Rooftop Air Conditioner Frame Assembly for Easier Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of stiffening members in existing rooftop air conditioning units is complex, requiring multiple components bolted together and additional fastening elements inside the vehicle, making assembly difficult and requiring careful force application.
Innovation Solution
The proposed air conditioning unit features two identical frame units that serve as upper and lower frames, simplifying installation by providing a straightforward assembly process. These frame units are designed with specific geometries and mounting recesses to facilitate secure attachment to the roof and indoor air distributor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional stiffening members are integrated in the lower shell with multiple components bolted together, then structural strength is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate stiffening members and fastening elements into a single integrated frame unit that can be installed as one piece. This frame unit includes integrated stiffening elements and mounting features, eliminating the need to bolt together multiple components and significantly simplifying the assembly process while maintaining structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the air conditioning unit into modular components, specifically separating the frame unit (with integrated stiffening) from the housing and indoor air distributor. This segmentation allows the frame unit to be pre-assembled and tested independently, then installed as a complete module, reducing on-site assembly complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple fastening elements are used in the vehicle interior to brace the housing to the roof, then reliability of attachment is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fastening elements into the frame unit structure itself, which is then secured to the roof as a single unit. The frame unit incorporates integrated mounting features that distribute attachment points throughout the structure, maintaining secure attachment while reducing the number of separate fastening operations required during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame unit is pre-assembled with all necessary stiffening members and fastening elements attached before delivery to the installation site. This preliminary assembly ensures proper alignment and pre-tensioning of fastening elements, making the final installation process simpler and more reliable as it requires only positioning and securing the complete frame unit rather than assembling multiple components on-site.
3Ease of operation
If a frame is provided for positioning and sealing in the roof cutout, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positioning frame and sealing functions into the main frame unit structure. The frame unit includes integrated sealing elements and positioning features that are built into the same structural component, eliminating the need for separate frame assemblies and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining installation ease.
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments relate to an air conditioning unit for installation on a roof, including a housing, an indoor air distributor, and two frame units. The two frame units are of identical design and each have a first side and a second side. In an installed state, the two frame units are arranged between the housing and the indoor air distributor and serve as an upper frame unit and a lower frame unit, respectively. The first sides face each other, the second side of the upper frame unit faces the housing, and the second side of the lower frame unit faces the indoor air distributor.