Air-conditioning system

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air-conditioning systems face challenges in simultaneously performing temperature control and air purification across the same region due to separate units for heat exchange and air filtration, which complicates air circulation and filter maintenance, especially for ceiling-mounted units where filter access is difficult.

Innovation Solution

The system incorporates a first air-processing apparatus for heat exchange with a downward outlet and a second air-processing apparatus for air purification with a parallel outlet, both with adjustable louvers and a filter cleaner for pre-filter maintenance, allowing for simultaneous temperature control and air purification in the same region, with the second apparatus's filter being easily accessible for replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a HEPA filter is mounted in the air conditioner inlet, then air purification efficiency is improved, but air flow resistance increases making it difficult to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair purification efficiencyVSAvoidair flow operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the air processing function into two separate apparatuses: an air conditioner for temperature control and an air purifier for air purification. This segmentation allows each device to operate independently with optimized filters and airflow paths, resolving the contradiction between purification efficiency and airflow resistance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The air purifier unit is designed to be universally applicable and can be positioned flexibly within the indoor space. It incorporates a HEPA filter that can be easily replaced by the user, maintaining high purification efficiency without compromising airflow operation

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate air conditioner and air purifier units are used, then temperature control and air purification functions are improved, but device complexity and space utilization worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control and air purification functionsVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the air conditioner and air purifier into a coordinated system where the air purifier can be positioned within the air conditioner's airflow path. This merging allows both functions to operate simultaneously in the same region while utilizing shared space and airflow pathways, reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If a ceiling-mounted air processing apparatus is used, then space utilization is improved, but filter accessibility for maintenance worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidfilter replacement accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The filter replacement function is extracted and simplified by designing the air purifier with a removable filter assembly that can be easily accessed. When positioned ceiling-mounted, the filter can be removed through the same access points used for normal operation, allowing maintenance without requiring users to reach the ceiling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The air purifier is designed with user-friendly filter replacement mechanisms that allow ordinary users to perform maintenance themselves without requiring specialized tools or access to ceiling spaces. The filter assembly can be removed and replaced through easily accessible openings

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of repair

If the suction panel is moved downward with the filter using a wire, then filter accessibility is improved, but device complexity and operational steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter accessibilityVSAvoidmechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air purifier is designed with movable components including a rotatable suction panel and adjustable air outlet. These dynamic features allow the device to adapt to different installation positions and maintenance requirements without requiring complex wire-based mechanisms. The suction panel can be rotated to provide access to the filter from multiple directions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 enables efficient air circulation, maximizes outlet area usage, and simplifies filter maintenance, ensuring effective temperature control and air purification while allowing for easy filter replacement and pre-filter cleaning.

Implementation Method 1

a first inlet formed to be open in a direction inclined relative to the direction in which the first outlet is open and causing air introduced into the first inlet to exchange heat with a refrigerant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP4095445A1Air-conditioning system
Publication Date: 2022.11.30 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4095445A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4095445A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4095445A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an air-conditioning system. The air-conditioning system includes a first air-processing apparatus, which includes a first outlet formed to be open toward a floor and a first inlet formed to be open in a direction inclined relative to the direction in which the first outlet is open and is configured to deliver heat-exchanged air to the first outlet, and a second air-processing apparatus, which includes a second outlet formed to be open in a direction parallel to the first outlet and a second inlet formed to be open in a direction parallel to the first inlet and is configured to deliver purified air to the second outlet. The first outlet and the second outlet extend in the leftward-rightward direction, and the first air-processing apparatus and the second air-processing apparatus are arranged in the leftward-rightward direction.