Air conditioner

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Solution Overview

Problem

Air conditioners with ion generators face challenges in efficiently generating ions over a wide area and preventing contamination of surrounding surfaces, as ions often accumulate on walls or ceilings, reducing charging and collection efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The ion generator is installed at a preset angle with respect to the suction panel, either directly connected or as a separate module, to generate ions in a wider area while minimizing contamination, with features like conic installation grooves and carbon brush wires to optimize ion distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the ion generator is disposed perpendicular to the filter assembly to generate ions in a wider area, then the ion generation area is improved, but excess ions attach to wall surfaces and cause contamination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveion generation areaVSAvoidwall surface contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The ion generator is positioned at a specific angle (preset angle) relative to the suction panel rather than perpendicular, creating a localized ion generation zone that targets the suction port area. This angled positioning ensures ions are directed toward the air intake rather than dispersing toward wall surfaces, thus improving ion generation effectiveness while preventing contamination of surrounding areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If the ion generator is disposed at the center of the filter assembly, then the device structure is simplified, but ions are generated in a limited area and charging efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveion generator positioning structureVSAvoidion generation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of positioning the ion generator only in the horizontal plane at the center of the filter assembly, the invention introduces an angular dimension by setting the ion generator at a preset angle relative to the suction panel. This dimensional change allows ions to be directed more effectively toward the suction port, expanding the useful ion generation area and improving charging efficiency without significantly complicating the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If ions are generated in a small area, then the device structure is simplified, but charging efficiency and collection efficiency of impurities are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveion generator configurationVSAvoidcharging efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the angular parameter of the ion generator positioning, setting it at a preset angle relative to the suction panel rather than using a conventional perpendicular or centered arrangement. This parameter change optimizes the ion distribution pattern, expanding the effective charging area and improving both charging efficiency and impurity collection efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple device configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances ion distribution over a wider area, reduces contamination of surrounding surfaces, and maintains efficient air purification while ensuring user safety and ion generator protection.

Implementation Method 1

an ion generator disposed in the suction panel and configured to generate ions in the air to be sucked in or received through the suction port

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Implementation Method 2

the at least one ion generator is configured to provide ions toward an outer surface of the suction panel in a direction having a preset angle with respect to the outer surface of the suction panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon wind: Ion Wind

Data Source

PatentEP3760935B1Air conditioner
Publication Date: 2023.05.31 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3760935B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3760935B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3760935B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An air conditioner includes a suction panel including a suction grille that defines a suction port configured to receive air, an heat exchanger and a fan that are positioned within the case, and an ion generator disposed in the suction panel and configured to generate ions in the air received through the suction port. The suction panel defines an installation groove recessed from an upper surface of the suction panel and configured to receive the ion generator therein. The ion generator is accommodated inside the installation groove and configured to provide ions toward the upper surface of the suction panel in an upward direction that defines a preset angle with respect to the suction panel.