Indoor Unit Top Panel Pivot Layout for Greater Shape Freedom

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing design of indoor air-conditioning units restricts the shape design due to the pivot path of top panels, particularly when a remote-control communication unit is positioned lower, as it must be outside the pivot path region to avoid interference during panel detachment.

Innovation Solution

The indoor unit of the air-conditioning apparatus features a first top panel that can be detached by opening downward from the back casing around a first pivot axis, allowing the remote-control communication unit to be positioned outside the pivot path, thus eliminating design restrictions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the top panel is detached by opening upward around the upper back end portion, then the top panel can be easily detached, but the shape design is restricted because the remote-control communication unit must be disposed outside the pivot path region

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of panel detachmentVSAvoidshape design freedom

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional detachment direction by making the top panel open downward instead of upward. The lower back end portion serves as the pivot axis, and the panel rotates downward for detachment. This inversion moves the pivot path to the lower region, allowing the remote-control communication unit to be positioned in the upper region outside the pivot path, thus resolving the design restriction while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the spatial dimension of the pivot axis location. Instead of placing the pivot axis at the upper back end portion, it relocates the pivot axis to the lower back end portion. This dimensional change in the vertical direction creates a new pivot path that does not interfere with the remote-control communication unit placement, enabling both easy detachment and design freedom

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If the remote-control communication unit is positioned at a lower position in the top panel, then the design can be more compact, but the unit must be placed outside the pivot path region which limits design flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecompactnessVSAvoiddesign flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the pivot direction to downward opening with the pivot axis at the lower back end, the patent creates a pivot path that occupies the lower region. This allows the remote-control communication unit to be positioned in the upper region of the top panel, achieving both compact integration and design flexibility without the unit interfering with the pivot path

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS11906195B2Indoor unit of air-conditioning apparatus and air-conditioning apparatus

Publication Date: 2024.02.20 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP

AI summary

An indoor unit of an air-conditioning apparatus includes a back casing and a first top panel having a first pivot axis under the back casing, the first top panel being configured to be attached to the back casing. The first top panel is configured to be detached from the back casing by opening downward from the back casing around the first pivot axis.