Sliding Window Air Pipe Support for Stable Sealing and Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable air conditioners face issues with unstable anchoring and inefficiency due to unwanted exchange between internal and external environments when using existing support members for air pipes, especially in windows with sliding motions, leading to energy waste and potential damage from wind or air drafts.
Innovation Solution
A modular support member with a slit for the air pipe and sliding modules that clamp into position, utilizing stabilizing members to fit within window guides, allowing continuous adjustment to accommodate various window sizes without requiring carpentry interventions, ensuring stable positioning and isolation of the internal space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flat support member with a slit is used to position the air pipe on the window, then the air pipe can be inserted and positioned, but the support member does not allow stable anchoring and the air pipe can move and be damaged due to window closing or wind drafts
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is divided into multiple segments or modular components that can be assembled together. This segmentation allows the support member to adapt to different window configurations while maintaining stable anchoring through distributed contact points rather than a single flat surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member utilizes the window's existing sliding guide structure by nesting within it. The support member is designed to fit inside the guide channels, leveraging the window's own structural elements for stabilization rather than requiring a completely independent anchoring system.
2Ease of operation
If the window is left open to accommodate the air outlet pipe, then the air pipe can be positioned externally, but unwanted exchange between internal and external space occurs allowing dust, pollen, exhaust gases, insects, and water to enter
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible sealing element or film is introduced to close the gap between the window and the air pipe support. This flexible barrier prevents harmful factors from entering while still allowing the air pipe to pass through, eliminating the need to leave the window open.
3Ease of operation
If a hole is made in the glass to accommodate the air pipe, then the air pipe can be positioned externally, but the window structure is permanently modified requiring carpentry interventions
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is designed as a universal solution that can be installed on various window types without modification. It utilizes the existing sliding guide structure common to most windows, eliminating the need for carpentry interventions or custom modifications for different window configurations.
4Ease of manufacture
If known support members are used that rest on the window surface, then installation is simple, but they do not allow stable anchoring when the window closes or wind drafts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The support member employs an asymmetric design where one end is designed to engage deeply with the window's sliding guide structure for stable anchoring, while the other end maintains a simpler configuration for easy installation and air pipe accommodation. This asymmetric configuration provides both simplicity and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A support member for air-carrying pipes of portable air conditioners which can be applied to windows (W), comprises a first module provided with a slit made to accommodate the air pipe and at least one second module made to be coaxially sliding on the first module. The second module is continuously mobile with respect to said first module to make the length of the support member modifiable.