Air Outlet Swinging Mechanism with User-Selectable Angle Range Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air outlet apparatuses offer limited angle options for swinging, making it difficult for users to customize the swinging range as desired, and larger angles result in longer waiting times.
Innovation Solution
A control method for an air outlet apparatus that allows users to select two positions within a swinging range as a starting and ending position, adjusting the swinging mechanism to swing between these positions, enabling customizable angles through a swinging mechanism controlled by a hand-held controller or control panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a larger swinging angle is selected, then the swinging range is improved, but the waiting time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic angle selection by allowing users to freely adjust the swinging angle within the maximum range rather than providing fixed angle options. The control unit enables continuous adjustment of the swinging mechanism's angle based on user input, transforming the static fixed-angle system into a dynamic customizable system that adapts to user needs without compromising response time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of swinging angle from discrete fixed values to continuous adjustable values. By allowing users to input any desired angle within the maximum swinging range, the system modifies the angle parameter dynamically, enabling optimal balance between swinging range and waiting time according to specific application requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed swinging angles are provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the control unit universal by enabling it to handle both fixed angle selection and continuous angle adjustment functions. The same control unit processes user inputs for customizable angles and generates appropriate control signals for the swinging mechanism, allowing one component to serve multiple functions without requiring separate dedicated systems for each mode
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the user's angle selection and the swinging mechanism's operation. It receives user input for desired swinging angles, processes this information, and translates it into appropriate control signals that drive the swinging mechanism, thereby mediating between user intent and mechanical execution while maintaining system simplicity
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a control method for an air outlet apparatus and an air outlet apparatus. The air outlet apparatus includes a swinging mechanism configured to control an air outlet direction. The control method includes: determining, during an operation of the air outlet apparatus and swinging of the swinging mechanism, two positions selected by a user within a swinging range of the swinging mechanism as a starting position and an ending position respectively subsequent to receiving a customized air outlet angle instruction; and controlling the swinging mechanism to swing between the starting position and the ending position. In this way, the user can directly send the customized air outlet angle instruction to the air outlet apparatus by a hand-held controller or on a control panel of the air outlet apparatus, and select an air outlet angle of the air outlet apparatus as desired, expanding an application range of the air outlet apparatus and improving user experience.