Ceiling Air Conditioner Dual-Vane Mixing Control for Draft Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ceiling type air conditioners take a long time to reach target temperatures, have limited airflow distance, and cause unpleasant drafts due to uneven temperature distribution, leading to user dissatisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A ceiling type air conditioner with dual vanes that adjust angles to direct airflow horizontally and vertically, using a controller to optimize airflow patterns based on cooling or heating operations, and reducing fan speed when drafts are detected to minimize discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the air conditioner uses conventional single-direction airflow discharge, then the structure is simple, but the airflow distance is limited and temperature distribution is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The air discharge system is segmented into multiple independent vane groups (first vane group and second vane group) positioned at different locations around the air outlet. Each vane group can be independently controlled to direct airflow in different directions, thereby extending the effective airflow distance and improving temperature distribution without requiring a single complex adjustable mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-direction airflow discharge to multi-directional airflow discharge by arranging vane groups in different spatial dimensions around the air outlet. This dimensional expansion allows airflow to reach farther distances and distribute temperature more effectively throughout the indoor space.
2Productivity
If the air conditioner uses the same control method for both cooling and heating operations, then the control system is simple, but the temperature distribution efficiency is poor especially in heating mode
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts the rotation angles of different vane groups based on the operating mode (cooling or heating). In cooling mode, vanes are positioned to discharge air downward; in heating mode, vanes are positioned to discharge air upward. This dynamic adaptation optimizes temperature distribution efficiency for each mode without requiring separate control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters (rotation angles) of the vanes according to the operating mode. By adjusting these parameters, the same physical structure achieves optimal performance for both cooling and heating operations, improving temperature distribution efficiency without increasing control system complexity.
3Loss of time
If the air conditioner discharges air at high speed continuously, then the temperature reaches target faster, but draft phenomenon increases causing user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic alternation between high-speed airflow discharge (to rapidly reach target temperature) and low-speed airflow discharge (to minimize draft phenomenon). This periodic action allows the system to achieve fast temperature response while periodically reducing air velocity to prevent user discomfort from strong drafts.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system preliminarily reduces fan speed when draft phenomenon is detected or predicted, preventing user discomfort before it occurs. This preliminary anti-action maintains temperature distribution efficiency while proactively eliminating the harmful draft effect.
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 solution rapidly reaches target temperatures, increases airflow distance, and maintains user comfort by eliminating drafts, thus enhancing user satisfaction and reducing temperature differences.
Implementation Method 1
the first vane group guides air in a direction close to the ceiling surface to form horizontal airflow and the second vane group guides air in a direction close to a floor surface to form vertical airflow
Implementation Method 2
calculating an airflow unpleasant feeling index due to an indoor draft phenomenon... determining whether the calculated airflow unpleasant feeling index is greater than a reference value
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A method of controlling a ceiling type air conditioner including a panel, a first vane group, and a second vane group, and each of the first and second vane groups including an upper discharge vane and a lower discharge vane includes performing first mixing operation in which the first vane group guides air in a direction close to the ceiling surface to form horizontal airflow and the second vane group guides air in a direction close to a floor surface to form vertical airflow, determining whether swing operation of continuously rotating the first vane group and the second vane group or fixing operation in which the first vane group and the second vane group are located at the same angle is performed, and performing second mixing operation in which the first vane group forms the vertical airflow and the second vane group forms the horizontal airflow.