Wall vent for air conditioning unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vents for portable air conditioners require windows to be open, necessitating the use of kits or adapters that need to be installed and uninstalled seasonally, leading to storage issues and increased installation time.
Innovation Solution
A wall vent system comprising an outlet portion with a cylindrical body extending through a wall and a cover that can be coupled to the outlet portion, allowing air to be vented through the wall without the need for window-based solutions, and featuring a damper and insulating sleeves for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If window-based kits or adapters are used to vent portable air conditioners, then air can be vented from the room, but the window must remain open and the kits need to be installed and uninstalled seasonally, creating storage issues and increased installation time
Solution Approach 1:
The wall vent system is divided into separate components: a wall-mounted outlet portion with a connection port, and a removable cover with a cylindrical body. This segmentation allows the outlet portion to remain permanently installed in the wall while the cover can be easily attached or removed as needed, eliminating seasonal installation complexity while maintaining reliable venting functionality.
2Productivity
If window-based kits are used, then air venting is achieved, but the kits require storage during winter and increase installation time
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet portion is pre-installed in the wall during construction or initial setup, with the connection port positioned and ready. This preliminary action eliminates the need for seasonal installation and removal of the entire venting system, as only the lightweight cover needs to be attached or removed later, significantly reducing installation time and improving productivity.
3Ease of operation
If a permanent wall vent is installed, then seasonal installation issues are eliminated, but air leaks may occur between the vent components
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible seal is provided between the cylindrical body of the cover and the outlet portion of the wall vent. This flexible sealing element conformally contacts the mating surfaces, creating an airtight barrier that prevents air leaks while accommodating minor dimensional variations and thermal expansion, thus eliminating harmful air infiltration without compromising ease of operation.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the cover is designed to fit tightly to prevent air leaks, then sealing is improved, but the cover becomes difficult to install and remove
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed with a cylindrical body that can be easily inserted into and removed from the outlet portion, while a flexible seal dynamically adapts to create an airtight connection during use. The seal remains flexible enough to allow simple attachment and detachment operations, yet forms an effective barrier against air leaks when the cover is in place, balancing sealing performance with operational ease.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The wall vent system provides a simple, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing solution for venting air from portable air conditioning units, eliminating the need for seasonal installations and storage, while reducing installation time and preventing air leaks.
Implementation Method 1
The insulating sleeve can include a third cylindrical body having an aperture and the second cylindrical body can be configured to be received in the aperture of the third cylindrical body
Implementation Method 2
a damper configured to open or close based on a pressure differential
Data Source
AI summary
A wall vent comprising an outlet portion and a cover configured to be coupled to the outlet portion. The outlet portion can include a first cylindrical body configured to extend through a wall, a first opening extending through the first cylindrical body, a connection port located on a first end of the first cylindrical body and configured to connect to an exhaust of the air conditioning unit, and a first plate coupled to the first end of the first cylindrical body. The cover can include a second cylindrical body and a second plate. When the second cylindrical body is within the first opening of the first cylindrical body, at least a portion of the second cylindrical body extends into the first opening of the first cylindrical body and the second plate covers the first opening extending through the first cylindrical body.