Air conditioner including lighting module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ceiling-type air conditioners with lighting functions face limitations in panel arrangement due to the presence of air inlets and outlets, restricting the flexibility and efficiency of both lighting and air conditioning operations.
Innovation Solution
The air conditioner incorporates a moveable lighting panel with a discharge guide that can switch between positions to allow or block air flow, featuring a discharge guide with a length greater than the air outlet to prevent backflow and a sloped surface to guide air discharge, along with an elevating unit for panel movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a lighting panel is added to a ceiling-type air conditioner to provide lighting function, then the air conditioner gains lighting capability, but the arrangement of the lighting panel is restricted due to the presence of air inlet and air outlet
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting panel is made movable between a first position (lowered) and a second position (raised) to dynamically adjust its location relative to the air inlet and air outlet. This dynamic positioning allows the lighting panel to be arranged flexibly without being permanently restricted by the fixed air inlet/outlet positions, resolving the contradiction between adding lighting function and maintaining simple panel arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The air conditioner is divided into functionally independent modules: the air conditioning module with fixed air inlet/outlet and the movable lighting module. This segmentation allows each module to operate independently with optimized positioning, enabling the lighting panel to be arranged freely within its movable range without interfering with the air conditioning module's fixed structure
2Illumination intensity
If the lighting panel is positioned to block air flow for optimal lighting, then lighting performance is improved, but air conditioning efficiency deteriorates due to restricted air inlet and outlet
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting panel's movable design enables dynamic switching between two operational states: when lighting performance is prioritized, the panel moves to the second position (raised) to block air flow and improve illumination; when air conditioning efficiency is prioritized, the panel moves to the first position (lowered) to allow unobstructed air flow. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing optimal positioning for either function at different times
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting panel alternates between blocking and allowing air flow in periodic cycles based on operational requirements. During periods when lighting is needed, the panel blocks air flow; during periods when air conditioning is prioritized, the panel allows air flow. This periodic switching resolves the contradiction by distributing the conflicting requirements across different time periods
3Reliability
If a discharge guide is added to prevent backflow and guide air discharge, then air flow control is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge guide is merged with the lighting panel assembly, combining two functional elements (lighting and air flow guidance) into a single integrated structure. This merging reduces the overall device complexity by eliminating the need for a separate discharge guide component while still providing effective air flow control and backflow prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting panel assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: providing lighting illumination and simultaneously guiding air discharge while preventing backflow. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components for air flow control, thereby maintaining simpler device structure while improving air flow control reliability
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioner including an air conditioning module, a lighting module and a discharge guide between the air conditioning module and the lighting module. The air conditioning module includes a housing, air inlet, air outlet, heat exchanger, and fan. The lighting module includes a moveable lighting panel. The discharge guide moves with the lighting module. The lighting panel is moveable between a first position in which the lighting panel allows air to enter the air inlet and to be discharged from the air outlet and the discharge guide blocks the discharged air from entering the air inlet, and a second position in which the lighting panel restricts air from entering the air inlet and from being discharged from the air outlet as compared to the first position.