Air conditioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioners mounted on ceilings or walls have exposed inlet and outlet structures that disrupt the aesthetics of indoor spaces, are prone to foreign matter intrusion, and lack unified design with the surrounding surfaces.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioner design featuring a variable panel that can change shape and position to cover or expose communication holes, using a driving device to adjust airflow direction and volume, minimizing external exposure and enhancing unity with the surrounding surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the inlet and outlet are exposed to the outside, then air flow is secured, but foreign matter may be introduced into the air conditioner from the outside
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a variable panel that can dynamically change its shape and position between covering and exposing the communication holes. This dynamic structure allows the system to adapt between two states: covered state for protecting against foreign matter and exposed state for securing air flow, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and harmful factors.
2Reliability
If the inlet and outlet are exposed to the outside, then air flow is secured, but the aesthetics of the indoor space is spoiled
Solution Approach 1:
The variable panel provides aesthetic value by default in the covering state, matching the flat surface of the ceiling or wall. When air flow is needed, it dynamically opens to expose the communication holes. This dynamic behavior allows the system to maintain aesthetic appearance during non-operation while ensuring proper air flow during operation.
3Shape
If a single panel structure covers the air conditioner, then unity with the wall surface or ceiling surface is provided, but the inlet and outlet cannot be opened
Solution Approach 1:
The variable panel is designed with dynamic shape-changing capability that allows it to transition from a flat covering state (providing unity with the surface) to an opened state (exposing inlet and outlet). This dynamic property enables the single panel to fulfill both aesthetic and functional requirements without compromising ease of operation.
4Productivity
If the variable panel changes shape rapidly, then optimal performance is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical drive systems with a simpler driving device that utilizes the elastic properties of the variable panel material. The driving device only needs to provide minimal force to initiate shape change, while the material's elasticity enables rapid and complete transformation, thus achieving fast response with reduced structural complexity.
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 cover part disposed under the base panel to open and close the first communication hole; a second cover part disposed under the base panel to open and close the second communication hole; and a variable part disposed between the first cover part and the second cover part, and changing an inclination angle of the first cover part and the second cover part.