Ceiling Indoor AC Vane Sequencing for Round Swing Airflow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ceiling type indoor units of air conditioners have limitations in controlling discharge vane modules, making it difficult to provide natural wind patterns and efficient air distribution within indoor spaces.

Innovation Solution

A method for sequentially controlling four vane modules in successive order and rotating them clockwise or counterclockwise to generate round swing wind patterns, minimizing dead zones and providing both direct and indirect wind distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the discharge vane is simply controlled (rotated or fixed) in conventional ceiling type indoor units, then the control mechanism is simple, but it is difficult to satisfy user desires and provide natural wind patterns

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedischarge vane controlVSAvoidwind pattern provision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge vane is divided into four separate vane modules (first, second, third, and fourth vane modules) arranged at different positions. Each module can be independently controlled to rotate sequentially in clockwise or counterclockwise direction, enabling complex wind patterns while maintaining simple individual control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The vane modules transition from static or simple rotational control to dynamic sequential rotation. The control method enables the vanes to rotate in a specific sequence (first→second→third→fourth module and vice versa), creating dynamic wind patterns including natural wind, indirect wind, and direct wind modes that adapt to different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If four vane modules are sequentially controlled in successive order, then natural wind patterns are provided, but the control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenatural wind patternVSAvoidvane control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vane modules operate through periodic sequential rotation following a fixed cycle: first module→second module→third module→fourth module→first module, and the reverse direction. This periodic action creates consistent natural wind patterns while simplifying control logic through predictable, repeating sequences rather than complex arbitrary control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The control of four separate vane modules is merged into a unified sequential control system. Instead of controlling each module independently, the system combines them into a coordinated sequence where each module follows the previous one, creating complex wind patterns through simple combined action rather than complex individual controls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If vane modules are continuously controlled in clockwise or counterclockwise direction, then round swing wind patterns are generated, but control precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveround swing wind patternVSAvoidvane rotation control
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous rotational movement is segmented into discrete modular steps corresponding to the four vane modules. Each module rotates to a specific position in sequence rather than requiring continuous precise control of a single vane, reducing measurement precision requirements while maintaining effective round swing wind pattern generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3686509B1Ceiling type indoor unit of air conditioner
Publication Date: 2023.11.22 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3686509B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3686509B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3686509B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A first vane module, a second vane module, a third vane module, and a fourth vane module are sequentially controlled in successive order, thereby generating round swing wind swirling around an indoor unit. Consequently, it is possible to provide direct wind in the discharge direction of each vane module and to provide indirect wind to an indoor space deviating from the discharge direction of each vane module.