Window Air Conditioner Slidable Indoor Unit for Mounting Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Window air conditioners with fixed configurations face challenges in mounting due to their inability to adapt to different window sills, leading to difficulties in installation and potential instability during use and transportation.
Innovation Solution
A window air conditioner design that allows for adjustable configurations through a slidable indoor unit component connected via a support that passes through a window opening, combined with a lock device and guide assembly to ensure stability and ease of mounting, and a rotatable outdoor unit body to facilitate installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed configuration is used for the window air conditioner, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the mounting flexibility is poor and cannot adapt to different window sills
Solution Approach 1:
The indoor unit component is designed to slide relative to the connection support along a guide assembly, transforming the fixed configuration into a dynamic adjustable one. This allows the indoor unit to be positioned at different locations along the connection support to adapt to various window sill dimensions and shapes, while the guide assembly ensures stable connection at each position.
2Ease of operation
If the indoor unit component is made slidable relative to the connection support, then the mounting flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for lock devices and guide assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The window air conditioner is divided into separable components: the connection support that passes through the window opening, and the indoor unit component that can be independently positioned and locked. This segmentation allows for easier installation and adjustment compared to a fully integrated fixed design, while the modular lock device and guide assembly add minimal complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock device incorporates an elastic reset member that automatically returns the locking pin to its locking position after adjustment, reducing the need for complex manual locking mechanisms. The guide assembly self-guides the indoor unit component during sliding, eliminating the need for additional alignment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If a lock device is added to secure the relative position, then the stability during use and transportation is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock device replaces complex mechanical fastening systems with a simpler elastic pin-and-hole mechanism. The locking pin extends into corresponding locking holes to secure the relative position, utilizing elastic force rather than complex threading or clamping mechanisms, thereby improving reliability while maintaining ease of manufacture.
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 design enhances mounting flexibility, reduces labor required for installation, improves stability, and ensures reliable operation by allowing for adjustments to fit various window dimensions and shapes, while maintaining compactness and ease of assembly.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic reset member that is configured to apply an elastic force to the locking pin in such a manner that the locking pin extends into the locking hole
Data Source
AI summary
A window air conditioner includes an outdoor unit body configured to be arranged at an outdoor side of a window opening, an indoor unit component including an indoor unit body configured to be arranged at an indoor side of the window opening, and a connection support configured to pass through the window opening and connected between a top portion of the indoor unit component and a top portion of the outdoor unit body. The indoor unit component is slidable relative to the connection support in an inward-outward direction.