Ceiling Indoor Unit Layout for Compact Height and Uniform Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ceiling-suspended air conditioning indoor units require a large vertical space for installation, have inconvenient electric component placement, and suffer from non-uniform air distribution due to internal member layout and fan airflow limitations.
Innovation Solution
The air conditioning indoor unit design features a main body with a blow-out panel, an axial fan, and an electric component housing, where the electric component is positioned under the axial fan, and air guide structures are used to direct airflow uniformly across the blow-out panel, reducing overall height and improving airflow distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electric component is disposed outside the case in a ceiling suspended air conditioning indoor unit, then the electric component is easily accessible, but the maintenance convenience deteriorates because it requires disassembly of the case
Solution Approach 1:
The case is divided into an upper case and a lower case that can be separated. The electric component is disposed in the lower case, which can be independently removed. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to access the electric component by simply removing the lower case without disassembling the entire unit, thereby improving maintenance convenience while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Ease of operation
If the blow-out panel is provided with a blow-out port facing four directions, then air flows are blown uniformly in respective directions, but the air-blowing condition is limited by the internal member layout and air flows do not flow toward the blow-out port
Solution Approach 1:
The air guide vane is extended in the axial direction of the fan, creating a three-dimensional air guide structure. This extension allows the air guide vane to effectively guide air flows from the fan toward the blow-out port located at the peripheral edge of the blow-out panel, solving the problem where air flows did not reach the blow-out port in conventional two-dimensional air guide structures. The extended structure enables uniform air distribution across all four directions without increasing internal member layout complexity.
3Productivity
If the axial fan rotates to generate air flows, then air is blown out through the blow-out port, but the air volume at each blow-out port is not uniform and no air is blown out through some parts
Solution Approach 1:
The air guide vane is designed with different shapes and angles at different locations to optimize air flow distribution locally. The air guide vane includes a first air guide vane and a second air guide vane with different configurations, allowing each part to address specific air flow characteristics in different regions of the blow-out panel. This local optimization ensures uniform air volume distribution across all blow-out ports, including corner ports that previously received no air.
4Productivity
If air is blown downward by the ceiling suspended air conditioning indoor unit, then air flows are generated efficiently, but the range of air-blowing is limited and comfort for human deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air guide vane is designed to be rotatable, allowing the air-blowing direction to be dynamically adjusted. The air guide vane can rotate to change the direction of air flows blown out through the blow-out port, enabling the system to adapt to different air-blowing requirements and improve human comfort by directing air flows in optimal directions rather than fixed downward direction.
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 vertical space requirement, simplifies maintenance, and ensures uniform and efficient air distribution, enhancing comfort and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
An axial fan is disposed inside the main body. An axial direction of the axial fan is orthogonal to the top side. An intake side and a blow-out side are formed during rotation of the axial fan
Implementation Method 2
The air conditioning indoor unit further includes a heat exchanger and an electric component. The heat exchanger is located inside the intake surface and disposed surrounding the axial fan
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
An air conditioning indoor unit (1) includes a main body (10) including a top side, a bottom side, and a side part (11) connecting the top side to the bottom side, and including an intake surface on the side part, and a blow-out panel (30) at least partially covering the bottom side of the main body (10) and including a blow-out port (31). The air conditioning indoor unit (1) includes an axial fan (50) disposed inside the main body (10) and has an axial direction orthogonal to the top side. An intake side and a blow-out side are formed during rotation of the axial fan (50), the blow-out side is located on a lower side of the axial fan (50), and the blow-out side faces the blow-out panel (30). The air conditioning indoor unit (1) includes a heat exchanger (40) located inside the intake surface and disposed surrounding the axial fan (50), and an electric component (60) disposed under the axial fan (50). The overall height of the air conditioning indoor unit (1) is reduced, and the mounting and maintenance of the electric component (60) are facilitated.