Method and System to Attach Functional Modules Around Window AC Housing

Abstract

The apparatus and method disclosed herein is a new system that can be used as windows air conditioner's accessary and its possible embodiments. By first attaching base modules to the window air conditioner's housing and/or window frames, it can create an foundation with opening for attaching other functional modules. The functional modules attached on later are interchangeable and allow a variety of applications and combination of applications. The invention also makes installing and remove window AC unit more safer and easier. The invention had built a new ecosystem around the window air conditioner unit. It turns the current wasted spaces around windows AC housing into a unique area where users can design and customize for different functional uses. Because the functional modules are interchangeable, user can switch easily between different modules and designs with different possible combination from time to time to achieve different goals and meet different needs.  182137 Low profile, high volume, filtered window fan 4248018 Plastic multiple track window with slidable and removeable panes, and elements thereof 4510852 Window-type air conditioner mounting assembly 5035116 Apparatus to adapt a window air conditioning unit to a sliding glass window sill 5341860 Cover seal unit, for an air conditioner having a peripheral frame 5582025 Low obstruction window air conditioner 5979172 Non-drip high efficiency AC system utilizing condensate water for subcooling 6044892 Frame assembly 6354936 Opening-closing structure of an inlet grille in an air conditioner 6767278 Window-mounted air conditioner installation system 7350759 Quick release mounting for a room air conditioner 7992404 Window air conditioner with easy installation method 8167260 Window air conditioner adjustable brace 8584481 Integrated air conditioner

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device consists of base modules and functional modules. It may also contain some spacers connectors. Base modules, functional modules and spacers are bind together by making permanent or temporal connections. The assembly is then attached to window frame and used either as a window AC accessary or as a standalone device. 
     
     
         2 . The base modules of  claim 1  can be attached to one side or several sides of window AC unit's housing, or to the window frame, or to other types of non-window openings. The base module's size can be either fixed, or adjustable in length and width by using spacers. The base module can be either integrated as part of the AC housing, or it can be attached to the AC housing or window frame, or it can be attached to other openings directly. The attachment can be made by slide in, snap on, clipped on, clamped on, screwed on, stick to, etc. 
     
     
         3 . The functional modules of  claim 1  can be either attached onto base modules, spacers, other functional modules, or inserted into the matched-sized opening formed by base module, spacers and other functional modules. It can also be attached directly to the window frames, to openings or to window AC housing directly. The attachment can be made by slide in, snap on, clipped on, clamped on, screwed on, stick to, etc. 
     
     
         4 . The connections in  claim 1  can be either permanent or temporal. Permanent connections can be achieved by means of welding, screw, nail, interlocking mechanism, mortar, glue, tape, Velcro, clamp, magnets, or a combination of above. Temporal connections can be conducted in reversable and interchangeable ways by means of screw, nail, interlocking mechanism, glue, tape, Velcro, clamp, magnets, or a combination of above. 
     
     
         5 . The interlocking mechanism used in  claim 4  can be groove and tongue structure, mortise and tenon structure, LEGO connector style structure, button, latches, hinge, etc. or the combination of above or the similar. Interlocking mechanism can be used to identify special pairs of part that need to be put together by making the extruded and indented interlocking area unique, such as by using a letter, number, symbol, pattern or combination of such alike. One type of interlocking mechanism can be either used alone or used in combination with other interlocking mechanisms. Interlocking mechanisms can be used alone or together with other means of enforcement connections such as with screws, bolts, or glue. 
     
     
         6 . The material used to make the base module, functional module and spacers in  claim 1  can be either hard or soft, like metal, wood, glass, ceramic, polycarbonate, plastic, rubber, resin, fabric, or other composite or various of in combinations of any above. If a hard material is used, then any small gaps between modules or between modules and window frames can be filled, padded or sealed with rubble, silicon, tape, fabrics or the like so to provide tight fits thus making a better insulation barrier of heat, dust and sound. Both modules and spacers can be made in different thickness so to provide different levels of insulation barrier depends on customer's needs. 
     
     
         7 . The material used to make the base module, functional module and spacers in  claim 1  can be of either opaque or clear, or any grade of transparency between. It can be of any color, either in a single color or combination of mixed or mosaic of multiple colors. It can be of any texture, or mixed combination of textures. It can be painted, stained or coated or plain. 
     
     
         8 . The functional module in  claim 3  can have functions that does not need any power supply. Such as see-through panels, light blocking panels, filter, shade, storage bin, bookshelf, calendar, tissue holder, drawer, tray, photo album, mirror, flower vase, mechanic clock and alarm, thermometer, statue, Eco globes, fish tanks, white board, cup holder, jewelry hanger, room decorations, etc. or any combination of above or such alike. 
     
     
         9 . The functional module in  claim 3  can have electronic components. It may work passively or it may need power supply to operate. 
     
     
         10 . The electronic components in  claim 9  may be PCB, switch, motor, LED lights, microphone, display, CPU, RFID chip, memory chip, UV light, heating elements. The module can have functions as a fan, light, cigarette lighter, charger, speaker, radio, weather station, sound machines, security camera, voice recorder, ionizer, air purifier, UV lights, heater, cooler, fragrant/freshener dispenser, clock, alarm, WIFI equipment, phone docking station, telecommunication equipment's like TV receiver, or cellphone signal antenna, etc., or any combinations of above or such alike. 
     
     
         11 . The functional module in  claim 3  can be connected to external power supply source. The external power source can be either wired power source like a DC power input or AC power input, or wireless power source. The wired power source can be a power supply from battery pack or wall outlets, or it can draw power from the window AC unit's circuit, or from other functional modules that has a power supply output function. The functional modules will have built-in power connectors like male plugs or pins and female sockets to receive power from those wired external power supply sources. 
     
     
         12 . The functional module in  claim 3  can consist of an internal built-in power supply component. The Built-in power source can be rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries, solar panels, or any combination of above. 
     
     
         13 . The base module in  claim 2  can be enforced by added extra bars that extend beyond the width of the window opening and rest itself on window frames instead of window sash. The pressure that the base modules and window AC housing had put on window sash can be further adjusted by a leveling footing pad screw onto the enforcement bars at the ends and rest on the window frames. 
     
     
         14 . The base module in  claim 2  can be attached to window frame or other non-window openings directly as a standalone device, without any window AC units being involved at all. The openings do not have to be rectangular in shape, and can be of any shape, even irregular shapes. The base modules can be customized to match the opening's shape and size, and then have other functional modules to be attached to it.