Air-Processing Apparatus Louver Design for Maximized Outlet Area

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air-conditioning systems face challenges in simultaneously supplying heat-exchanged and purified air to an indoor space, with HEPA filters acting as resistance to air flow and reducing the effectiveness of air conditioning and air purification in overlapping regions, and louvers being susceptible to distortion and reduced outlet area due to motor placement.

Innovation Solution

An air-processing apparatus with a louver system featuring a louver rotation shaft, vanes, and a louver actuator that adjusts the direction of air flow, allowing for a stable and wide outlet adjustment in the leftward-rightward direction, and includes a louver actuator positioned outside the rotation shaft to maximize outlet size and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a HEPA filter is mounted in the air conditioner, then air purification effectiveness is improved, but air flow resistance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair purification effectivenessVSAvoidair flow resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the air conditioner and air purifier into a single integrated device, combining the heat exchanger and HEPA filter in one unit. This allows the device to perform both air conditioning and air purification functions simultaneously without the air flow resistance problem that occurs when a HEPA filter is added to a separate air conditioner.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If the driving motor is disposed on the left or right side of the vane, then the louver structure is simplified, but the outlet area is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelouver structure complexityVSAvoidoutlet area
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the spatial arrangement by disposing the driving motor above the louver rather than on the left or right side. This dimensional repositioning allows the outlet to extend fully in the leftward-rightward direction without being blocked by the motor, thereby maximizing the outlet area while maintaining structural simplicity.

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

3Volume of moving object

If the louver actuator is disposed inside the rotation shaft, then the structure is compact, but the outlet area is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuator space occupationVSAvoidoutlet area
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the louver actuator above the louver in the vertical dimension rather than inside the rotation shaft. This spatial reconfiguration allows the outlet to be formed in the leftward-rightward direction without obstruction, maximizing the outlet area while keeping the overall structure compact through vertical stacking.

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

4Adaptability or versatility

If a separate air conditioner is disposed in a lower space, then individual air conditioning for different regions is achieved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregional air conditioning capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the air conditioner and air purifier into a single integrated unit that can be disposed in either upper or lower spaces. This merger eliminates the need for separate devices while maintaining the capability to provide individual air conditioning and purification for different regional spaces, thereby reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4095444B1Air-processing apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4095444B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4095444B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4095444B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an air-processing apparatus. The air-processing apparatus includes a case having an outlet formed therein, a louver rotatably disposed in the case and configured to adjust the direction of air flowing through the outlet, and a louver actuator configured to adjust the orientation of the louver. The louver includes a louver rotation shaft and a plurality of vanes disposed so as to be spaced apart from each other in a radial direction based on the louver rotation shaft. The louver actuator is disposed so as to be in contact with the vane located at the outermost position among the plurality of vanes to change the orientation of the louver.