Corrugated Air Guide Grille for Quiet, High-Flow Air Inlets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air guide grilles in air conditioning systems have poor airflow guiding efficiency, allow noise transmission, and compromise aesthetics due to simple structures, particularly in window-type air conditioners where the air inlet grille dominates the panel, making them unsightly and difficult to match with modern home decor.
Innovation Solution
An air guide grille with corrugated air inlet side edges and inclined air guiding surfaces, arranged in a staggered manner to form a 3D corrugated structure that enhances airflow guidance, increases cross-sectional area, and blocks sound and light, while incorporating aesthetically appealing sinusoidal wave shapes and ribs to improve appearance and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple straight grille is adopted, then the manufacturing is easy and cost is low, but the flow guiding effect is poor and noise is easily transmitted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by designing the air guide surface with an inclined angle that directs airflow smoothly. The curved or inclined surface structure guides air flow more effectively compared to straight flat surfaces, improving airflow guiding efficiency while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a third dimension by creating an inclined air guide surface that protrudes from the front surface of the grille. This dimensional change allows the grille to actively direct airflow in a specific direction rather than just serving as a passive opening, thereby improving airflow guiding efficiency.
2Ease of manufacture
If a simple straight grille is adopted, then the manufacturing is easy, but in-machine noise is easily transmitted to the indoor
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined and curved air guide surface creates a non-planar structure that disrupts sound wave propagation. This curvature helps scatter and reduce noise transmission from the indoor unit to the living space while maintaining aesthetic appearance and manufacturing feasibility.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple straight grille is adopted, then the manufacturing is easy, but the in-machine structure is easily viewed through the grille, influencing overall aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined air guide surface creates a visually appealing three-dimensional structure that enhances the aesthetic appearance of the air conditioner. The curved or angled design adds visual interest and sophistication, making the machine look more modern and attractive while still being manufacturable.
4Productivity
If the air inlet grille occupies almost the whole air inlet panel in window-type air conditioner, then the airflow intake is sufficient, but the aesthetic appearance is poor and difficult to match with home supplies
Solution Approach 1:
By creating an inclined air guide surface that extends outward from the front panel, the patent adds a dimensional element that reduces the visual dominance of the grille opening. This allows for a more balanced design where the grille remains functional for airflow intake while the inclined structure provides aesthetic value and reduces the need for the grille to occupy the entire panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved or inclined air guide surface creates an aesthetically pleasing design element that can be integrated into the overall panel design. This allows the grille to be more visually appealing and better matched with home decor while maintaining sufficient airflow intake capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
An air guide grille (100) is provided, the air guide grille includes a plurality of grid strips (1), wherein the plurality of grid strips (1) are arranged in a plurality of rows, an air inlet side edge (17) of each of the plurality of grid strips (1) is of a corrugated shape, and an air inlet side edges (17) of two adjacent rows of grid strips (1) in the plurality of grid strips is provided in a staggered manner along a length direction of the corrugation. In order to form a corrugated air inlet between two adjacent rows of gate strips (1), the each of the plurality of grid strips (1) has an air guide surface (2) inclined toward a first direction along the air guiding direction thereof, and the first direction is parallel to an undulating direction of a corrugation. In addition, an air inlet panel (200) and an air conditioner are also disclosed.