Indoor AC Receiving Window Integrating Display and Remote Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing indoor air conditioner units have exposed display and manipulation parts that detract from their exterior appearance and complicate service access, as they require external exposure for operation signal reception and state display.

Innovation Solution

An indoor air conditioner unit design featuring a receiving window made of light transmission material for signal reception and LED lighting to display operation states through a single window, with the receiving part and LED positioned to minimize external exposure and enhance user interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If display parts and receiving parts are exposed on the front panel, then remote control operation and state display are enabled, but exterior appearance is deteriorated and service access is complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control operationVSAvoidexterior appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The display parts and receiving parts are extracted from the front panel and relocated to the lower surface of the indoor unit. This extraction allows the front panel to maintain a clean, uninterrupted appearance while the functional components remain accessible for remote control operation and state display.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The display and receiving components are moved from the front panel (vertical dimension) to the lower surface (horizontal dimension). This dimensional relocation allows both aesthetic requirements and functional requirements to be satisfied simultaneously by utilizing a different spatial plane.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If display parts and receiving parts are exposed on the front panel, then remote control operation and state display are enabled, but service works become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestate displayVSAvoidservice access
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The display parts and receiving parts are extracted from the front panel and relocated to the lower surface where service personnel can easily access them for maintenance and repair without disassembling the front panel or other components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The lower surface location allows service personnel to easily access and maintain the display and receiving components without requiring complex disassembly procedures, enabling more straightforward service works.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple components are exposed on the front panel, then functional requirements are met, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation signal receptionVSAvoidnumber of exposed components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display parts and receiving parts are merged into a single integrated assembly located on the lower surface of the indoor unit. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components that need to be individually managed and installed, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining all necessary functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lower surface location serves multiple functions: it provides a clean aesthetic appearance, enables easy service access, and accommodates both display and receiving components in a unified structure, reducing the need for separate mounting locations and simplifying the overall design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 design improves the aesthetic appeal and serviceability of indoor air conditioner units by integrating signal reception and state display within a single window, reducing external components and simplifying the exterior while maintaining effective remote control functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a receiving part disposed under the receiving window to receive a manipulation signal of a remote controller

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation detection: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

an LED disposed on a side of the receiving part to emit light toward the receiving window, thereby displaying an operation state of the indoor unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission from LED: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP2873927B1Indoor unit for air conditioner
Publication Date: 2019.12.25 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2873927B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2873927B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2873927B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Provided is an indoor unit for an air conditioner. Display of an operation state of the indoor unit and reception of an operation signal of a remoter controller are performed through one window to reduce production costs and realize a more elegant exterior.