Outdoor AC Unit Snow Detection and Fan Snow Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Outdoor air conditioner units can malfunction due to snow accumulation, which prevents them from operating effectively in winter conditions.
Innovation Solution
An outdoor air conditioner unit equipped with a detection system that uses an optical sensor and a reflecting plate to detect snow cover, coupled with a fan-operated snow cover detection area to remove accumulated snow, and a control method that drives the fan when snow is detected to prevent malfunction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the outdoor unit is exposed to external environment in winter, then the air conditioner can operate in cold conditions, but snow accumulation on the outdoor unit causes freezing and malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor detects snow accumulation on the outdoor unit before it causes freezing or malfunction. The control unit activates the fan to remove snow proactively, preventing the harmful effects of snow accumulation rather than reacting after damage occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor continuously monitors the outdoor unit surface for snow accumulation and provides feedback to the control unit. The control unit adjusts fan operation based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop system that maintains reliable operation in snowy conditions.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If an optical sensor and reflecting plate are added to detect snow cover, then snow detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A reflecting plate is introduced as an intermediary element to work with the optical sensor. The reflecting plate bounces light back to the sensor, creating a light path that detects snow accumulation. This intermediary approach enables reliable detection while keeping both components simple and compact.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor system serves multiple functions: detecting snow accumulation, determining snow thickness, and providing continuous monitoring feedback. This multi-functionality justifies the added components by delivering comprehensive detection capabilities from a single integrated system.
3Productivity
If the fan is activated to remove snow cover, then snow removal effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fan operates at partial capacity only when snow detection is triggered, rather than running continuously. The control unit activates the fan based on snow detection thresholds, providing sufficient snow removal power only when needed, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective snow clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan operates periodically based on snow accumulation detection rather than continuously. The control unit monitors optical sensor feedback and activates the fan in periodic cycles only when snow is detected, creating an energy-efficient operation pattern that maintains productivity while minimizing energy use.
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
Ensures the outdoor air conditioner unit can operate continuously by removing snow cover, preventing freezing and ensuring proper functioning during snowy conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a reflecting plate disposed to be spaced from the optical sensor and configured to reflect optical signals radiated from the light-emitting unit
Implementation Method 2
wind generated by an operation of the fan is able to pass through the snow cover detection area and remove accumulated snow
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an outdoor unit of an air conditioner that detects snow that piles up on the outdoor unit of the air conditioner and a method of controlling the same. When a detection device is installed in the outdoor unit and snow piles up in a snow cover detection area included in the detection device, it is detected using an optical sensor whether snow cover occurs. A value detected by the optical sensor is transmitted to a controller, and the controller compares the value with a default value, and when the controller receives a value different from the default value, the controller controls a fan driving unit to drive a fan. Wind generated by driving the fan removes snow that piles up in the snow cover detection area, a fan guard and a discharge port to prevent the fan from malfunctioning due to accumulated snow.