Ceiling Air Conditioner Vane Module Pairing for Dead-Zone Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ceiling type indoor units of air conditioners have difficulty in effectively controlling discharge vane modules to rapidly cool rooms, leading to inefficient cooling distribution and unsatisfied user preferences.

Innovation Solution

The method involves configuring four vane modules into two pairs that discharge air at different angles or directions, alternately providing indirect and direct wind, to enhance cooling efficiency and coverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the discharge vane is simply controlled (rotated repeatedly or kept stationary), then the device complexity is low, but the cooling efficiency and user satisfaction are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge vane is divided into four independent vane modules (first, second, third, and fourth modules) arranged at different positions around the discharge port. Each module can be independently controlled to discharge air in different directions, enabling more sophisticated cooling patterns without requiring a single complex control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control method dynamically adjusts the operation of different vane modules based on cooling requirements. During rapid cooling mode, all four modules operate simultaneously with specific modules activated in sequence. During normal cooling mode, only two opposite modules operate. This dynamic control optimizes cooling efficiency while managing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If opposite two vane modules discharge air simultaneously, then the cooling coverage is improved, but the air flow distribution becomes less flexible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling coverageVSAvoidair flow control flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control method employs periodic activation of different vane modules. During rapid cooling mode, modules are activated in a specific sequence (first and third modules simultaneously, then second and fourth modules simultaneously) with timing control. This periodic operation creates alternating air flows that enhance cooling coverage while maintaining flexibility through temporal separation of module operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3686507B1Ceiling-mounted indoor unit for air conditioner
Publication Date: 2024.01.10 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3686507B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3686507B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3686507B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Opposite two of four vane modules constitute a first discharge pair, the other two constitute a second discharge pair, and the first discharge pair and the second discharge pair alternately provide indirect wind and direct wind, whereby it is possible to rapidly cool a room. In addition, the first discharge pair and the second discharge pair discharge air at different angles, whereby it is possible to minimize a dead zone that discharged air does not reach.