Blower Fan UV Sterilization Layout for Air Conditioners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioners lack an effective sterilization mechanism for the blower fan, leading to potential bacterial growth and foul odors.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a sterilization device with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that irradiate light towards the blower fan, improving the sterilizing function by preventing light exposure to the outside and optimizing the angle of light irradiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sterilization device with multiple LEDs is added to the air conditioner, then the sterilizing function is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization device is segmented into multiple LEDs with different irradiation directions, allowing each LED to target specific areas of the blower fan from different angles. This segmentation enables comprehensive sterilization coverage while maintaining modular simplicity in the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sterilization device integrates multiple functionality by combining UV irradiation from different directions within a single unit. The multiple LEDs work together to provide both direct sterilization of the blower fan and indirect sterilization of surrounding areas, achieving multi-functional sterilization without requiring separate devices.
2Reliability
If blocking protrusions are added to prevent light exposure to the outside, then the sterilizing effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Blocking protrusions are strategically positioned at specific locations where light leakage is most likely to occur, rather than implementing a complete enclosure. This localized approach to light blocking achieves effective sterilization containment while minimizing the addition of structural complexity to the overall device.
3Reliability
If the sterilizer is positioned between the heat exchanger and blower fan, then the sterilizing function is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization device is nested within the existing air conditioner structure, specifically positioned in the space between the heat exchanger and blower fan. This nested arrangement utilizes existing structural voids and mounting points, allowing the sterilizer to be integrated into the airflow path without requiring major structural modifications or complex manufacturing processes.
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
The solution effectively sterilizes the blower fan, reducing bacterial growth and foul odors, while maintaining the air conditioner's performance and reducing noise.
Implementation Method 1
a sterilizer configured to irradiate light toward the blower fan; wherein the sterilizer includes: a first light-emitting diode (LED) including a first irradiation surface; and a second LED including a second irradiation surface
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an air conditioner including: a housing including an inlet and an outlet; a heat exchanger within the housing, wherein the heat exchanger is configured to heat exchange with air drawn in through the inlet; a blower fan configured to cause the heat exchanged air to be discharged through the outlet; and a sterilizer configured to irradiate light toward the blower fan; wherein the sterilizer includes: a first light-emitting diode (LED) including a first irradiation surface; and a second LED including a second irradiation surface, wherein the first irradiation surface faces a first direction, and wherein the second irradiation surface faces a second direction different from the first direction.