Controller circuit for air conditioner and computer-readable storage medium containing program instructions for controlling an air conditioner

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air conditioner systems lack precise control over airflow direction and movement, leading to inefficient temperature distribution and comfort in rooms, especially when trying to target specific areas or individuals.

Innovation Solution

A controller circuit for air conditioners that includes a cooling establishment section, first and second fan controlling sections, and an enclosure attitude controlling section, which uses sensors to direct airflow from multiple outlets to effectively target individuals and areas within a room, allowing for adjustable airflow direction and flow rates to enhance comfort and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If multiple air outlets are used to spread cool or warm air over a wider area, then the temperature distribution in the room is improved, but the control precision of airflow direction deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature distributionVSAvoidcontrol precision of airflow direction
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The air outlet system is segmented into multiple independent outlets (first air outlet and second air outlets), each with its own control mechanism. The first air outlet is controlled by first horizontal flaps and first vertical louvers, while the second air outlets are controlled by second horizontal flaps and second vertical louvers. This segmentation allows each outlet to be independently controlled, resolving the contradiction between wide area coverage and precise directional control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic control mechanisms where the attitudes of the first and second enclosures can be changed relative to each other. The enclosure attitude controlling section dynamically adjusts the positions of the horizontal flaps and vertical louvers based on detected airflow conditions, enabling real-time optimization of both coverage area and directional precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If airflow direction is controlled using horizontal flaps and vertical louvers, then the direction regulation capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirection regulation capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system uses universal control mechanisms where the same type of actuators (horizontal flaps and vertical louvers) are employed for both the first air outlet and the second air outlets. This multi-functional approach allows a single control strategy to manage multiple outlets, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive direction regulation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control functions for multiple air outlets are merged into a unified enclosure attitude controlling section that coordinates the attitudes of both the first enclosure and second enclosures. This consolidation of control functions reduces the number of independent control systems needed, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If the airflow direction is allowed to depend on natural convection after release, then the system simplicity is maintained, but the precision of airflow targeting deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidprecision of airflow targeting
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by actively controlling the airflow direction at the point of release through the coordinated adjustment of horizontal flaps and vertical louvers in both enclosures. This preliminary directional control ensures that the airflow is precisely targeted from the outset, eliminating the need for complex post-release correction mechanisms and maintaining system simplicity while achieving high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The system ensures that cool or warm air is directed precisely to individuals and areas, improving comfort and efficiency by utilizing multiple airflow paths and sensors to manage airflow direction and flow rates, even when individuals move within the room.

Implementation Method 1

a first blower fan so as to induce the discharge of the airflow of a cool air through a first air outlet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

second blower fans so as to induce the discharge of the airflows of a room air through second air outlets

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

an enclosure attitude controlling section configured to control a driving mechanism changing respective attitude of the second enclosures relative to the first enclosure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical actuation: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP2664861B1Controller circuit for air conditioner and computer-readable storage medium containing program instructions for controlling an air conditioner
Publication Date: 2019.10.30 FUJITSU GENERAL LTD
  • EP2664861B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2664861B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2664861B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A first fan controlling section (83) of a controller circuit (79) is configured to control a first blower fan (27) so as to induce the discharge of the airflow of a cool air through a first air outlet defined in a first enclosure of an indoor unit of the air conditioner. A second fan controlling section (87) is configured to control second blower fans so as to induce the discharge of the airflows of a room air through second air outlets, respectively, defined in a pair of second enclosures disposed on the opposite sides of the first enclosure. An enclosure attitude controlling section (88) is configured to change the respective attitude of the second enclosures relative to the first enclosure.