Air Wing Control via Floor Temperature Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air conditioner technologies fail to account for the deviation between the user-set temperature and the floor surface temperature, requiring manual operation adjustments of the air wing to address draft feelings effectively.

Innovation Solution

A control device and method that includes a floor surface temperature detection unit to determine the room temperature state and automatically control the operation of an air wing based on the difference between the set temperature and the floor surface temperature, adjusting the air direction and volume to enhance comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the air wing is manually controlled to adjust airflow direction, then draft prevention is improved, but user convenience deteriorates due to required manual operation switching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedraft feelingVSAvoidmanual operation switching
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The air conditioner system automatically detects floor temperature and controls the air wing operation without requiring manual user input. The control unit autonomously determines when to extend or retract the air wing based on temperature differential between the set temperature and floor temperature, eliminating the need for manual operation switching while maintaining draft prevention functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors floor temperature and compares it with the set temperature to automatically adjust air wing operation. This feedback mechanism enables the system to respond dynamically to thermal conditions, optimizing airflow control to prevent draft feelings while adapting to changing environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the air direction is controlled based only on floor temperature and suction temperature difference, then draft prevention is improved, but adaptability to set temperature requirements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedraft feelingVSAvoidset temperature deviation handling
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit incorporates set temperature as a reference parameter in the feedback loop, comparing floor temperature against both suction temperature and the user-defined set temperature. This multi-parameter feedback enables the system to adapt airflow control to specific temperature requirements while maintaining draft prevention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters including air wing extension timing and duration based on the temperature differential between floor temperature and set temperature. By changing these parameters according to thermal conditions, the system achieves both draft prevention and adaptability to user temperature preferences

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the air wing operates continuously to maintain set temperature, then temperature control precision is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveset temperature reachingVSAvoidair wing operation energy
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The air wing operates periodically rather than continuously, extending only during periods when the temperature differential between floor and set temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold. This periodic operation maintains temperature control precision by activating only when needed, thereby reducing unnecessary energy consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial action by operating the air wing only during specific conditions (when temperature differential exceeds threshold) rather than maintaining constant operation. This selective operation achieves sufficient temperature control while minimizing energy usage by avoiding excessive air wing activity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4692667A1Control device, air conditioner, control method, and control program
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 MITSUBISHI HEAVY IND THERMAL SYST
  • EP4692667A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4692667A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4692667A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Provided are a control device, an air conditioner, a control method, and a control program for controlling an air wing and advancing the time taken for a space near a human body to reach a set temperature. A control device (50) for an air conditioner, which is equipped with: a blow-out port for air conditioned air opened downward provided in a panel body; a louver turnably provided in the blow-out port and adjusting the blow-out direction of the air-conditioned air; an air wing provided at the blow-out port of the panel body and having a wing part freely rotatable between a storage position of the wing part stored in the panel body and a louver direction position opposing the air-conditioned air to be blown out in the louver direction; a turning mechanism for turning the air wing between the storage position and the louver direction position; and a setting unit that sets the set temperature inside a room to be air-conditioned, comprises a floor surface temperature detection unit (52) that detects a floor surface temperature, and a determination unit (54) that performs the determination of a room temperature state on the basis of the difference between the floor surface temperature and the set temperature, the control device controlling the operation of the air wing on the basis of a determination result of the room temperature state of the determination unit (54).