Window-mounted air conditioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window air conditioning units are difficult to install, occupy too much window space, and are not adjustable to fit various window openings and widths, limiting their usability and efficiency, especially in cold weather.
Innovation Solution
A window air conditioner design featuring a bridge that is telescopically and pivotally connected to a support bracket, allowing the outdoor unit to pass through a window and rotate into a second configuration for installation, with flexible line sets already connected between the indoor and outdoor units for easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a standard integrated window A/C unit is used, then all components are enclosed in a single packaged unit, but the unit occupies a large portion of window space and blocks sunlight and window view
Solution Approach 1:
The air conditioner is divided into two separate units: an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit contains components such as the evaporator, fan, and control panel, while the outdoor unit contains the compressor and condenser. These units are connected via refrigerant lines that pass through the window, allowing the indoor unit to be positioned inside the window opening and the outdoor unit outside, thereby reducing the space occupied within the window and preserving sunlight and view.
2Ease of manufacture
If a standard integrated window A/C unit is used, then all components are enclosed in a single packaged unit, but the unit is difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The air conditioner is divided into two separate units: an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit contains components such as the evaporator, fan, and control panel, while the outdoor unit contains the compressor and condenser. These units are connected via refrigerant lines that pass through the window, allowing the indoor unit to be positioned inside the window opening and the outdoor unit outside, thereby reducing the space occupied within the window and preserving sunlight and view.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a saddle-type window A/C unit is used, then the outdoor unit is separate from the indoor unit, but the unit is difficult to install due to size and inability to adjust to various window openings
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is designed with adjustable and extendable features, including telescoping arms and rotating joints, that allow it to adapt to various window opening sizes and configurations. The bracket can be extended or retracted to match different sill depths and can be rotated to accommodate different installation angles, making the installation process flexible and adaptable to diverse architectural conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The air conditioner is divided into two separate units: an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit contains components such as the evaporator, fan, and control panel, while the outdoor unit contains the compressor and condenser. These units are connected via refrigerant lines that pass through the window, allowing the indoor unit to be positioned inside the window opening and the outdoor unit outside, thereby reducing the space occupied within the window and preserving sunlight and view.
4Temperature
If a larger heat pump is added to enable cold weather operation, then the A/C unit can operate at very cold temperatures, but the unit adds 6-8 inches to height and width and 50-90% additional weight
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pump components are extracted from the indoor unit and placed in the outdoor unit. This separation allows the heat pump to be positioned outside the building, eliminating the need to increase the size and weight of the indoor appliance. The outdoor unit, which is already positioned outside the window opening, can accommodate the additional heat pump components without affecting the interior space or making the indoor unit excessively heavy and difficult to install.
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
Enables easy and safe self-installation through standard window openings, provides full adjustability for various window sizes, and maintains functional connectivity between the indoor and outdoor units without the need for refrigerant line disconnection.
Implementation Method 1
the heat exchanger of the indoor unit is operatively connected with the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger of the outdoor unit
Data Source
AI summary
A window mounted air conditioning unit is disclosed. The A/C includes an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and a bridge. The indoor unit and outdoor unit are operatively connected by a line set (electrical wiring, refrigerant piping, condensate drainage piping, communication wiring, etc.) that is flexible and extensible and that resides in the bridge. The bridge is extendable from a first position to a second position to accommodate window openings of varying thicknesses. The A/C appliance is mounted to a separate mounting bracket that is itself extendable for varying width openings. The outdoor unit is pivotally connected to the bridge so that the outdoor unit can assume a first orientation during installation through a window opening, and a second orientation after passing through the window opening.