Air conditioner

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional electric dust collectors are difficult to miniaturize due to space requirements for power supply components and terminals, are not easily removable, and can hinder airflow and efficiency by being positioned near heat exchangers, leading to dew condensation and airflow obstruction.

Innovation Solution

The air cleaner is supported by the filter cleaning device and positioned apart from the heat exchanger, with a compact design that includes a charging unit and dust collecting unit with optimized electrode arrangements and terminal connections to minimize space and prevent airflow obstruction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the electric dust collector is positioned near the heat exchanger, then the device structure is compact, but dew condensation occurs and airflow is obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structure compactnessVSAvoiddew condensation and airflow obstruction
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The air cleaner is extracted from the traditional position near the heat exchanger and relocated to be supported by the filter cleaning device. This spatial separation eliminates the harmful effects of dew condensation and airflow obstruction while maintaining a compact overall device structure through the integration with the filter cleaning device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If power supply components and terminals are included in the electric dust collector, then the device is complete and functional, but the space required increases making miniaturization difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice completenessVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply components and terminals are merged with the air cleaner assembly, which is itself integrated with the filter cleaning device. This consolidation approach maintains all necessary functional components while minimizing the overall space required through strategic integration rather than separate placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the air cleaner is made removable for easy maintenance, then ease of operation improves, but electrical connection becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremovability for maintenanceVSAvoidelectrical connection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air cleaner is segmented as a removable module supported by the filter cleaning device, allowing easy removal for maintenance. The electrical connection is simplified through this modular design, where the air cleaner can be detached and reattached with straightforward electrical contacts, reducing the overall complexity of the connection system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 allows for easier attachment and removal of the air cleaner, improves airflow, and enhances the efficiency of the air conditioner by preventing dew condensation and maintaining airflow, while also allowing for a more compact and efficient design.

Implementation Method 1

The charging unit includes a high-voltage potential discharge electrode and a ground potential counter electrode and charges the microparticles in the passing air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic charge: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

The dust collecting unit includes a high-voltage potential high-voltage electrode and a ground potential counter electrode and collects the microparticles by a suction force of the generated electrostatic force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic force: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentEP3267124B1Air conditioner
Publication Date: 2022.05.04 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3267124B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3267124B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3267124B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In an air conditioner, an air cleaner (200) includes a charging unit (210) for charging particles in the air and a dust collecting unit (220) for collecting the particles charged by the charging unit (210) by an electrostatic force. A filter cleaning device (300) includes a device body (310) to house a filter (140) for capturing dust in the air in a movable form, and a part of the device body (310) forms a supporting part to support the air cleaner (200). An indoor unit body (110) houses the filter cleaning device (300), and houses the air cleaner (200) by supporting it by the supporting part.