing plates, then wiring complexity is reduced and work efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated components to reduce overall device complexity. The terminal block securing plate incorporates both terminal block mounting surfaces and wiring channels as integral features. Additionally, the front and rear securing plates are combined with the control board housing to form a unified structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate wiring conduits and mounting brackets, simplifying the overall device despite the sophisticated internal arrangement.
Data Source
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AI summary
An outdoor unit according to the present invention includes a first terminal block and a second terminal block that are arranged in a vertical direction. The outdoor unit also includes a terminal block securing device that includes a first terminal block securing plate to which the first terminal block is attached and a second terminal block securing plate to which the second terminal block is attached. The terminal block securing device has a first securing surface of the first terminal block securing plate to which the first terminal block is secured and a second securing surface of the second terminal block securing plate to which the second terminal block is secured. The first securing surface and the second securing surface are set at different angles.