Indoor Unit Top Panel Layout for Flexible Remote Sensor Placement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing design of air-conditioning indoor units restricts the shape design due to the pivot path of top panels, particularly when a remote-control communication unit is located at a lower position, limiting its placement outside the pivot path region.
Innovation Solution
The top panel is configured to detach downward from the back casing around a pivot axis, allowing the remote-control communication unit to be positioned outside the pivot path, thereby eliminating design restrictions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering 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 removed for replacement, but the remote-control communication unit at a lower position must be disposed outside the pivot path region, restricting shape design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional upward-opening detachment mechanism by implementing a downward-opening mechanism. The top panel is configured to pivot downward from the front end around a pivot axis at the upper back end portion, causing the panel to open in the opposite direction. This inversion allows the remote-control communication unit to be positioned in the lower portion of the top panel without interfering with the pivot path, thereby resolving the spatial conflict and enabling flexible shape design while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial dimension of the pivot path by moving the pivot axis to the upper back end portion and configuring the panel to open downward. This dimensional reconfiguration creates a pivot path that extends downward and backward, effectively separating the pivot region from the lower front portion where the remote-control communication unit is located. This dimensional change eliminates the restriction on placing the communication unit in the lower portion while preserving the detachment function
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
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.