Air conditioner and method of controlling the same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air conditioning systems face challenges in accurately and efficiently determining how each indoor unit is connected to a mode change device during mode changes, leading to potential misconfiguration and reduced operational efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The air conditioner system includes an outdoor unit and multiple indoor units connected through mode change devices with branch ducts and changing valves, where the outdoor unit determines the operation mode of the mode change devices, and each indoor unit detects temperature changes to identify connected mode changers, extract valid mode changers, and obtain branch duct connection information, allowing for automatic and accurate connection determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual configuration of connection information is used, then user control is maintained, but configuration errors and reduced efficiency occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection determination accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The indoor units automatically determine their connection information to mode change devices by detecting temperature changes in their heat exchangers during mode change operations. The system performs self-configuration without requiring manual user input, thereby eliminating configuration errors and reducing setup time while maintaining accurate connection determination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses temperature change feedback from the heat exchanger during mode changes to automatically identify which mode change device is connected to each indoor unit. By monitoring the thermal response during controlled mode transitions, the system accurately determines connection relationships without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Extent of automation

If automatic determination through temperature detection is implemented, then configuration accuracy improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic connection determinationVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual configuration procedures with automatic temperature-based detection. By using the existing thermal response of the heat exchanger during mode changes, the system eliminates the need for complex external testing equipment or manual wiring verification, achieving automation through simple temperature sensing of already-present components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple mode change devices are used for different indoor spaces, then operational versatility improves, but connection determination difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-space operation capabilityVSAvoidconnection identification difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs segmented automatic determination for each indoor unit independently. Each indoor unit separately detects temperature changes during mode changes to identify its specific connected mode change device, allowing the system to handle multiple devices and indoor units without increasing overall determination difficulty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution enables prompt and accurate determination of indoor unit connections to mode change devices, reducing user input errors, improving operational efficiency, and simplifying the process of obtaining connection information between indoor units and mode change devices.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the plurality of indoor units may be configured to detect a temperature change of an indoor heat exchanger in response to the operation of the plurality of mode change devices

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature change detection:

Data Source

PatentUS11994309B2Air conditioner and method of controlling the same

Publication Date: 2024.05.28 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An air conditioner includes an outdoor unit, a plurality of mode change devices including at least one mode changer including a branch duct and a changing valve, and configured to receive a control signal from the outdoor unit to control an operation of the at least one mode changer. A plurality of indoor units are connected to the outdoor unit or the plurality of mode change devices. The outdoor unit may determine an operation mode to operate the plurality of mode change devices a plurality of times. Each of the plurality of indoor units may detect a temperature change of an indoor heat exchanger in response to the operation of the mode change devices, to determine the number of connected mode changers and a connectable mode changer candidate group based on the temperature change of the indoor heat exchanger.