Ceiling-embedded air conditioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ceiling-embedded air conditioners with rotating units face issues of wind leakage and dew condensation during cooling operations due to the rotation of components around an axis normal to the decorative panel's rear surface.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a rotating ring with an outer and inner flange forming a thrust bearing, driven by a motor, and using a sealing material like low-friction resin tape or sheet between the flanges to prevent wind leakage and dew condensation, while reducing sliding resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotating unit is provided to blow air in various directions, then air blowing versatility is improved, but wind leakage and dew condensation occur in the rotating portion
Solution Approach 1:
A sealing member is introduced as an intermediary element between the rotating ring and the partitioning plate to prevent wind leakage and dew condensation. The sealing member fills the gap created by rotation while maintaining airtightness, allowing the rotating unit to change air blowing directions without compromising sealing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member functions as a flexible element that can accommodate the rotational movement of the rotating ring while maintaining continuous sealing. This flexible component adapts to the rotating motion without creating gaps that would lead to wind leakage or dew condensation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotating ring is fitted in a circular opening to enable rotation, then air blowing direction control is improved, but sliding resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member acts as an intermediary between the rotating ring and the partitioning plate that reduces friction and sliding resistance. By providing a low-friction interface, the sealing member enables smooth rotation while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties of the sealing member are selected to change the friction parameters at the interface between the rotating ring and the partitioning plate. This parameter change reduces sliding resistance and allows easier rotation of the rotating unit.
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
Effectively prevents wind leakage and dew condensation during cooling operations, enhancing the operational efficiency and reliability of the air conditioner by minimizing rotational resistance.
Implementation Method 1
an inner flange is formed on an inner peripheral side of the above-described opening, the above-described outer flange and the above-described inner flange constitute a thrust bearing
Implementation Method 2
a sealing material is provided between the above-described inner flange and the above-described outer flange
Implementation Method 3
the above-described sealing material includes a tape or sheet having bristles made of low friction resin
Data Source
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AI summary
[Problem] To prevent wind leakage and dew condensation in a rotating portion of a rotating unit in a ceiling-embedded air conditioner having, in an air blowing part of a decorative panel, the rotating unit that rotates around an axis that is normal to a virtual plane of the rear surface side of the decorative panel that is parallel to the bottom surface of a body unit. [Solution] An outer flange 614 is formed on an the outer peripheral side of a rotating ring 610 attached to a rotating unit, an inner flange 521 that constitutes a thrust bearing together with the outer flange 614 is formed on the inner peripheral side of an opening into which the rotating ring 610 is fitted, and a sealing material 618 is provided between the inner flange 521 and the outer flange 614.