Air conditioner unit having a sterilization light assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioner units face challenges in effectively sterilizing air without bulky or energy-intensive light assemblies, and in reliably preventing damage from moisture and heat within the unit.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioner unit with a sterilization light assembly that includes ultraviolet light sources mounted on a heat shield within the indoor portion, directed to transmit UV emissions effectively while being protected from moisture and heat, ensuring reliable air sterilization without significant increases in size or cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a light assembly is used to sterilize air flowing through the air conditioner unit, then the sterilization effectiveness is improved, but the light assembly may be damaged by moisture or excessive heat generated within the unit
Solution Approach 1:
A heat shield is introduced as an intermediary component between the UV light assembly and the indoor components. The heat shield blocks excessive heat generated within the indoor portion from reaching the UV light assembly, thereby protecting it from thermal damage while allowing the assembly to effectively sterilize air flowing through the unit
2Reliability
If a light assembly is designed to direct light to a significant portion of air flowing through the unit, then the sterilization coverage is improved, but the light assembly becomes bulky or energy intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The UV light assembly is positioned in the vertical dimension below the indoor fan, utilizing the vertical space within the indoor portion. This spatial arrangement allows the light to effectively sterilize air flowing through the unit without requiring a bulky horizontal expansion of the assembly, thereby maintaining compact dimensions while achieving comprehensive sterilization coverage
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 provides effective sterilization of air flowing through the unit, reducing the transmission of microbes, bacteria, and viruses while maintaining the unit's operational efficiency and durability.
Implementation Method 1
The sterilization light assembly may be disposed within the indoor portion below the indoor fan and directed forward to transmit an ultraviolet light emission within the indoor portion
Implementation Method 2
The sterilization light assembly may be mounted on the heat shield within the indoor portion to transmit an ultraviolet light emission thereto
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioner unit may include a housing, an outdoor heat exchanger assembly, an indoor heat exchanger assembly, a compressor, and a sterilization light assembly. The housing may define an indoor portion and outdoor portion. The housing may further define an exhaust outlet downstream from the indoor portion to exhaust air. The outdoor heat exchanger assembly may be disposed in the outdoor portion and include an outdoor heat exchanger. The indoor heat exchanger assembly may be disposed in the indoor portion and include an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor fan. The compressor may be in fluid communication with the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger to circulate a refrigerant between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger. The sterilization light assembly may be disposed within the indoor portion below the indoor fan and directed forward to transmit an ultraviolet light emission within the indoor portion.