Ceiling Air Conditioner Outlet Switching for Condensation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ceiling-type air conditioners face challenges in preventing dew condensation and managing airflow effectively, particularly in designs where air is discharged through multiple outlets, leading to uneven airflow patterns and user discomfort.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a movable lower housing with multiple discharge holes and a separate flow path that can be opened or closed based on the position of the housing, allowing air to be discharged either through a central outlet or radially outward through multiple holes, with a guide system to distribute airflow and prevent dew condensation by using insulation on the outer surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If air is discharged through multiple outlets (central outlet and radial discharge holes), then airflow distribution is improved, but dew condensation occurs due to temperature differences
Solution Approach 1:
The air discharge system is segmented into two independent paths: a central outlet for primary airflow and multiple radial discharge holes for secondary airflow. This segmentation allows different airflow patterns to be controlled separately, improving overall distribution while enabling targeted thermal management to prevent dew condensation on the outer housing surface.
Solution Approach 2:
A flow path guide is introduced as an intermediary component to control and direct airflow from the heat exchanger to either the central outlet or radial discharge holes. This mediator enables selective activation of discharge paths based on operational conditions, allowing the system to optimize airflow distribution while preventing conditions that lead to dew condensation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lower housing is made movable to open/close outlets, then airflow control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path guide is merged with the lower housing structure, integrating the airflow control function directly into the housing rather than requiring separate movable components. This combination allows the housing to serve dual purposes: structural support and airflow path control, thereby improving adaptability while minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower housing is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the structural enclosure and as the flow path guide that directs airflow to different outlets. This universal design eliminates the need for separate movable mechanisms, achieving versatile airflow control without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If insulation is added to the outer surface, then dew condensation is prevented, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation layer is nested within the housing structure, integrated into the existing design rather than added as a separate external component. This nesting approach allows the insulation to be manufactured as part of the housing assembly process, preventing dew condensation while minimizing the increase in manufacturing complexity through efficient use of existing structural space.
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 enhances airflow distribution, reduces user discomfort by adjusting wind intensity, and prevents dew condensation by directing airflow and using insulation to manage temperature differences.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between a refrigerant and air
Implementation Method 2
a blowing fan that moves air
Implementation Method 3
using insulation on the outer surface
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a ceiling-type air conditioner including: an upper housing having a cylindrical shape, a heat exchanger having in an annular shape and disposed inside the upper housing, a blowing fan disposed on the inside of the heat exchanger and configured to draw in air and heat exchange the drawn-in air with the heat exchanger. In addition, the ceiling-type air conditioner may include a lower housing including an outlet disposed on a radially outer side of the heat exchanger and configured to discharge the heat exchanged air to the outside of the upper housing and having an annular shape and an inlet panel through which external air is drawn in by the blowing fan, the lower housing movable in a vertical direction between a first position and a second position different from the first position, and a middle housing disposed between the upper housing and the lower housing and including a plurality of discharge holes disposed outside the outlet in a radial direction of the lower housing, wherein the lower housing is configured to open the outlet when placed in the first position, and to close the outlet when placed in the second position, so that the air heat exchanged with the heat exchanger is discharged through the plurality of discharge holes.