Blade-Free AC Airflow Control Using Auxiliary Fans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioners with blade structures for controlling discharged air flow suffer from reduced air discharge due to interference and increased noise from turbulence, along with restricted outlet shapes and potential condensation issues due to air recirculation.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioner design without a blade structure, utilizing a housing with a main fan and auxiliary fans to guide air flow through a guide path, preventing air recirculation by directing discharged air away from the inlet, and incorporating a Coanda curved part to enhance air flow directionality and reduce pressure differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a blade structure is used to control discharged air flow, then the direction of air flow can be controlled, but the amount of discharged air is reduced due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the blade structure from the air conditioner outlet, extracting the problematic component that caused air flow interference. Instead of using blades to control air direction, the invention relies on the natural discharge characteristics of the main fan and the housing structure, thereby eliminating the reduction in discharged air amount while still achieving directional control through alternative means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an auxiliary fan as an intermediary device to control air flow direction. The auxiliary fan creates a controlled air current that interacts with the main discharged air, guiding its direction without the mechanical interference of blades. This mediator approach allows direction control while maintaining high air discharge volume.
2Ease of operation
If a blade structure is used to control discharged air flow, then the direction of air flow can be controlled, but circulating noise increases due to turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the blade structure, the patent eliminates the source of turbulence-induced noise. The blades that caused chaotic air flow patterns and circulating noise are completely extracted from the system, resulting in smoother air flow and reduced noise levels.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of actively controlling air direction with rotating blades that create turbulence, the invention inverts the approach by using fixed housing structures and auxiliary air currents to guide the discharged air. This passive guidance method reduces turbulence and the associated circulating noise while still achieving directional control.
3Ease of operation
If a blade structure is used to control discharged air flow, then the direction of air flow can be controlled, but the shape of the outlet is restricted to straight shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved surfaces and circular outlet designs instead of straight, angular structures. The housing incorporates curved guide surfaces that naturally direct air flow in desired directions, allowing the outlet to have aesthetic circular or curved shapes while maintaining effective air flow control without blades.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, defines the outlet shape for aesthetic purposes, and incorporates internal curved surfaces for air flow guidance. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate blade mechanisms, allowing flexible outlet shapes while maintaining air direction control.
4Productivity
If air is discharged from the outlet, then cooling or heating is provided, but air may be sucked back into the inlet causing condensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the potential harm of air recirculation by designing the housing and outlet structures to create positive air flow patterns that naturally prevent back-suction. The curved guide surfaces and outlet positioning convert what could be a harmful recirculation issue into a beneficial feature where the discharged air is actively directed away from the inlet, preventing condensation while maintaining cooling or heating effectiveness.
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 design increases air discharge efficiency, reduces noise, and prevents condensation, improving the overall performance and aesthetic appeal by allowing a circular outlet shape and natural air flow, thus enhancing cooling or heating effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
an auxiliary fan arranged to draw air from around the outlet in order to change a direction of discharged air discharged from the outlet
Implementation Method 2
an auxiliary fan arranged to draw air from around the outlet
Implementation Method 3
a guide path for guiding air drawn by the auxiliary fan
Implementation Method 4
a main fan for drawing air from the inlet and discharging the air to the outlet
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioner (AC) indoor unit includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet; a heat exchanger arranged inside the housing; a blower fan for sucking in air at the inlet to be subject to heat exchange with the heat exchanger, and discharging the heat-exchanged air out of the outlet; and an air flow control device for controlling an air flow discharged from the outlet by sucking in air around the outlet. The AC indoor unit may control the direction of a discharged air flow without a conventional blade structure, thereby increasing an amount of discharged air, reducing circulation noise, and enabling design differentiation.