DESIGN NAME: FDTC Cassette Draft Prevention Unit
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Air Conditioning Cassette
INSPIRATION: To enhance the product offering from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in both commercial and residential sectors using latest technologies as well as a new unique design for the market. Over the last few years there was no real change to the compact cassete market for many years - This unit has defined the change and shown the innovative steps Mitsubishi Heavy Industries have taken to comply with change; design and efficiency. New unique design offers draft free efficiency to the market.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The attractive FDTC compact cassette model was created to meet the demanding expectations of the European air conditioning market. Its gently curved design, offers highly efficient cooling and heating. The newly designed model offers lower running costs and energy expenditure, combined with advanced engineering and new design features. It's new draft prevention panel provides increased comfort with improved noise reduction, creating an ideal environment for it's user.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: The unit is operated through the remote control. The remote allows you to use the various functions for energy saving, air flow operations, as well as time the operation of the unit.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project started in late 2016 in London. The project design was finally completed early 2017 which was then approved for production.
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Product Engineering and Technical Design
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: The Panel is produced using injection moulding technology and white plastic. During the process we worked with quickly handcrafted mock-ups to evaluate and refine the design. In a later phase of the project CAD-Data was used to make an accurate 3D print for functional testing.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Panel Dimensions: 620mm x 620mm x 10mm, Unit Dimensions: 620mm x 620mm x 248mm.
Commercial-grade air conditioner
TAGS: air conditioning, efficiency, draft free, lightweight, stylish, unique, energy savings,
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: This design was targeted at the European market. We researched local competitors and the environments where the product would be used to derive the requirements for our design. All the technical considerations were analysed and then interrogated, from the dimensions and physical form to the air flow through the grill holes. A simple and trouble free installation into a grid-system ceiling comprised of latticed panels from 600 x 600mm to 625 x 625mm was also a critical goal. Inputs from all the stakeholders were taken into account throughout the process and helped us to define a not only beautiful, but highly functional product.
CHALLENGE: The main challenge we faced was to combine the complex folding mechanism of the Air Flex louvers and the modular interchangeable corner elements into a slim and elegant panel. Finding an attractive design for the grill which allowed for the desired level of air flow was also a significant challenge.
ADDED DATE: 2018-11-23 11:52:39
TEAM MEMBERS (1) :
IMAGE CREDITS: Zweigrad GmbH and Co. KG, 2018.
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