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 increasing system size, cost, or risking damage to the sterilization light assembly from moisture or heat.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioner unit is designed with a sterilization light assembly that includes ultraviolet light sources and a flow sensor. The flow sensor activates the sterilization light assembly only when a predetermined airflow is detected, ensuring efficient sterilization without unnecessary energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sterilization light assembly is installed to sterilize air, then microbial transmission is reduced, but the system size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization light assembly is integrated within the existing air conditioner housing structure, nesting the UV-C light source and reflector assembly into the available space without requiring separate external mounting. This reduces overall system complexity while maintaining sterilization functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The air conditioner unit performs multiple functions: cooling/heating air and simultaneously sterilizing it using UV-C light. The control system integrates both functions, allowing the sterilization feature to be activated alongside the standard air conditioning operation, thereby adding microbial protection without requiring a completely separate system.
2Reliability
If a light assembly is used to sterilize air, then microbial elimination is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization light assembly is activated periodically based on operational conditions. The control system receives signals from airflow sensors and operational state sensors to determine when sterilization is needed, activating the UV-C light source only during periods when air is flowing through the unit, thereby reducing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining sterilization effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors airflow conditions and operational state through sensors, and uses this feedback to control the sterilization light assembly activation. When the sensors detect that air is flowing through the unit, the control system activates the UV-C light source; when airflow stops, the light is turned off, optimizing energy usage based on real-time conditions.
3Reliability
If the sterilization light assembly is activated continuously, then sterilization reliability is improved, but damage from moisture and heat increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization light assembly operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when airflow is detected through the air conditioner unit. This reduces the cumulative exposure to moisture and heat while maintaining sterilization reliability during active operation periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own operational characteristics (airflow presence) to control the sterilization function. When the air conditioner is running and air is flowing, the UV-C light is activated; when the unit is off or airflow has stopped, the light is automatically deactivated, protecting it from damage during periods when it is not needed.
4Reliability
If the light assembly is positioned to maximize sterilization coverage, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but the unit becomes more susceptible to damage from moisture and heat
Solution Approach 1:
The UV-C light source is positioned to target specific high-risk areas where air flows through the unit, such as near the evaporator and condenser regions. The reflector assembly is configured to direct UV-C rays along the airflow path, maximizing sterilization coverage in critical zones while limiting overall exposure to moisture and heat.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector assembly acts as an intermediary, directing UV-C light along the airflow path without requiring the light source to be in direct contact with moist or hot components. This allows effective sterilization coverage while protecting the light assembly from direct exposure to harmful environmental conditions.
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 effectively sterilizes air flowing through the air conditioner unit, reducing the risk of microbial transmission while maintaining the unit's efficiency, size, and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The sterilization light assembly may be disposed 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, a sterilization light assembly, and a flow sensor. The housing may define an indoor portion and an outdoor portion. The housing may further define an exhaust outlet downstream from the indoor portion to exhaust air therefrom. The sterilization light assembly may be disposed within the indoor portion to transmit an ultraviolet light emission thereto. The flow sensor may be disposed within the indoor portion upstream from the exhaust outlet. The flow sensor may be operably coupled to the sterilization light assembly and configured to activation of sterilization light assembly in response to detecting a predetermined airflow within the indoor portion.