Ceiling Air Conditioner Blowoff Structure for Uniform Corner Airflow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ceiling-embedded air conditioners face issues with uneven air distribution, leading to temperature variations due to air blowoff openings being limited to the sides of the decorative panel, resulting in increased parts count and assembly complexity, and low mechanical strength of air blowoff paths.
Innovation Solution
The air conditioner features a cuboidal air blowoff path integrated with the drain pan, including airflow guide vanes that direct conditioned air towards the corners, and attachment portions made of the same material as the drain sheet to enhance attachment and mechanical strength, allowing efficient air distribution to all directions with a reduced parts count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If air blowoff openings are provided only at four sides of the decorative panel, then the structure is simple, but air distribution to corners is insufficient causing temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The air blowoff function is segmented into multiple independent paths: four side blowoff openings and four corner blowoff openings. Each path is equipped with its own airflow guide vane, allowing independent control and optimization of air distribution to different regions, thereby achieving uniform temperature distribution without excessive structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Airflow guide vanes are introduced as intermediary components within the air blowoff paths. These vanes mediate the airflow direction, guiding conditioned air efficiently to both side and corner openings, ensuring proper air distribution without requiring complex opening configurations
2Ease of operation
If air blowoff paths are provided along the entire circumference of the drain pan, then air distribution improves, but the number of parts and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air blowoff paths are merged with the drain pan structure, forming an integrated assembly. The side and corner blowoff paths are constructed as unified components with the drain pan, reducing the total parts count and simplifying assembly while maintaining comprehensive air distribution coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The drain pan is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a drainage component and as the structural basis for air blowoff paths. This universal design allows the drain pan to fulfill multiple functions without requiring separate dedicated structures for air distribution
3Strength
If conventional air blowoff paths are used, then assembly is simple, but mechanical strength is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The air blowoff paths are constructed using composite material structure, combining the drain pan material with reinforcement elements. This composite construction enhances the mechanical strength of the air blowoff paths while maintaining integration with the drain pan, avoiding the need for complex attachment structures
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 design ensures efficient air distribution to all directions, including corners, while reducing assembly complexity and maintaining mechanical strength, thus improving temperature uniformity and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger disposed in the casing main body to surround the outer periphery of the turbo fan
Implementation Method 2
a turbo fan disposed in the casing main body
Data Source
AI summary
A ceiling-embedded air conditioner includes: a decorative panel; a turbo fan; a heat exchanger; a drain pan including a drain sheet; an air suction path; cuboidal air blowoff paths that are provided at four places surrounding the air suction path; and rectangular air blowoff openings that are provided in the decorative panel. The air blowoff paths are integrated with the drain pan. Airflow guide vanes are provided in the air blowoff paths to direct part of the blown airflow toward the short side of the air blowoff opening. Attachment portions formed of the same material as that for the drain sheet and configured to attach the airflow guide vanes are provided at an inflow-side opening portions of the air blowoff paths.