Indoor AC Outlet Structure for Airflow Recirculation Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioner indoor units face challenges in improving air conditioning performance, usability, and preventing re-circulation of air from outlets back into inlets, which affects efficiency and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
The indoor unit design includes a housing with separate outlets, a movable blade to control airflow, a panel with guide holes, and a door mechanism that rotates to direct airflow effectively, preventing re-circulation by covering or exposing guide holes based on the blade's position, and utilizing a gear assembly and motor for precise airflow management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single outlet is used in conventional indoor units, then the structure is simple, but air conditioning performance is insufficient and re-circulation cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The single outlet is segmented into multiple outlets (first outlet and second outlet) with different functions. The first outlet discharges air in the original flow direction while the second outlet discharges air in a different direction, preventing re-circulation and improving air conditioning performance through functional division.
Solution Approach 2:
A movable panel with guide holes is introduced to dynamically control airflow direction. The panel can move between positions to expose or cover guide holes, enabling flexible switching between different airflow patterns (first airflow pattern through first outlet, second airflow pattern through second outlet) based on operational requirements.
2Loss of energy
If airflow direction is not controlled, then the device is simple to operate, but air re-circulation occurs reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit monitors operational conditions (cooling, heating, defrosting modes) and automatically adjusts the panel position and outlet selection to optimize airflow direction. This feedback mechanism prevents re-circulation by ensuring discharged air does not return to the inlet, reducing energy consumption without requiring manual user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages airflow direction control through the movable panel and outlet selection based on its own operational state. The control unit independently determines the optimal configuration (which outlet to use, whether to expose guide holes) without external control, making the energy optimization self-managing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the blade covers the first outlet continuously, then air flow is directed to the second outlet, but usability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is made movable to dynamically adjust the opening of the first outlet based on operational mode. During cooling operation, the blade opens the first outlet for direct discharge; during defrosting, it closes the first outlet to direct air through the second outlet. This dynamic adjustment provides adaptability while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The first outlet serves multiple functions through the blade's positional control: it can discharge air directly during cooling mode and can have its flow redirected through the panel's guide holes during other modes. The blade and panel combination enables a single outlet structure to perform multiple airflow functions, enhancing versatility without complicating operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An indoor unit of an air conditioner includes: a housing including an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet; a panel arranged inside the housing and having a guide hole configured to guide air, which is directed to the first outlet, to the second outlet; a blade configured to move between a first position in which the blade covers the first outlet and a second position in which the blade exposes the first outlet; and a door connected to the blade and configured to move between a third position in which the door exposes the guide hole of the panel and a fourth position which in which the door covers the guide hole of the panel.