Air conditioner having humidifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ceiling type air conditioners often discharge hot and dry air during heating, leading to uncomfortable indoor humidity levels.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a humidifying unit with a humidifying body that converts water into fine particles or droplets, supplied along the air discharge flow, and a water supply and drain structure to manage humidification needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heating operation is performed to maintain indoor temperature, then temperature comfort is improved, but indoor humidity decreases causing user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heating function with a humidifying function in a single air conditioner system. The humidifying unit is integrated into the air conditioner body, allowing simultaneous temperature control and humidity control through one device, thereby resolving the contradiction between temperature comfort and humidity maintenance during heating operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces water as an intermediary substance to address the humidity problem. The humidifying unit uses water to generate fine particles that are mixed with the discharged air, serving as a mediator to increase indoor humidity without interfering with the heating function. This intermediary approach allows independent control of humidity while maintaining temperature control
2Ease of operation
If humidifying water is continuously stored in the humidifying unit, then humidification function is ready, but odor from contaminated water occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic water management system where the water storage state changes based on operational needs. The control unit manages water supply to the humidifying unit only when humidification is required, and controls water drainage when humidification is not needed. This dynamic approach ensures the humidifying unit is ready for operation while preventing water contamination and odor through timely drainage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback control mechanism where the control unit monitors the operational state and adjusts water supply and drainage accordingly. When humidification is not required, the system drains water to prevent contamination; when humidification is needed, water is supplied to the humidifying unit. This feedback-based dynamic management resolves the contradiction between maintaining humidification readiness and preventing odor
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
Maintains comfortable indoor humidity levels without requiring a separate power device, preventing odor from contaminated water by managing water supply and drainage.
Implementation Method 1
a vibrator disposed inside the humidifying body to convert the humidifying water into fine particles
Data Source
AI summary
A ceiling type air conditioner includes a casing, a panel having a discharge hole and a suction hole, and a humidifying unit provided between the casing and the panel, the humidifying unit comprising a humidifying body in which humidifying water is contained. The humidifying body includes a bottom surface in which a humidifying suction hole corresponding to the suction hole and a humidifying discharge hole corresponding to the discharge hole are defined, an outer surface extending upward from an edge of the bottom surface, a suction-side surface extending upward from an edge of the humidifying suction hole, and a discharge-side surface extending upward from an edge of the humidifying discharge hole.