Vent for air conditioning unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning unit venting systems, particularly for portable units, are unsightly, difficult to install, and often require window attachments that interfere with window usage, necessitating a more convenient and aesthetically pleasing solution for venting air through walls.
Innovation Solution
A vent assembly comprising an inner and outer portion, where the outer portion is attached to the exterior wall with a frame, hood, and damper system allowing airflow through a back opening, and an inner pipe extending through the wall for connection to the air conditioning unit's ducting, with a removable cap and bell portion for easy detachment and reattachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If window brackets are used to connect ducting to windows, then air venting is achieved, but the installation becomes difficult and the windows are interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the venting function from window-based systems and relocates it to wall-based systems. The vent assembly is designed to be installed directly on exterior walls, eliminating the need for window brackets and their associated installation difficulties. The wall mounting approach separates the venting function from the window structure, allowing independent installation without interfering with window operation.
2Ease of operation
If wall openings are created for ducting attachment, then window interference is avoided, but the openings require closing when air conditioning is not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The vent assembly incorporates a damper mechanism that dynamically opens and closes the vent opening based on operational needs. When the air conditioning unit is in use, the damper opens to allow exhaust airflow. When not in use, the damper closes to seal the opening, eliminating the need for permanent structural modifications or manual closing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper is designed to automatically respond to airflow conditions, opening when exhaust air flows through and closing when airflow ceases. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for manual operation or complex control systems, allowing the vent to adapt its state based on operational requirements.
3Device complexity
If a simple wall vent is used, then installation is easier, but airflow efficiency and sealing may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The vent assembly is divided into distinct functional components: an exterior housing with integrated hood for weather protection, an interior housing for structural support, a adjustable damper for flow control, and a bell-shaped duct connection for secure attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity and ease of installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A vent assembly for venting air from ducting of an air conditioning unit through a wall includes an outer portion and an inner portion. The outer portion is attached to an exterior surface of the wall and includes a frame, a hood, and a back portion. The frame engages with the exterior surface of the wall. The hood extends from the frame and includes an upper surface and a pair of opposed side walls. The upper surface extends from the frame. The side walls extend from the frame and are connected to the upper surface. The back portion is attached to the hood and includes a back wall and a damper. The back wall has a back opening. The damper extends across and covers the back opening. The damper is connected to the back wall to allow for hinged movement of the damper with respect to the back wall. The inner portion is attached to the outer portion and extends through the wall. The inner portion includes a pipe connected to the back portion and is aligned with the back opening. The inner portion is removably attachable to the ducting.