Air conditioner having variable air volume control device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Air conditioners lack the ability to independently vary the discharge rate of air in air cleaning mode, which is dependent on the flow rate in heating or cooling mode, limiting user control and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioner with a variable air volume control device that includes a blower and a controller to adjust the discharge rate of air independently in air cleaning mode, allowing for different ranges than in heating or cooling mode, using multiple variable air volume control devices and blower motor control lines to achieve this.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the air conditioner uses a single discharge rate control for both heating/cooling mode and air cleaning mode, then the device structure remains simple, but the user cannot independently adjust the discharge rate in air cleaning mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the air volume control system adjustable and mode-dependent. The controller dynamically selects different discharge rate ranges based on the operating mode (heating/cooling vs. air cleaning), allowing independent adjustment in air cleaning mode while maintaining a unified control interface. This resolves the contradiction by enabling adaptability without requiring completely separate control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter ranges of the discharge rate based on operating mode. In heating/cooling mode, the discharge rate is controlled within a first range, while in air cleaning mode, it is controlled within a second range that is independent and can be adjusted separately. This parameter differentiation allows independent control in air cleaning mode while using the same physical control device, avoiding excessive system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the air conditioner allows independent discharge rate adjustment in air cleaning mode, then user control and cleaning efficiency are improved, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing air volume control device universal by enabling it to function in both heating/cooling mode and air cleaning mode with different parameter ranges. The same control interface and actuator are used for both modes, but the controller configures different discharge rate ranges appropriately. This multi-functionality approach provides ease of operation without adding separate control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adapts its behavior based on the selected mode. When air cleaning mode is selected, the controller enables independent discharge rate adjustment within a predetermined second range. This dynamic configuration allows flexible user control in air cleaning mode while maintaining simplicity through a unified control interface that automatically adjusts its capabilities based on operating conditions.
3Productivity
If the discharge rate in air cleaning mode is dependent on heating/cooling mode, then the device structure remains simple, but noise reduction and cleaning efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters by defining a second discharge rate range for air cleaning mode that is independent from the first range used in heating/cooling mode. This allows the system to optimize discharge rates specifically for air cleaning applications, improving cleaning efficiency and enabling noise reduction through lower discharge rates, while maintaining a relatively simple device structure by using the same physical air volume control mechanism.
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
Enables independent adjustment of air discharge rate in air cleaning mode, reducing noise or increasing cleaning efficiency as needed, without significant structural changes, and prevents additional air cleaner purchases by allowing flexible operation within existing air conditioner structures.
Implementation Method 1
a blower placed in the indoor unit main body and blowing air toward the main outlet
Implementation Method 2
a controller adjusting a second discharge rate of air in an air cleaning mode independently of a first discharge rate of air in a heating or cooling mode
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an air conditioner including a variable air volume control device. The air conditioner includes: an indoor unit main body including a main outlet through which air is discharged; a blower placed in the indoor unit main body and blowing air toward the main outlet; and a controller adjusting a second discharge rate of air in an air cleaning mode independently of a first discharge rate of air in a heating or cooling mode, wherein the second discharge rate of air is varied within a range different from a range in which the first discharge rate of air is varied.