System for facilitating the cleaning of a mini-split air handling unit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cleaning mini-split air conditioning systems fail to efficiently collect and dispose of waste fluids and debris, posing challenges in maintaining thermodynamic efficiency and avoiding fluid splatters in residential and office settings.
Innovation Solution
A flexible plastic shroud system with a hood and funnel portion, supported by curved ribs and secured by drawstrings, is designed to collect and direct fluids from mini-split air conditioning units to a floor drain or collection container, featuring adjustable brackets and drawstrings for secure fitting around the unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a cleaning system is installed to collect waste fluids from mini-split air conditioning units, then fluid collection efficiency and cleanliness are improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a flexible plastic shroud that can be draped over the mini-split air conditioning unit, eliminating the need for rigid structural components. This flexible membrane approach simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining effective fluid collection and containment, directly addressing the contradiction between collection efficiency and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The shroud is designed with separate functional segments including a hood portion for containing the cleaning area, a funnel portion for directing fluids, and a skirt portion for containment. These segmented components work together independently yet cooperatively, reducing installation complexity while maintaining effective fluid collection
2Reliability
If a secure fitting system is used to attach the shroud around the air conditioning unit, then collection reliability is improved, but ease of installation and adjustment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes drawstrings with cinching mechanisms that allow dynamic adjustment of the shroud fit around the air conditioning unit. This dynamic fastening system enables easy installation and adjustment by the operator while maintaining reliable securement and fluid containment, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The drawstring mechanism allows the operator to independently secure and adjust the shroud without requiring additional tools or assistance. The self-service nature of the fastening system simplifies installation while ensuring reliable attachment, directly addressing the contradiction between ease of operation and collection reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A system for collecting waste fluid and debris from cleaning of an air handler mounted in a wall, comprising a one-piece shroud disposable on the air handler assembly, the shroud including a hood portion and a funnel portion connected by left and right sides, the shroud having a front opening and a rear opening between the hood and the funnel; a left bracket and a right bracket having respective left and right flanges disposable between left and right sides of the air handler assembly and the wall; a cinchable drawstring; an upper rib disposed in the hood portion and having hooked ends for engaging slots in the left bracket and the right bracket; and a lower rib disposed in the funnel portion and having hooked ends for engaging slots in the left bracket and the right bracket.