Air conditioner
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioners mounted on ceilings or walls have exposed inlet and outlet structures that disrupt the aesthetics of indoor spaces, introduce foreign matter, and lack harmonious integration with wall or ceiling surfaces.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioner design featuring a base panel with communication holes and a variable panel that can change shape and position using a single motor, allowing the inlet and outlet to be minimized, unified with the surrounding surface, and adjustable for airflow direction and quantity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the inlet and outlet are exposed to the outside, then the air conditioner can function properly, but the aesthetics of the indoor space is spoiled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable panel that can dynamically change its state between covering and exposing the inlet/outlet. The panel is connected to a rotating shaft that allows it to rotate between a first position (covering the inlet/outlet for aesthetic integration) and a second position (exposing the inlet/outlet for airflow function). This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements.
2Productivity
If the inlet and outlet are exposed to the outside, then the air conditioner can function properly, but foreign matter may be introduced into the air conditioner
Solution Approach 1:
The movable panel dynamically switches between a closed state (when not in operation) that prevents foreign matter from entering the inlet/outlet, and an open state (when in operation) that allows proper airflow. The control unit activates the motor to rotate the panel to the appropriate position based on operational status, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining airflow function and preventing foreign matter introduction.
3Productivity
If a grille is disposed at the inlet and a vane at the outlet, then the air conditioner functions properly, but the structure becomes complicated and multiple structures are exposed to the outside
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the grille and vane into a single integrated movable panel structure. This panel simultaneously serves as both the inlet cover and outlet cover, eliminating the need for separate grille and vane components. The panel is rotated by a single motor connected to a rotating shaft, further simplifying the drive mechanism. This merging approach resolves the contradiction by reducing structural complexity while maintaining airflow generation functionality.
4Productivity
If the inlet and outlet are formed with multiple structures and shapes, then the air conditioner functions properly, but they are inharmonious with the wall surface or ceiling surface
Solution Approach 1:
The movable panel provides a clean, flat surface when in the covering position that harmonizes with the wall or ceiling surface, eliminating the visual disruption caused by exposed inlet/outlet structures. When airflow function is needed, the panel rotates to expose the communication holes. This dynamic configuration allows the air conditioner to maintain aesthetic harmony with the surrounding surface while still enabling proper airflow generation when required.
Data Source
AI summary
The air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a base panel having a first communication hole formed in one side thereof, and a second communication hole formed in another side thereof; a variable panel disposed under the base panel and changed in shape to open and close the first communication hole and the second communication hole; and a driving device disposed on an upper side of the base panel and changing a position of one side of the variable panel in an up-down direction, so that the variable panel is changed in shape, wherein the variable panel includes: a first variable panel disposed under the base panel to open and close the first communication hole; and a second variable panel disposed under the base panel to open and close the second communication hole, wherein the first variable panel and the second variable panel are coupled to be rotatable about a first rotating shaft between the first communication hole and the second communication hole.