Apparatus and method for controlling air current in sleep mode of air conditioner

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional air conditioners in sleep mode fail to effectively control air currents based on indoor temperature, leading to discomfort and increased power consumption, as they produce indirect winds regardless of temperature needs and adjust fan rotations regardless of compressor operation.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that adjust the direction and volume of air currents in sleep mode by sensing indoor temperature and adjusting blade angles and fan rotations according to user-set or default control temperatures, producing direct, indirect, or intermittent winds, and varying fan speeds based on compressor operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the air conditioner produces indirect wind by adjusting blade angles in sleep mode, then user comfort is improved by preventing direct air contact, but user comfort deteriorates when high indoor temperature requires direct cooling airflow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser comfortVSAvoidadaptability to temperature conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The blade angles are made dynamically adjustable based on real-time temperature sensing. The control unit automatically modifies blade positions according to whether the compressor is operating, enabling the system to transition between indirect wind mode (compressor on) and direct wind mode (compressor off), thus adapting to varying thermal conditions while maintaining user comfort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of air discharge by adjusting blade angles according to compressor status. When compressor operates, blades are positioned for indirect wind; when compressor stops, blades adjust to enable direct wind, thereby changing the physical parameters of air flow direction and velocity to match thermal requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If the indoor fan rotates at regular intervals in sleep mode, then air circulation is maintained, but power consumption increases and user sensitivity to air current increases when compressor is switched off

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair circulationVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The indoor fan rotation speed is dynamically adjusted based on compressor operation status. During compressor operation, fan rotates at regular intervals to maintain air circulation. When compressor switches off, fan rotation is reduced or stopped, thereby reducing power consumption and minimizing user sensitivity to air current while still maintaining adequate air circulation through the thermal mass already cooled

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic fan rotation at regular intervals during compressor operation to maintain air circulation. This periodic action is modified based on compressor status, reducing frequency or stopping during off-periods, thereby balancing circulation requirements with energy conservation and reduced user sensitivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Use of energy by moving object

If the air conditioner always produces indirect wind in sleep mode, then power consumption is reduced, but cooling effectiveness deteriorates when high indoor temperature requires direct airflow to user

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcooling effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the air discharge parameters (direct vs. indirect wind) based on compressor operation and temperature conditions. When compressor operates and temperature is high, direct wind mode is enabled for effective cooling. When compressor is off and temperature is acceptable, indirect wind mode is used to reduce power consumption, thus dynamically adjusting parameters to balance energy use and cooling effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP1925887B1Apparatus and method for controlling air current in sleep mode of air conditioner
Publication Date: 2017.08.30 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP1925887B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1925887B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1925887B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An apparatus and method for controlling an air current in a sleep mode of an air conditioner, in which the directions of air discharged through discharge holes and the volume of the discharged air are controlled so as to reduce power consumption while creating a comfortable sleeping environment. The method for controlling an air current in a sleep mode of an air conditioner having blades for adjusting directions of discharged air, includes determining whether the sleep mode is inputted; sensing an indoor temperature, when it is determined that the sleep mode is inputted; and comparing the sensed indoor temperature with a set control temperature, and adjusting the directions of the discharged air according to the results of the comparison.