Air Conditioner Ventilation Module with Single-Hose Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioner ventilation systems require two holes in the wall and occupy significant space due to the need for separate intake and exhaust fans and heat exchangers, leading to increased energy loss and carbon dioxide concentration issues.
Innovation Solution
A ventilation apparatus with a single ventilation hose and module that can switch between exhaust and air supply modes using a ventilation fan, dampers, and a modular design allowing attachment to an air conditioner, enabling installation through a single wall hole and minimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional ventilation apparatus with separate intake and exhaust pipes is used, then air exchange function is provided, but two holes in the wall are required and installation space is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the intake and exhaust functions into a single ventilation module that can be attached to the air conditioner's existing exhaust port. The module uses a single hose that can alternately perform both intake and exhaust functions through damper control, eliminating the need for separate intake and exhaust pipes and reducing wall penetration requirements to just one hole.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation module is designed as a multi-functional device that can switch between exhaust mode and intake mode. The same hose and fan assembly serve dual purposes: exhausting indoor air to the outdoors and introducing outdoor air to the indoors, controlled by dampers that direct airflow based on operational mode.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional ventilation apparatus with two fans is used, then ventilation function is provided, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of separate intake and exhaust fans into a single ventilation fan within one module. The module attaches to the air conditioner's existing exhaust port and uses a single fan to handle both intake and exhaust operations, controlled by dampers that direct airflow based on operational mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The dampers act as intermediaries that control airflow direction within the ventilation module. By adjusting the damper positions, the system can switch between exhaust mode (indoor air out) and intake mode (outdoor air in) using the same fan and hose, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Ease of operation
If ventilation module is made detachable for easy installation, then ease of installation is improved, but connection reliability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system is segmented into a detachable module that can be independently installed and removed. The module includes the fan, dampers, and housing as an integrated unit that attaches to the air conditioner's exhaust port, allowing for easy installation and maintenance while maintaining reliable connections through dedicated coupling mechanisms.
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 allows for efficient air exchange with reduced installation space and energy loss, while facilitating easy coupling and separation of the ventilation module from the air conditioner, enhancing product reliability and assembly simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
a ventilation fan and configured to switch between an exhaust mode in which air of the indoors is exhausted to the outdoors through the ventilation hose and an air supply mode in which air of the outdoors is supplied to the indoors through the ventilation hose
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchanger formed to allow a refrigerant to have heat exchanged with air
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioner includes a main body including a body fan, a heat exchanger, and a body housing. A ventilation hose connects the main body to outdoor air. A ventilation module is attached to an outer side of the body housing, and includes a ventilation fan. The ventilation module switches between an exhaust mode in which indoor air is exhausted to the outdoors through the ventilation hose and an air supply mode in which outdoor air is supplied to the main body through the ventilation hose.