Air guide structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Air conditioning devices often have visible air guide plates or grids at the outlet, which detract from the overall aesthetics and lack a structure to hide these components, making them unsightly.

Innovation Solution

An air guide structure with a horn-shaped air delivery passage where the air guide plate is positioned between the first and second walls, extending along the forward and backward directions, and is designed to be hidden beneath the air outlet, with the upper edge of the plate not exceeding the height of the outlet, allowing the air guide plate to be obscured from view while maintaining air-out guiding functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an air guide plate is provided at the air outlet to control air direction, then the air-out guiding function is improved, but the aesthetics of the air conditioning device deteriorates due to the visible air guide plate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair-out guiding functionVSAvoidaesthetics of air conditioning device
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The air guide plate is nested within the air delivery passage structure, specifically positioned between the first and second walls of the horn-shaped passage. The plate is concealed inside the passage cavity, with its upper edge not exceeding the height of the air outlet, creating a nested configuration where the functional component is hidden within the structural housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The air guide plate is positioned in the depth dimension of the air outlet rather than protruding outward. By placing the plate between the first and second walls inside the air delivery passage, the solution moves the air guide function from a surface-level visible element to an internal depth-level component, eliminating visual impact while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Shape

If the air guide plate is positioned to be hidden beneath the air outlet, then the aesthetics are improved, but the positioning precision requirement increases to ensure proper air guidance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetics of air conditioning deviceVSAvoidpositioning precision of air guide plate
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The air delivery passage is segmented into distinct structural components: the horn-shaped passage with first and second walls, and the air guide plate as a separate element positioned within. This segmentation allows the plate to be independently positioned and adjusted between the walls, facilitating precise placement without affecting the overall air outlet structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The horn-shaped air delivery passage provides a specific local geometry with first and second walls that create a defined space for the air guide plate. The local structural characteristics of the passage walls guide and constrain the plate's position, ensuring proper orientation and depth without requiring complex external positioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the air guide plate is extended along forward and backward directions within the horn-shaped passage, then the air guidance effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair guidance effectivenessVSAvoidstructure complexity of air guide structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The horn-shaped air delivery passage structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it defines the air flow path, provides structural support, and creates the positioning framework for the air guide plate. The first and second walls of the horn structure collectively perform guidance, support, and concealment functions, reducing the need for additional separate components.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The air guide plate is merged with the horn-shaped air delivery passage structure by positioning it between the first and second walls. This integration allows the plate to be part of the passage assembly, where the passage structure itself provides the mounting and positioning framework, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets or positioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3348920B1Air guide structure
Publication Date: 2022.12.14 GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCE INC OF ZHUHAI
  • EP3348920B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3348920B1 patent drawingFigure 1c
  • EP3348920B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Disclosed is an air guide structure. The air guide structure includes an air delivery passage (16); an end part of the air delivery passage (16) is formed into an air outlet (15); the air delivery passage (16) includes a first wall (17) and a second wall (122) that are provided oppositely; an air guide plate (18) is provided below the air outlet (15) and is positioned between the first wall (17) and the second wall (122); the air guide plate (18) is extended along a forward direction and a backward direction; and a height of an upper edge (183) of the air guide plate (18) is not greater than that of a lower edge of the air outlet (15). The structure can improve the aesthetics of an air conditioning device without influencing an air guide function.