Indoor Air Temperature Sensor Shielding in Air Conditioner Front Grills
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioners face challenges in accurately detecting indoor temperature when an indoor unit is out of operation due to the influence of the heat exchanger and connection piping temperatures, especially in multi-type systems where refrigerant circulation occurs.
Innovation Solution
The air conditioner design includes a temperature sensor positioned between the heat exchanger and connection piping, shielded by a cover to reduce radiant heat influence, allowing for correct temperature detection both when the air conditioner is operating and when it is not.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor is mounted near the heat exchanger to detect air temperature in the air passage, then the sensor can detect temperature during operation, but the sensor is influenced by radiant heat from the heat exchanger and connection piping when the unit is out of operation
Solution Approach 1:
A cover is introduced as an intermediary element between the temperature sensor and the heat exchanger/connection piping. This cover blocks radiant heat from reaching the sensor while allowing the sensor to remain positioned in the air passage for accurate temperature detection during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The front grill is divided into multiple parts, with specific portions serving as heat shields. This segmentation allows the cover to be integrated into the front grill structure, providing both aesthetic function and thermal protection for the temperature sensor.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the temperature sensor is placed distant from the heat exchanger to avoid radiant heat influence, then the sensor can detect temperature when out of operation, but the sensor may still be influenced by connection piping temperature and space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cover serves as a protective intermediary that allows the temperature sensor to be positioned optimally in the air passage without direct exposure to radiant heat from the heat exchanger and connection piping, resolving the spatial constraint while maintaining detection accuracy.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a cover is added to shield the temperature sensor from radiant heat, then the sensor protection is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is merged with the front grill structure, combining the aesthetic front panel function with the thermal protection function. This integration eliminates the need for a separate protective component, maintaining simplicity while providing radiant heat shielding.
Solution Approach 2:
The front grill is designed to serve multiple functions: maintaining aesthetic appearance, enabling air flow during operation, and providing thermal protection through heat shield portions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components.
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 configuration enables precise indoor temperature detection with a simple structure, reducing the impact of radiant heat from the heat exchanger and connection piping, enhancing the heat blocking effect and maintaining accurate readings regardless of the air conditioner's operational status.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature sensor is shielded or blocked from the heat exchanger and the connection piping by the cover. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the influence of radiant heat from the heat exchanger and the connection piping
Implementation Method 2
while the air conditioner is operating, air circulates through the air passage between the front panel and the front grill where the temperature sensor is located
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An air conditioner includes a bottom frame (21) housing an indoor heat exchanger (5), a front grill (22) fitted to a front side of the bottom frame (21), a front panel (23) fitted to a front side of the front grill (22), a temperature sensor (9) provided between the indoor heat exchanger (5) and connection pipings (L1 and L2) connected to the indoor heat exchanger (5), and a board (51) shielding the temperature sensor (9) from the indoor heat exchanger (5) and connection pipings (L1 and L2). The temperature sensor (9) is placed in an air passage between the front grill (22) and front panel (23).