Window Vent Kit Height Locking for Portable Air Conditioner Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable air conditioners lack an adjustable height mechanism for the discharge kit, leading to potential air leaks due to misfitting with window frames, and the existing screw-based adjustment systems are prone to damage and have short lifespans without effective sealing.
Innovation Solution
The air conditioner incorporates a kit with a main board and vertically movable sub-boards, connected via holders and racks with protrusions that adjust the height by inserting into grooves, and includes a supporter and gasket system for secure fitting and sealing against the window frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the height of the kit is adjusted by fastening a screw, then the height can be changed to fit different window frames, but the screw is damaged by external forces resulting in a short lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The kit is divided into multiple height levels with separate support structures for each level. Instead of using a single adjustable screw mechanism, the support is segmented into discrete height positions that can be selected and locked independently, eliminating the need for continuous adjustment components that are prone to damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The kit transitions from a static screw-based adjustment system to a dynamic selection system where the user can choose from multiple pre-defined height positions. The support structure can be repositioned between different height levels and locked into place, providing both adjustability and structural integrity at each position.
2Device complexity
If no sealing structure is provided between the kit and window frame, then the structure remains simple, but external air flows inside through the gap
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible gasket or sealing film is introduced between the kit and the window frame. This thin flexible element conforms to the interface geometry and creates an effective seal against air infiltration, while adding minimal structural complexity to the overall design.
3Reliability
If the kit structure is fixed without height adjustment capability, then the structure remains simple and durable, but it cannot fit various heights of window frames causing air leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The kit is designed with multi-functionality to accommodate different window frame heights while maintaining effective sealing. The support structure can be positioned at multiple height levels, and the sealing mechanism adapts to different interface geometries, making the kit universally applicable to various installation scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioner is provided that may include a case in which a heat exchanger is disposed and having an air inlet and an air outlet; a discharge pipe that communicates with the air outlet and extends outside of the case; and a kit having a discharge port in which the discharge pipe is fixed, and configured to be disposed at a window frame. The kit may include a main board in which the discharge port is formed; at least one sub-board configured to be movable up and down with respect to the main board; a rack connected with one of the main board or the at least one sub-board and forming a plurality of grooves spaced apart from each other in an upward-downward direction; and a holder connected with the other one of the main board or the at least one sub-board and having a protrusion inserted into one of the plurality of grooves to restrict upward-downward movement of the at least one sub-board.