Window AC Shade Cover with Hinged Panels for Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Window-mounted air conditioning units are inefficient due to direct exposure to high-temperature outside air, leading to increased operating costs and inefficiencies in heat transfer.
Innovation Solution
An AC outdoor equipment cover with inclined and orthogonal panels that shield air conditioning equipment from sunlight, allowing air circulation to carry away heat before it reaches the equipment, using corrugated panels with vent slots and a hinged design for easy installation and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the air conditioning equipment is exposed to direct sunlight, then the equipment can operate freely without obstruction, but the heat from sunlight increases the operating temperature and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cover structure as an intermediary element between the sunlight and the air conditioning equipment. This cover shields the equipment from direct solar radiation, preventing excessive heat accumulation while still allowing the system to operate freely. The cover acts as a protective mediator that blocks harmful thermal energy from reaching the condensing unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is divided into multiple segments including an inclined cover portion and orthogonal cover portions, with air gaps between them. This segmentation allows the structure to shield the equipment from sunlight while maintaining proper air circulation. The divided design enables heat dissipation through the gaps while preventing direct solar exposure to the equipment surfaces.
2Productivity
If a cover is added to shield the equipment from sunlight, then the heat dissipation efficiency is improved, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cover incorporates a hinged connection between the inclined cover portion and the orthogonal cover portions, allowing the structure to be easily assembled and disassembled. This dynamic connection mechanism simplifies installation and removal while maintaining the protective function during operation. The hinged design enables the cover to be configured as needed without requiring complex fastening systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the cover is designed to shield equipment from all directions, then the protection from sunlight is maximized, but the air circulation around the equipment is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The cover provides selective shielding by positioning the inclined and orthogonal portions to block sunlight from reaching the equipment surfaces most exposed to solar radiation. The design strategically places air gaps in locations where heat dissipation is critical, allowing thermal energy to escape while preventing solar heating. This local differentiation optimizes both protection and heat management.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover structure extends in multiple spatial dimensions with the inclined portion angled to block overhead sunlight and orthogonal portions extending sideways to block lateral solar exposure. The air gaps are positioned in three-dimensional space around the equipment, creating circulation pathways that allow heat to dissipate in multiple directions while maintaining comprehensive solar shielding.
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 solution significantly enhances the efficiency and functionality of window-mounted air conditioning units by reducing direct sunlight exposure and facilitating air circulation, thereby lowering operating costs and improving heat dissipation.
Implementation Method 1
Air may circulate around the air conditioning equipment by moving through a space between the inclined cover and the first orthogonal cover and a space between the inclined cover and the second orthogonal cover
Implementation Method 2
Air may circulate through the folded layers to carry away heat caused by sunlight striking the outer layer before heat reaches the inner layer and is radiated towards the air conditioning equipment
Implementation Method 3
The one or more corrugated panels may include an outer layer, one or more folded layers, and an inner layer
Data Source
AI summary
An AC outdoor equipment cover is a protective shade cover for window air conditioners. The device is made from a lightweight durable material, that is both portable and collapsible for shipping and subsequent storage. The device slips around and over the upper part of a window mount air conditioner by forming a sloped cover from the outer distal edge of the external air conditioner housing and the window or building structure above the unit. It is envisioned that this cover will be at an approximate angle of thirty degrees (30°).