Window frame for air conditioner unit and air conditioner unit for use therewith
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of window air conditioners is complex and hazardous due to the need for multiple parts and tools, particularly the balancing of a 50-pound unit on a window sill, which poses safety risks and requires cumbersome accordion panels.
Innovation Solution
A window frame with a main frame, sliding side support frames, and a drop-down shelf that securely holds the air conditioner unit, featuring a take-up device with adjustable stops for easy and safe installation, allowing the frame to be securely fastened within a window channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mounting brackets and accordion panels are used, then the air conditioner can be installed in the window, but the installation process becomes complex and hazardous requiring multiple parts and tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mounting bracket, support structure, and window sealing components into a single integrated window frame assembly. This unified structure eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets and accordion panels, reducing the number of parts and tools required while simplifying the installation process and improving safety by eliminating the hazardous balancing step.
Solution Approach 2:
The window frame assembly is divided into modular components including the main frame body, drop-down shelf, and side support frames that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows for easier handling and installation of individual components while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the complete assembly.
2Ease of operation
If the air conditioner unit is balanced on the window sill during installation, then the unit can be positioned, but safety risks arise due to the 50-pound weight
Solution Approach 1:
The window frame assembly is pre-configured with the drop-down shelf in a raised position before the air conditioner unit is installed. This preliminary setup creates a secure receiving structure that eliminates the need to balance the heavy unit on the window sill during installation, as the unit can be directly placed onto the supported shelf structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The drop-down shelf acts as an intermediary support structure between the window frame and the air conditioner unit. By providing this intermediate supporting surface, the heavy 50-pound unit never needs to be balanced on the window sill, thereby eliminating the safety hazard while facilitating easy installation.
3Reliability
If accordion panels are used to fill the space between casing and window frame, then the gap is sealed, but cumbersome panels are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from the cumbersome accordion panels and integrates it directly into the window frame assembly through the side support frames and main frame body. This integration eliminates the need for separate accordion panels while maintaining effective sealing of the gaps between the air conditioner casing and window frame.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed window frame design is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different window sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The window frame assembly incorporates the drop-down shelf that can move between a raised position (for installation and removal of the air conditioner unit) and a lowered position (for sealing and aesthetic purposes). This dynamic element allows a single frame design to adapt to different installation scenarios and window configurations while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A frame that is configured to hold a window air conditioner unit includes a main frame body having an opening formed therein for receiving the air conditioner unit. The frame includes a pair of adjustable side support frames that are slidingly coupled to the main frame body for filling a space between sides of the air conditioner unit and sides of the window frame. Each of the side support frames includes a take-up device for securing the frame within a window channel of the window frame. The take-up device has a fixed stop fixedly attached to the side support frame and an adjustable stop that is movable in a forward-rearward direction. The take-up device further includes an actuator that is accessible to a user along the main frame body and is configured to move the adjustable stop in the forward-rearward direction.