Integrated Exhaust Pipe Storage in Portable Air Conditioners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable air conditioners require additional space for storing the exhaust pipe, necessitate extra assembly components that can be lost or misplaced, and are prone to damage due to their detachable design, which increases product volume and transportation costs.
Innovation Solution
An integrated exhaust unit with a fixed exhaust pipe and shielding module that minimizes protrusion, allows for easy installation and storage, and eliminates the need for separate assembly components, featuring a corrugate tube design and magnetic coupling for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the exhaust pipe is detachably attached to the main body, then the exhaust pipe can be separated for storage, but additional assembly components are required and the exhaust pipe is prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust pipe is integrated with the main body through a fixing part that is formed as one piece with the main body, eliminating the need for separate assembly components and preventing the exhaust pipe from being detached or damaged during storage
2Adaptability or versatility
If the exhaust pipe is detachably attached, then the exhaust pipe can be stored separately, but extra receiving space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust pipe is inserted into an exhaust pipe insertion recess formed in the main body, allowing the exhaust pipe to be nested within the main body structure when not in use, thereby eliminating the need for extra receiving space
3Ease of manufacture
If the exhaust pipe and main body are separately packaged, then assembly flexibility is maintained, but product volume and transportation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust pipe fixing part is formed as one piece with the main body through injection molding, allowing the exhaust pipe and main body to be packaged together as a single integrated unit, thereby reducing product volume and transportation cost
Data Source
AI summary
A portable air conditioner includes a case in which a condenser and an evaporator are integrally installed and an inlet and an outlet are formed; and an exhaust unit integrally coupled to the case and guiding air heat-exchanged with the condenser to an outdoor area, wherein the exhaust unit includes an exhaust pipe fixed to the case in one end thereof and disposed such that at least a portion thereof is inserted into the case and a shielding module fixed to the other end of the exhaust pipe and insertedly received in the case.