Removable Condensate Drain Pan and Adjustable AC Filter Rack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air conditioning systems face limitations due to the need for modified drainage systems when condensate drains are located either under or remotely from the system, and filter racks are typically designed for specific filter thicknesses, restricting flexibility and installation options.
Innovation Solution
A condensate drain assembly with a removable drain pan and drainage pipe configuration that allows for fluid communication with either a dedicated drain beneath the system or a remote drain, along with a filter rack design that accommodates filters of varying thicknesses through a movable retainer and detent system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the drain pan is directly connected to a drain located under the air conditioning system, then condensate drainage is efficient, but the drain pan becomes non-removable and difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage system is segmented into a removable drain pan and a fixed drainage pipe. The drain pan can be separated from the drainage pipe, allowing the pan to be removed for cleaning while the drainage pipe remains in place to maintain drainage functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The drain pan is extracted as a separate removable component from the drainage system. This allows the pan to be taken out for cleaning and maintenance while the drainage pipe remains fixed to maintain the drainage function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the drain is located remotely from the air conditioning system, then installation flexibility is improved, but piping complexity increases and the drain pan becomes difficult to access for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage system is divided into a removable drain pan and a fixed drainage pipe that can extend to remote locations. This segmentation allows the pan to be accessed for maintenance while the pipe can be routed to various drain locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage pipe is designed to serve multiple functions: it can be configured for both under-system drains and remote drains, and it maintains drainage functionality while allowing the drain pan to be removed for cleaning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the filter rack is designed for a specific filter thickness, then the filter rack structure is simplified, but the system loses flexibility to accommodate different filter sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The filter rack incorporates a movable retainer that can be positioned at different locations along the rack. This dynamic adjustment allows the rack to accommodate filters of varying thicknesses while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter rack design allows for adjustment of the retainer position to change the effective rack depth. This parameter adjustment enables the same rack structure to accommodate different filter thicknesses without requiring multiple specialized racks.
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
Enables flexible installation and maintenance of air conditioning systems by allowing the drain pan to be removed for cleaning and accommodating different filter sizes, improving system adaptability and efficiency in various drainage configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a drainage pipe having a first end disposed proximate and lower than the end of the drain pan and a second end secured to the air conditioning system so that the second end is in fluid communication with an exterior of the air conditioning system via an exterior surface of the air conditioning system and is below the first end so that fluid within the drainage pipe flows away from the first end and towards the second end
Data Source
AI summary
A condensate drain assembly includes a drain pan configured to receive condensate from an evaporator coil of an air conditioning system. The drain pan is configured to be removed from the air conditioning system. The condensate drain assembly also includes a drainage pipe configured to translate the condensate from the drain pan to a drain located beneath the air conditioning system and a drain pan end cap. The drain pan end cap includes a first aperture configured to drain the condensate from the drain pan and a second aperture configured to align with the drainage pipe.