Air deflector drive means and indoor air-conditioning unit using drive means

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing air deflector drive means in indoor air-conditioning units suffer from poor stability of the connecting rod during telescoping movement, leading to unstable operation of the air deflector.

Innovation Solution

The air deflector drive means incorporates a limiting structure within the drive case, comprising pillars and rolling members with limiting grooves, and chute guide rails to restrict the connecting rod's displacement in all directions, ensuring it moves along a preset trajectory, thereby stabilizing its operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the connecting rod is made slidable in the drive case without limiting structure, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the stability of the connecting rod during telescoping movement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidstability of connecting rod
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The drive case is divided into multiple functional regions: a sliding region that allows the connecting rod to move, and a limiting region that constrains displacement in perpendicular directions. This segmentation enables the connecting rod to achieve both easy sliding movement and stable positioning without requiring complex manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Limiting members are introduced as intermediary components between the connecting rod and the drive case. These limiting members act as mediators that restrict the connecting rod's displacement in directions perpendicular to its moving direction, thereby improving stability without interfering with the sliding motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If limiting members are added to restrict connecting rod displacement, then the stability of the connecting rod improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of connecting rodVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The limiting members are integrated into the drive case structure, merging the limiting function with the existing housing. This combination approach adds minimal complexity while achieving the stability improvement, as the limiting members become part of the overall drive case assembly rather than separate附加 components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The drive case is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the sliding region for motion, houses the limiting members for stability, and maintains the overall structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution ensures the connecting rod moves stably in all directions, maintaining the air deflector's stability and preventing unwanted swaying or displacement, thus ensuring consistent performance.

Implementation Method 1

each comprises a pillar and a rolling member sleeved over the pillar

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling friction: Roller

Implementation Method 2

the rolling member is provided with a limiting groove matching with the edge of the connection rod

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2821715B1Air deflector drive means and indoor air-conditioning unit using drive means
Publication Date: 2018.01.17 GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCE INC OF ZHUHAI
  • EP2821715B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2821715B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2821715B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Disclosed is an air deflector drive means, comprising a drive case and connecting rod (3). One side of the drive case is provided with a protruding opening (11), the connecting rod (3) is slidably provided in the drive case, and a tip (31) of the connecting rod (3) is limited in the direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the connecting rod by means of the limiting structure. Furthermore, also disclosed is an indoor air conditioning unit using the drive means.