Ceiling Air-Conditioner Panel Geometry for Condensation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ceiling-embedded air-conditioner indoor units face issues with dew condensation and smudging due to direct contact of cold air with decorative panels and ceilings, which affect designability and comfortability, and previous solutions fail to adequately address the formation of a parallel flow field with the ceiling.
Innovation Solution
The air-conditioner indoor unit features a decorative panel with a horizontal flat portion and a protruding portion on its outer frame, where the lower end of the protruding portion is positioned above the louver, and the inner flow path wall surface is positioned vertically below the louver, guiding air flow horizontally to prevent direct contact and reduce dew condensation and smudging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cold air is blown directly from the blow port, then cooling efficiency is improved, but dew condensation occurs at the outer frame of the decorative panel and smudging occurs on the ceiling surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the air flow path into multiple segments using the protruding portion and inner flow path wall surface. The air flow is segmented into an upper flow path (above the protruding portion) and a lower flow path (below the protruding portion), allowing different flow directions and temperatures to be directed toward different areas, thus preventing direct contact of cold air with the outer frame while maintaining cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding portion acts as an intermediary structure between the blow port and the outer frame. It redirects the air flow path so that cold air does not directly contact the outer frame,而是通过中间区域（突出部下方空间）流动，从而避免结露和天花板污染
2Shape
If the decorative panel outer frame is made flat and horizontal for designability, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but cold air directly contacts the outer frame causing dew condensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension element (the protruding portion) into the otherwise flat outer frame structure. This three-dimensional feature creates a physical barrier and redirects air flow in the vertical direction, preventing cold air from directly contacting the flat horizontal outer frame surface, thus maintaining both aesthetic appearance and preventing dew condensation
3Productivity
If cold air blows at high speed toward the ceiling, then cooling coverage is improved, but the ceiling surface becomes wet causing smudging when dust adheres
Solution Approach 1:
The air flow is segmented into different zones by the protruding portion. The upper flow path directs air toward the ceiling at a controlled angle, while the lower flow path handles air directed more horizontally. This segmentation prevents concentrated high-speed cold air from directly wetting the ceiling surface, reducing smudging while maintaining cooling coverage
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 enhances designability, ensures comfortability by forming a flow field parallel to the ceiling, and effectively reduces dew condensation and smudging occurrences.
Implementation Method 1
a louver provided at the blow port of the panel to change an air sending direction
Implementation Method 2
a lower end of the protruding portion is positioned vertically above a lower end of the louver, and a lower end of an inner flow path wall surface forming a flow path wall surface inside the blow port is positioned vertically below the lower end of the louver
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an indoor unit of an air-conditioner including: an indoor unit body configured to be provided in a ceiling; a suction port attached to a lower surface of the indoor unit body; a panel including a blow port for blowing conditioned air into a room; and a louver provided at the blow port of the panel to change an air sending direction. The panel includes an outer frame provided outside the blow port and provided with a substantially horizontal flat portion, and a protruding portion provided on the flat portion of the outer frame and protruding vertically downward. A lower end of the protruding portion is positioned vertically above a lower end of the louver. A lower end of an inner flow path wall surface forming a flow path wall surface inside the blow port is positioned vertically below the lower end of the louver.