Air-conditioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wall-mounted air conditioners, temperature sensors close to the evaporator suffer from thermal radiation and mechanical damage, leading to inaccurate temperature readings and potential safety risks due to their proximity to the air inlet and evaporator fins.
Innovation Solution
The temperature sensor is positioned on the front panel adjacent to the air inlet, within an electric element cavity defined by an electric element cover with a vent, which minimizes influence from the evaporator and allows for accurate temperature measurement while being protected from mechanical damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor is disposed on the evaporator surface close to the air inlet, then the sensor can detect temperature near the air inlet, but the sensor suffers thermal radiation from the evaporator causing inaccurate temperature readings
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is extracted from the evaporator surface and relocated to the front panel, separating it from the thermal radiation source. This allows the sensor to measure ambient temperature near the air inlet without being affected by evaporator thermal radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The front panel acts as an intermediary structure that positions the temperature sensor in a location where it can access ambient temperature information near the air inlet while being shielded from direct thermal radiation of the evaporator.
2Reliability
If the temperature sensor is disposed on the evaporator surface, then the sensor is positioned near the air inlet, but the signal wire contacts and rubs against evaporator fins causing wire cutoff and sensor failure
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor and its signal wire are extracted from the evaporator assembly and relocated to the front panel, eliminating contact with evaporator fins and preventing mechanical damage during assembly and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensing function is maintained by positioning a sensor on the front panel that measures ambient temperature in the same region, providing an equivalent measurement without the mechanical risks of evaporator surface mounting.
3Reliability
If the temperature sensor is disposed on the cover plate of the electric motor, then the sensor is protected from mechanical damage, but the air inlet channel becomes narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The front panel provides a localized mounting position that offers both protection for the temperature sensor and sufficient space to maintain adequate air inlet channel dimensions, achieving both sensor reliability and proper airflow.
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 enhances the accuracy of temperature measurement and prevents mechanical damage to the sensor, improving the reliability and safety of the air conditioner's temperature sensing system.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature sensor tends to suffer a thermal radiation of the evaporator, thus causing an apparent difference between an obtained ambient temperature and an actual ambient temperature
Data Source
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AI summary
An air-conditioner (10), comprising a housing (12), an evaporator (14), a front panel (16) and a temperature sensor (18). The housing (12) is provided with an air inlet (120) and an air outlet (122). The evaporator (14) is arranged in the housing (12). The front panel (16) is arranged on the front surface of the housing (12). The temperature sensor (18) is arranged on the back surface of the front panel (16) and is used for sensing ambient temperature.