Rotatable Marine AC Blower Assembly for Confined Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional air conditioning systems for nautical vehicles face challenges in installation due to limited space and obstruction by surrounding objects, requiring features that facilitate easy and flexible orientation within confined areas.

Innovation Solution

An air conditioning system with a rotatable blower and adjustable duct element that allows for orientation adjustment around two axes, utilizing a clamp element for secure positioning, enabling the blower outlet to be directed towards different lateral sides without interference from other components, and allowing for easy installation in compact spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the air conditioning system is installed in limited space with surrounding obstructions, then the installation flexibility is reduced, but the system must still achieve proper air communication and orientation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidavailable installation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The blower is made rotatable about a second axis (vertical axis) in addition to its normal rotation about a first axis (horizontal axis). This dynamic capability allows the blower outlet to be oriented in multiple directions (front, rear, left, right sides) within the same compact housing, enabling installation flexibility in limited spaces with surrounding obstructions without requiring additional installation area

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds a second rotational dimension (vertical axis) to the blower mechanism, transforming it from a single-axis rotation system to a dual-axis rotation system. This dimensional enhancement allows the air outlet to access multiple directions (360-degree horizontal rotation plus vertical tilt) within the same footprint, resolving the contradiction between limited installation space and installation flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the blower orientation is fixed relative to the main body, then the structure is simpler, but the outlet cannot be directed towards different lateral sides

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutlet orientation capabilityVSAvoidblower adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blower assembly incorporates a rotatable mounting mechanism that allows the blower to pivot about a vertical axis (second axis) while maintaining its rotational function about the horizontal axis (first axis). This dynamic adjustment capability enables the outlet to be directed towards different lateral sides (front, rear, left, right) without requiring complex multi-component adjustment mechanisms, as the rotation is achieved through a streamlined dual-axis bearing structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rotatable blower assembly serves multiple functions: it maintains the primary air-moving function while simultaneously providing directional control capability. The single rotatable assembly performs both the air propulsion function and the orientation adjustment function, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while enhancing adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the duct element is tightly secured to the guiding cover, then the connection is more stable, but the blower orientation cannot be adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblower orientation adjustmentVSAvoidduct-blower connection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The duct element is designed with a rotatable connection to the guiding cover, allowing it to pivot about the vertical axis (second axis) for orientation adjustment. The connection maintains stability through a secure mounting structure that permits controlled rotation while preventing unintended movement. The clamp element can be adjusted to maintain stable connection during operation while allowing intentional repositioning when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp element is positioned and adjusted before final operation to secure the duct element at the desired orientation. This preliminary adjustment allows the system to achieve both stable connection and proper orientation, as the clamping action is applied after the blower is positioned at the correct angle, ensuring both stability and ease of initial setup

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP1955946B1Rotatable blower for marine air conditoner
Publication Date: 2017.03.29 DOMETIC LLC
  • EP1955946B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1955946B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1955946B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An air conditioning system for a nautical vehicle includes a main body including an assembly, and a blower including an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being in air communication with the main body, the blower further including blades rotating therewithin about a first axis, the assembly for adjusting the blower with respect to the main body about a second axis so as to alter an orientation of the outlet. The assembly includes a guiding cover and a cylindrical duct element for maintaining the main body and the blower in air communication with one another. The duct element has a first base and a second base, and is coupled to the blower at the second base. The first base of the duct element is dimensioned to correspondingly fit the guiding cover, and the duct element is rotatably adjustable around the guiding cover about the second axis at the first base.