Floor-Standing Air Conditioner Airflow Path Switching for Foot Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional floor-standing air conditioners lack efficient control mechanisms for switching airflow direction between upper and lower blow-out ports, leading to suboptimal heating and cooling performance, especially during foot heating operations where smooth port switching and increased airflow volume are required.
Innovation Solution
A floor-standing air conditioner with a control unit that manages a fan and damper system to perform distinct blowing processes and port switching operations, allowing air to be blown from either the upper or lower blow-out port, or both, by opening and closing specific airflow paths, thereby optimizing airflow direction and volume during different operational modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the fan is stopped during port switching between upper and lower blow-out ports, then the airflow direction can be switched, but the airflow volume decreases and heating effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow path is segmented into upper and lower independent channels with separate dampers (first damper for upper port, second damper for lower port). This allows independent control of each blow-out port while the fan continues operating, enabling port switching without stopping the fan and maintaining continuous airflow volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The dampers are dynamically adjusted during operation to switch between upper and lower blow-out ports. The first damper opens/closes the upper airflow path while the second damper opens/closes the lower airflow path, allowing dynamic redirection of airflow without interrupting fan operation, thus maintaining productivity while achieving ease of operation.
2Device complexity
If the airflow path is not securely closed when switching ports, then the system is simpler, but airflow leakage occurs reducing heating effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow control system is segmented into two independent damper mechanisms (first damper and second damper) that independently control the upper and lower airflow paths. This segmentation allows each damper to securely close its respective path without requiring a complex multi-component system, achieving both simplicity and reliable path closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The dampers act as intermediary components between the fan and the blow-out ports, providing secure closure of airflow paths. The first damper mediates the upper airflow path closure while the second damper mediates the lower airflow path closure, ensuring reliable path sealing with relatively simple mechanical components.
3Productivity
If the airflow volume is increased during heating operations, then heating effectiveness improves, but airflow noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow is segmented into upper and lower paths that can be independently controlled. During heating operations, the system can utilize both upper and lower blow-out ports simultaneously by opening both dampers, distributing the total airflow volume across two paths. This reduces the airflow velocity and noise in each individual path while maintaining or increasing total heating effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts damper positions to optimize airflow distribution. When heating effectiveness is prioritized, both dampers can be partially opened to distribute airflow through upper and lower ports, reducing noise per path. The control mechanism dynamically balances airflow volume and noise levels based on operational requirements.
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
Enables smooth port switching without stopping the fan, increases airflow volume during heating, reduces airflow noise, and ensures secure path closure, enhancing heating effectiveness and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a fan that blows out air from at least one of the first blow-out port and/or the second blow-out port
Data Source
AI summary
A floor-standing air conditioner includes a first member that opens or closes a first flow path, a second member that opens or closes a second flow path, and a control unit that controls a fan, the first member, and the second member. The control unit is configured to perform a first blowing process of blowing out air from the first blow-out port with the first flow path opened by the first member and the second flow path closed by the second member, a second blowing process of blowing out air from the second blow-out port with the first flow path closed by the first member and the second flow path opened by the second member, and a blow-out port switching process of blowing out air from both the first blow-out port and the second blow-out port during switching between the first blowing process and the second blowing process.