Air conditioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioners lack user-customized control and result in high power consumption and shortened filter lifespan due to inadequate consideration of individual user characteristics and odor intensity, leading to inefficient air purification.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioner with an input unit for user-subjective environment information, sensor units for indoor environment detection, an environment control module using machine learning to determine odor intensity, and a control unit that adjusts the deodorizing module's operation mode between a first and second mode based on user-specific settings, activating or deactivating a photocatalyst filter accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a photocatalyst filter is used to purify air with high decomposition power, then air purification effectiveness is improved, but power consumption increases and filter lifespan shortens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the photocatalyst filter operation dynamic rather than static. The control unit adjusts the operation state of the photocatalyst filter based on real-time odor intensity detection by the sensor unit and user feedback from the input unit. When odor intensity is high, the photocatalyst filter operates at high decomposition power; when odor intensity is low, it reduces or stops operation, thereby adapting power consumption to actual purification needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the photocatalyst filter based on detected conditions. The control unit modifies operation parameters (such as light intensity, airflow rate, or catalytic activity) according to odor intensity levels and user preferences. This parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain effective air purification when needed while reducing power consumption during periods of lower contamination.
2Ease of operation
If automatic operation mode is used to control fan driving degree, then user convenience is improved, but it cannot satisfy all users due to lack of consideration for individual odor sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by incorporating an input unit that allows users to provide feedback about their odor perception. The sensor unit detects odor intensity in the environment, and the control unit uses this information along with user feedback to adjust the operation of the photocatalyst filter. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to individual user sensitivities while maintaining automatic operation convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the control system into multiple independent components: sensor unit for environmental detection, input unit for user feedback, control unit for decision-making, and execution units (fan, photocatalyst filter). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together to provide both automatic operation and user customization capabilities.
3Productivity
If photocatalyst filter operates at high decomposition power continuously, then air purification effectiveness is improved, but filter lifespan shortens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by operating the photocatalyst filter intermittently rather than continuously. The control unit activates the photocatalyst filter based on periodic detection of odor intensity by the sensor unit and user feedback. When odor levels are high, the filter operates at high decomposition power; when odor levels are low or no odor is detected, the filter reduces or stops operation, thereby extending its lifespan while maintaining purification effectiveness when needed.
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
The air conditioner learns to quantify and respond to user-specific odor types and intensities, optimizing indoor environment control, extending filter lifespan, and reducing power consumption by varying the deodorizing module's operation mode.
Implementation Method 1
a second filter which is a photocatalyst filter including a photocatalyst
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention pertains to an air conditioner, the air conditioner according to the present invention comprising: an air conditioner body comprising an air inlet and an air outlet: an input unit for inputting subjective environment information recognized by a user; at least one sensor unit that generates indoor environment information by detecting indoor environment; an environment control module that generates environment control information on the basis of at least one of the environment information input by the user and the indoor environment information; and a control unit that controls the deodorizing module one the basis of the environment control information. wherein the control unit determines an intensity of smell recognized by the user one the bases of the environment control information, controls a deodorizing module so that the deodorizing module operates in a first mode when the intensity of the smell recognized by the user is low, and when the intensity of the smell recognized by the user is high, controls the deodorizing module so that the deodorizing module operates in a second mode, and thus, the air conditioner has excellent effect of enabling user-customized control, increasing the lifespan of a filter, and lowering power consumption.