Air conditioner including radar sensor and method of controlling operation of air conditioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioners using passive infrared (PIR) sensors are unable to accurately detect the location of a person, determine distance, and provide personalized services based on the person's location.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a radar sensor inside the indoor unit main body of the air conditioner, tilted at an angle between 50° and 70° towards the floor surface, to detect and track the location of individuals, allowing for adaptive control of wind volume and direction based on activity level and number of people.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a PIR sensor is used for human detection, then the presence of a person can be detected, but the exact location and distance of the person cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the PIR sensor (thermal detection system) with a radar sensor (electromagnetic wave system). The radar sensor transmits electromagnetic waves and detects reflections to precisely measure the distance and location of persons, overcoming the PIR sensor's inability to provide spatial information while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional thermal detection (presence/absence) to three-dimensional spatial detection (distance, angle, location). The radar sensor measures distance through time-of-flight calculations and determines angular position through antenna array processing, adding spatial dimensions to the detection capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the radar sensor is mounted to tilt at an angle towards the floor surface, then the detection coverage of the radar sensor is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a tiltable radar sensor mounting structure that can adjust its angle dynamically or be configured at different fixed angles. This allows the detection coverage to be optimized for different installation scenarios (ceiling-mounted at 50-70 degrees, wall-mounted at different angles) while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical mounting structure through standardized adjustment mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the air conditioner provides personalized services based on person location, then the comfort level is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the radar sensor continuously tracks person location and distance, and the controller adjusts air discharge parameters (direction, volume, temperature) based on this real-time feedback. This creates a closed-loop system that automatically adapts to user needs without requiring complex manual controls or multiple sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the air conditioner controller multi-functional by integrating detection data processing, activity level recognition, and air discharge control in a single unit. The same controller that manages basic cooling/heating also processes radar data, identifies user activities, and adjusts air flow parameters, eliminating the need for separate control systems.
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 precise detection of multiple people's locations and movements, enabling efficient energy-saving operations and personalized comfort settings, including security notifications and health monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a radar sensor provided inside the indoor unit main body and configured to detect a person
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an air conditioner including an indoor unit main body including a heat exchanger, a blower, and a blade, a radar sensor provided inside the indoor unit main body and configured to detect a person, and a sensor mounting portion on which the radar sensor is mounted to be tilted at a preset angle and directed toward a floor surface, wherein, when the indoor unit main body is located on one side of a ceiling, the preset angle is an angle between 50° and 70°.