Air Conditioner Lighting Apparatus for Operational Mode Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is difficult for users to visually and tactually determine the operational state of an air conditioner when it is operating in a second mode, as the main outlet is closed and air is discharged through fine outlets at a very low speed, making it hard to identify the mode of operation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a lighting apparatus on the back surface of the opening and closing member, which emits light and changes the illuminated area based on the position of the opening and closing member, allowing users to intuitively identify the operational mode by illuminating the main outlet when it is open and the entire discharge panel when it is closed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the main outlet is closed by the opening and closing member and air is discharged through fine outlets at low speed, then energy efficiency is improved, but the operational state becomes difficult to identify visually and tactually
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a lighting apparatus that emits light of different colors or intensities to indicate different operational modes. When the air conditioner operates in the second mode (main outlet closed, fine outlets discharging), the lighting apparatus provides visual feedback through color or brightness changes, enabling users to intuitively identify the operational state despite the lack of strong air flow.
2Ease of operation
If air is discharged through fine outlets at extremely low speed, then comfort is improved, but tactile identification of operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting apparatus serves as an intermediary that translates the invisible or imperceptible operational state into visible information. Instead of relying on tactile sensation from weak air flow, the lighting apparatus provides an intermediate visual signal that mediates between the internal operational state and the user's perception, allowing comfortable low-speed discharge while maintaining detectability.
3Loss of energy
If the main outlet is closed to operate in second mode, then energy efficiency is improved, but visual identification of mode becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting apparatus provides real-time visual feedback about the operational mode to the user. By illuminating different areas or changing colors based on whether the main outlet is open or closed, the system creates a feedback loop that communicates the current operational state, preventing information loss and enabling users to understand whether the air conditioner is operating in the energy-efficient second mode.
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 users to easily distinguish between the first and second modes of operation by the change in illuminated area, enhancing user experience and clarity of the air conditioner's operational state.
Implementation Method 1
a lighting apparatus disposed on a back surface of the opening and closing member and configured to emit light to a back side thereof
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioner includes a main body, a blower fan disposed in the main body, a discharge panel including a main outlet configured to discharge air discharged from the blower fan and a plurality of fine outlets provided near the main outlet, an opening and closing member configured to move in forward and backward directions and open and close the main outlet, and a lighting apparatus disposed on a back surface of the opening and closing member and configured to emit light to a back side thereof. Since an area illuminated by the lighting apparatus is changed according to a position of the opening and closing member, a user intuitively identifies an operational state of the air conditioner.