Indoor AC Outlet Deflector Layout for Forward Cooling Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing indoor air-conditioning units with air outlets only on the bottom surface obstruct forward air flow during cooling operations, leading to insufficient air distribution and condensation on the front panel, which reduces user comfort and causes water stains.
Innovation Solution
The indoor unit incorporates a box-shaped casing with air inlets on the top and outlets on the bottom, featuring a vertical deflector and two auxiliary deflectors that adjust air flow direction, positioning the first auxiliary deflector on the front surface and the second below it to direct cold air forward, preventing condensation on the front panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the air outlet is provided only in the bottom surface of the casing, then the appearance is improved and the air outlet is inconspicuous, but the forward air flow is obstructed and air distribution is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the air outlet in the vertical direction by positioning deflectors below the bottom surface of the casing. The first auxiliary vertical deflector has its downstream end positioned below the bottom surface, creating a vertical extension of the air outlet functionality while maintaining the clean front appearance of the casing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs rotatable deflectors (vertical deflector, first auxiliary vertical deflector, and second auxiliary vertical deflector) that can dynamically adjust air flow direction. During cooling operation, these deflectors are positioned to direct air forward; during heating operation, they are positioned to direct air downward, adapting to different operational requirements.
2Device complexity
If the air outlet is provided only in the bottom surface of the casing, then the structure is simplified, but condensation occurs on the front panel due to cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the first auxiliary vertical deflector such that its downstream end extends below the bottom surface of the casing. This vertical extension creates a spatial separation between the cold air flow path and the front panel, preventing the front panel from being cooled to the dew point while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The first auxiliary vertical deflector acts as an intermediary element that intercepts and redirects cold air flow. By positioning this deflector with its upstream end above the vertical deflector and downstream end below the bottom surface, it serves as a barrier that prevents cold air from directly cooling the front panel, thereby eliminating condensation.
3Ease of operation
If the vertical deflector is used to direct air downward, then air flow control is improved, but forward air flow is blocked and user comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple rotatable deflectors that can dynamically adjust their positions based on operational mode. During cooling operation, the deflectors are positioned to direct air forward, ensuring user comfort. During heating operation, they are positioned to direct air downward. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize air flow control for different scenarios without compromising user comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the air flow control function into multiple segmented deflectors (vertical deflector, first auxiliary vertical deflector, and second auxiliary vertical deflector) positioned at different locations. Each deflector handles a specific portion of the air flow, allowing independent optimization of forward and downward air flow paths. This segmentation enables the system to direct air forward during cooling while preventing blockage, and direct air downward during heating without affecting user comfort.
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
This configuration ensures effective forward air distribution, reduces condensation on the front panel, and enhances user comfort by preventing water stains on surrounding surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger disposed in the casing and configured to cause the indoor air to exchange heat with refrigerant to supply the conditioned air
Implementation Method 2
an air-sending device disposed in the casing and configured to suck in indoor air through the air inlet and blow conditioned air through the air outlet
Implementation Method 3
a vertical deflector, a first auxiliary vertical deflector, and a second auxiliary vertical deflector each rotatably arranged in the air outlet and configured to change an air flow direction in a vertical direction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An indoor unit for an air-conditioning apparatus includes a box-shaped casing having an air inlet in a top surface of the casing and an air outlet in a bottom surface of the casing, an air-sending device disposed in the casing and configured to suck in indoor air through the air inlet and blow conditioned air through the air outlet, a heat exchanger disposed in the casing and configured to cause the indoor air to exchange heat with refrigerant to supply the conditioned air, a vertical deflector, a first auxiliary vertical deflector, and a second auxiliary vertical deflector each rotatably arranged in the air outlet and configured to change an air flow direction in a vertical direction. During a cooling operation, the first auxiliary vertical deflector is positioned on a side of a front surface of the casing, a downstream end of the first auxiliary vertical deflector is positioned below the bottom surface of the casing, the second auxiliary vertical deflector is positioned below the first auxiliary vertical deflector, and an upstream end of the second auxiliary vertical deflector is positioned above the vertical deflector.