Air Conditioner Multi-Outlet Duct Design for Versatile Airflow Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioners lack the ability to maintain comfortable temperature and humidity while preventing users from feeling direct cooling winds, and they do not offer versatile airflow directions, speeds, and types.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioner design featuring a housing with separate wind paths, a heat exchanger, and a duct system with a valve mechanism that includes linear actuators and damper plates to control airflow through multiple outlets, allowing for adjustable airflow distribution and speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single outlet design is used, then the device complexity is low, but the airflow control versatility is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The single outlet is divided into multiple sub-outlets (first outlet, second outlet, third outlet) with independent control mechanisms. Each outlet can be controlled separately to discharge airflow in different directions and at different speeds, enabling versatile airflow control while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet structure incorporates movable components such as adjustable guide vanes and controllable dampers that can dynamically change the discharge direction and speed of airflow. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to different airflow requirements without increasing fundamental structural complexity.
2Temperature
If high-speed airflow is discharged, then the cooling effect is strong, but the user feels direct cooling wind
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow is divided into multiple streams through separate outlets. Some outlets discharge high-speed airflow for strong cooling effect, while other outlets discharge low-speed airflow to create gentle circulation. This segmentation allows the system to provide both strong cooling and comfort simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Different outlets are designed with different discharge characteristics tailored to their specific functions. For example, outlets positioned away from direct user contact areas discharge higher speed airflow, while outlets near user areas discharge lower speed airflow, creating locally optimized airflow quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple outlets with independent control are provided, then the airflow control versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system uses a unified set of actuators and control logic to manage multiple outlets. The same type of actuator (e.g., linear actuators or rotary actuators) is used across different outlets, and the control system integrates control of all outlets through a single interface, reducing the complexity increase that would otherwise result from having multiple independent control systems.
4Temperature
If airflow is directed toward specific areas, then the targeted cooling effect is improved, but the airflow distribution flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Each outlet is equipped with adjustable guide vanes or directional nozzles that can dynamically change the discharge direction. This allows the system to target specific areas for cooling when needed, while also maintaining the flexibility to distribute airflow uniformly or in various patterns by adjusting the directional settings of different outlets.
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
The solution enables the air conditioner to maintain comfortable indoor conditions by adjusting airflow to prevent direct cooling wind sensation and provide various wind directions, speeds, and flow types, enhancing user comfort and control.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with air suctioned through the first inlet
Implementation Method 2
a first blower configured to discharge the air having exchanged the heat toward the first outlet
Implementation Method 3
a second blower configured to discharge air suctioned through the second inlet
Implementation Method 4
a valve provided in the duct and configured to control a flow of air flowing toward the first duct outlet port and a flow of air flowing toward the second duct outlet port
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioner includes a housing having a first inlet and a second inlet; a front panel disposed on a front side of the housing; a first outlet provided in the front panel; a second outlet provided adjacent to the front panel; a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with air suctioned through the first inlet; a first blower configured to discharge the air having exchanged the heat toward the first outlet; a second blower configured to discharge air suctioned through the second inlet; a duct configured to guide the air discharged from the second blower to be discharged through the second outlet, the duct including a first duct outlet port communicably connected with the second outlet and a second duct outlet port communicably connected with the second outlet; and a valve provided in the duct and configured to control a flow of air flowing toward the first duct outlet port and a flow of air flowing toward the second duct outlet port.