Air conditioner unit and methods of operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioner units face challenges in effectively sterilizing air due to bulky or energy-intensive UV light assemblies, and existing systems lack adjustable sanitizing modes to accommodate varying occupancy and conditions.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioner unit with a sterilization light assembly that can be activated at different intensity levels of ultraviolet light emissions, controlled by a controller to respond to varying command signals, ensuring effective air sterilization while being compact and energy-efficient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a UV light assembly is used to sterilize air, then air sterilization effectiveness is improved, but the device becomes bulky and energy-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sterilization function from a traditional bulky UV light assembly and implements it using LED technology, which provides the same sterilization effect in a much more compact form factor. The LED-based sterilization light source maintains air sterilization effectiveness while eliminating the need for large, complex lighting assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the light source from traditional UV lamps to LED technology, which operates at different intensity levels and energy consumption characteristics. This parameter change enables effective sterilization with reduced device size and lower energy requirements.
2Reliability
If a UV light assembly is used to sterilize air, then air sterilization effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy consumption parameter by replacing traditional UV lamps with LED technology. LEDs consume significantly less energy while providing equivalent or superior sterilization effectiveness. The system can operate at different intensity levels, allowing optimization of energy usage based on actual sterilization needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic sterilization cycles rather than continuous operation, using a controller to activate the LED sterilization light source at predetermined intervals. This periodic action maintains air sterilization effectiveness while dramatically reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous UV lamp operation.
3Device complexity
If a fixed intensity UV light assembly is used, then sterilization is simplified, but adaptability to varying occupancy conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system that adjusts the intensity and duration of LED sterilization light source operation based on varying occupancy conditions and environmental factors. The controller receives inputs from sensors and automatically modifies sterilization parameters, providing adaptability to different occupancy scenarios while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors monitor occupancy levels and environmental conditions, and the controller adjusts the LED sterilization light source operation accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to varying occupancy conditions automatically, optimizing sterilization effectiveness for each scenario.
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 reliable and adjustable air sterilization, effectively reducing microbes, bacteria, and viruses within the air conditioner unit, accommodating different occupancy conditions and usage scenarios without the drawbacks of bulkiness or excessive energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
directing activation of the sterilization light assembly at a first active intensity level for transmission of ultraviolet light emissions within an indoor portion
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioner unit may include a housing, an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, a compressor, a sterilization light assembly, and a controller. The controller may be configured to initiate a sterilizing operation. The sterilizing operation may include receiving a first command signal and directing activation of the sterilization light assembly at a first active intensity level for transmission of ultraviolet light emissions within the indoor portion in response to receiving the first command signal. The sterilizing operation may further include receiving a second command signal following the first command signal and directing activation of the sterilization light assembly at a second active intensity level for transmission of ultraviolet light emissions within the indoor portion in response to receiving the second command signal. The second active intensity level may be different from the first active intensity level.