Ceiling-embedded indoor unit and air-conditioning device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ceiling-embedded air-conditioning units have a large panel area due to the arrangement of blow-out ports, fans, and heat exchangers, which limits their compactness and integration with other ceiling features.
Innovation Solution
The blow-out ports, fan, and heat exchangers are arranged to overlap each other in the up-and-down direction, reducing the horizontal size of the casing and eliminating intake ports from the ceiling panel, while intake ports are positioned on the side plates, allowing for a streamlined design and increased blow-out port area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the blow-out port, fan, and heat exchanger are arranged in a conventional horizontal layout, then the components can be easily installed and maintained, but the horizontal size of the casing and panel becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies vertical stacking arrangement where the blow-out port, fan, and heat exchanger are arranged in the up-and-down direction rather than horizontally. This dimensional change from horizontal to vertical arrangement reduces the horizontal footprint of the casing and panel while maintaining all necessary component functions and accessibility through the vertical configuration.
2Area of moving object
If the panel area is reduced to achieve a more compact design, then the ceiling appearance becomes more streamlined, but the blow-out port area may be insufficient for adequate airflow
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging the blow-out port vertically and stacking it with the fan and heat exchanger in the up-and-down direction, the patent enables the blow-out port to achieve sufficient area for adequate airflow capacity while the horizontal panel dimensions remain compact. The vertical orientation allows the blow-out port area to be optimized independently from the horizontal panel footprint.
3Ease of operation
If intake ports are formed in the ceiling panel, then air intake is simplified, but the panel area increases and the ceiling appearance becomes less streamlined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the intake port function from the ceiling panel by positioning it on the side plate of the casing instead. This separation allows the ceiling panel to maintain a clean, streamlined appearance without holes or openings, while the air intake function is still fulfilled through the side-mounted intake port that draws air from the ceiling space.
4Area of moving object
If the casing horizontal size is reduced for better integration with ceiling features, then the panel area decreases, but the internal component arrangement becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the complexity issue by utilizing vertical stacking arrangement where components are arranged in the up-and-down direction. This vertical configuration naturally organizes the components in a logical sequence (intake port on side plate, heat exchanger above, fan above, blow-out port at top), making the compact horizontal design achievable without excessive complexity in the internal arrangement.
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 configuration reduces the horizontal size of the casing and ceiling panel, enhances airflow efficiency, and allows for seamless integration with illumination devices, providing a streamlined ceiling appearance and improved comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger (33) disposed inside the casing (40)
Implementation Method 2
a fan (32) disposed inside the casing (40)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A blow-out port (51, 52) that supplies air to an air conditioning target space (5) is formed in a panel (50). An intake port (46, 47) in which air is taken is formed in a casing body (40a). At least a part of each of the blow-out port (51, 52), a fan (32), and a heat exchanger (33) overlap each other in an up-and-down direction.