Window AC Support Structure Without Building Penetration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning unit support systems fail to securely attach units to buildings without damaging the structure and comply with safety regulations, especially in urban areas where units are prone to falling and require stringent installation guidelines.
Innovation Solution
A modular air conditioning unit support system that applies outward and inward forces to both interior and exterior building surfaces using adjustable components like cross bars, air conditioning unit supports, and struts, allowing for secure attachment without modifying the building, and accommodating various unit and window dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air conditioning units are secured using support structures built into the building, then the units are securely attached, but the building is permanently altered or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a removable support structure that acts as an intermediary between the air conditioning unit and the building. This support system includes components that press against the building's interior and exterior surfaces without penetrating or permanently altering the building structure, thereby securing the AC unit while avoiding direct damage to the building.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is divided into multiple separate components including interior support members, exterior support members, and connecting elements. This segmentation allows the system to distribute forces across multiple contact points on the building surfaces without requiring a single invasive attachment point, maintaining building integrity while achieving secure attachment.
2Use of energy by moving object
If air conditioning units are positioned to prevent hot air from entering the building, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the units become prone to falling from the window
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure serves as a mediator that enables the AC unit to maintain its optimal position for cooling efficiency while providing the necessary mechanical support to prevent falling. The interior and exterior support members work together to create a stable mounting system that does not interfere with the AC unit's operational position.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed to counteract the gravitational force and potential falling risks of the AC unit. The interior support members extend beyond the window aperture to provide leverage and counterbalancing forces that prevent the unit from falling, while the exterior members provide additional stabilization.
3Stability of the object's composition
If support structures are built into the building to secure air conditioning units, then installation is stable, but the building structure is permanently modified
Solution Approach 1:
The removable support structure acts as a non-invasive intermediary that provides stable installation without requiring building modifications. The support members press against the building surfaces using friction and geometric interlocking rather than penetration, allowing stable AC unit mounting while preserving building integrity and enabling easy removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed to be removable and reconfigurable rather than permanent. The interior and exterior support members can be adjusted and removed as needed, providing dynamic adaptability that allows the same system to serve multiple installations without permanent building modifications, unlike traditional built-in support structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for securing an air conditioning unit to a building without the need for any alteration and/or damage to the building itself. The system includes a cross bar, an air conditioning unit support, and a strut. The arrangement of the components results in the cross bar applying an outward force to an interior surface of the building and strut applying an inward force to an exterior surface of the building in response to the downward force exerted on the air conditioning unit support. The sum of the forces applied on the surfaces of the building is sufficient to secure the air conditioning unit to the building.