Air conditioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wall-mounted air conditioners are often installed out of reach, necessitating the use of a remote controller for operation, which can be inconvenient and less efficient compared to voice control.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a speech recognizer within the air conditioner, including a microphone and speaker positioned for optimal sound reception and isolation, along with a wireless communication module and vibration-reducing components, allowing users to control the device via voice commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a remote controller is used to operate the air conditioner, then the air conditioner can be controlled from a distance, but the operation becomes less efficient and convenient compared to voice control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical remote controller system with an acoustic voice recognition system. The microphone receives voice commands, the speech recognizer processes them, and the controller executes the commands, substituting the need for physical remote control devices with a hands-free voice-based interface that is more convenient and efficient
2Measurement precision
If the microphone and speaker are disposed to direct to the lower part of the housing, then sound reception and output are optimized, but vibration from the speaker may be transmitted to the housing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vibration reducing member as an intermediary component positioned between the speaker and the housing. This intermediary element absorbs or dampens the vibrations generated by the speaker, preventing them from being transmitted to the housing structure while allowing the speaker to maintain its optimal positioning for sound output
3Reliability
If the case includes a partition wall to isolate the speaker and microphone, then noise interference is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the case into separate compartments using partition walls, creating distinct spaces for the speaker and microphone. This segmentation physically isolates the two components, preventing noise interference between them while maintaining a relatively simple overall case structure through the use of straightforward partitioning elements
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
Enables convenient and efficient voice-controlled operation of air conditioners, improving user interaction and reducing the need for remote controllers, while maintaining effective noise isolation and vibration reduction.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration reducing member disposed between the case and the speaker such that vibration of the speaker is not transmitted to the case
Implementation Method 2
The second member may include a protrusion part protruding in an outward direction of the case to allow an air layer to be formed at an outer side of the case
Data Source
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AI summary
An air conditioner including a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a heat exchanger disposed inside the housing to exchange heat with air introduced into the inlet, a fan configured to blow air heat-exchanged in the heat exchanger to the outlet, and a speech recognizer including a microphone, a speaker, and a case accommodating the microphone and the speaker, and to operate the air conditioner using the microphone and the speaker.