Air Conditioner Filter Panel Layout for Compact Auto-Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioners with automatic filter cleaning functions often require additional space for the filter cleaning device, making them larger and less cost-effective, as they typically involve moving the filter or cleaning unit within the casing, which necessitates a dedicated detour lane for efficient U-turns.
Innovation Solution
The air conditioner design includes an open panel that rotates and opens to allow the filter to be extruded outside the casing along its inner surface, using a guide portion for a U-turn, thus concealing the filter cleaning process from the user's view and allowing for miniaturization of the indoor unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the filter is moved within the casing for cleaning, then the filter cleaning function is achieved, but the device size increases due to the need for a dedicated detour lane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the filter cleaning function with the existing open panel structure. The open panel serves dual purposes: as an access panel for the air conditioner and as a guide structure for the filter during cleaning operations. This eliminates the need for a separate dedicated detour lane, thereby reducing the overall casing size while maintaining the filter cleaning function.
Solution Approach 2:
The open panel is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as an access panel for maintenance, a structural component of the casing, and a guide for filter movement during cleaning. By making the panel multi-functional, the patent avoids adding extra space-dedicated structures, thus reducing the casing volume while ensuring reliable filter cleaning.
2Productivity
If a dedicated detour lane is provided for the filter U-turn, then the filter can be moved efficiently within the casing, but additional space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the detour lane function with the open panel structure. The inner surface of the open panel serves as the guide for the filter's U-turn movement. This integration eliminates the need for a separate dedicated detour lane space, thereby maintaining filter movement efficiency while reducing the overall area required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the three-dimensional space created by the open panel's geometry to guide the filter's U-turn movement. Instead of requiring a separate two-dimensional detour lane area, the filter follows the contours of the open panel's inner surface, effectively using the panel's spatial configuration to provide the necessary movement path without additional area.
3Device complexity
If the filter cleaning device is disposed within the casing, then the cleaning function is integrated, but the casing size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the filter cleaning device with the open panel structure. The cleaning mechanisms (such as brushes or suction elements) are integrated into the open panel assembly, allowing the filter to be cleaned as it passes along the panel's inner surface. This integration eliminates the need for a separate dedicated cleaning unit within the casing, thereby reducing the overall casing volume while maintaining device functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The open panel assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, guides filter movement, enables filter access for maintenance, and houses the cleaning mechanisms. By making the panel assembly multi-functional, the patent avoids adding extra volume-dedicated cleaning devices, thus reducing casing volume while ensuring integrated cleaning functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
The filter 3 is extruded to the outside of the casing of the air conditioner along the inner side of an open panel 15 which is provided at the front surface side of an air intake grill 14 and opened/closed at the time of the operation of the air conditioner.