Air Conditioner Lower-Surface Outlet Design to Reduce Noise Leakage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users often experience discomfort due to noise generated by functional components inside air conditioners during operation.
Innovation Solution
The air conditioner design features an air outlet exclusively on the lower surface of the main body, with airflow direction control vanes that pivot to adjust airflow directions without exposing noise-generating components to the front, thereby preventing noise leakage and enhancing airflow control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If air outlets are formed in both lower surface and front surface of the main body, then airflow distribution is improved, but noise leakage to users increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air outlet is segmented into multiple independent openings distributed across different surfaces (lower surface and front surface). This segmentation allows airflow to be distributed through multiple paths while maintaining control over noise propagation, as each segmented outlet can be independently managed for airflow direction and noise containment.
Solution Approach 2:
A noise prevention structure (grille or cover) is introduced as an intermediary element between the functional components and the external environment. This intermediary structure allows airflow to pass through while blocking noise transmission, effectively mediating between the need for airflow distribution and the need to prevent noise leakage.
2Ease of operation
If airflow direction control vanes are added to adjust airflow directions, then airflow directionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow direction control vanes are designed as movable/dynamic components that can adjust their orientation to change airflow direction. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt airflow patterns as needed while maintaining a relatively simple base structure, resolving the contradiction between operational flexibility and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The airflow direction control vanes serve multiple functions: they control airflow direction, can be integrated with the noise prevention structure, and may work in conjunction with the segmented air outlets to provide comprehensive airflow management. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If air outlet is formed only in lower surface, then noise leakage is reduced, but airflow distribution to front area decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The air outlet configuration transitions from a single-surface arrangement to a multi-surface distribution, utilizing both the lower surface and front surface of the main body. This dimensional expansion allows airflow to reach front areas effectively while the lower surface outlets continue to provide noise containment, thus resolving the spatial distribution challenge.
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 effectively reduces noise pollution and improves airflow directionality, ensuring user comfort while maintaining design aesthetics and preventing dust intrusion during shutdown.
Implementation Method 1
an air sending fan arranged in a main body of the air conditioner
Implementation Method 2
airflow direction control vanes that pivot to adjust airflow directions
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An air conditioner (100) includes a main body (1) having an air inlet (2a, 2b) and an air outlet (3) formed therein. The main body includes a front surface (1a), a rear surface (1c), an upper surface (1b), a lower surface (1d), and a pair of side surfaces (1e). The air inlet is formed in any one of the front surface, the upper surface, and the side surfaces. The air outlet is formed in the lower surface without extending to the front surface. An outlet air duct is defined upstream of the air outlet. A diffuser defines the front surface side of the outlet air duct. In side view, as the diffuser extends, downstream of the diffuser is away from an imaginary line that is a line extended from upstream of the diffuser.