Wind Direction Flap Reset Control for Air Conditioner Swing Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air conditioners with wind direction changing flaps often move outside the intended swing range due to mishandling, leading to improper airflow direction.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioner with a controller that returns the wind direction changing flap to a reference position when moved within a set swing range, preventing it from moving outside this range, and allowing easy adjustment based on the installation position of the indoor unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the wind direction changing flap is allowed to move freely within the movable range, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because the flap may move outside the intended swing range due to mishandling
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs a preliminary action by returning the wind direction changing flap to the reference position before executing the intended movement to the target position. This preliminary reset ensures that even if the flap was previously moved outside the swing range by mishandling, it starts from a known reference point, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving ease of operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If the swing range is set to a part of the movable range, then the manufacturing precision is improved by defining a specific operational range, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the flap must be returned to reference position
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically returning the flap to the reference position without requiring user intervention. The controller autonomously detects when the swing range is set and executes the return-to-reference action, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while minimizing the impact on ease of operation.
3Reliability
If the controller returns the flap to reference position when swing range is set, then the reliability is improved by preventing out-of-range movement, but the time required for operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The return to reference position is performed as a preliminary action only when the swing range is being set, not during normal operation. This timing strategy ensures reliability by establishing correct boundaries before use, while minimizing time loss by not interrupting ongoing operational movements.
Data Source
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AI summary
An air conditioner, wherein a wind direction changing flap is prevented from moving outside a present swing range. In the air conditioner, determination is made whether or not a "3-Dimensional Swing" or a "Left/Right Swing" relating to movement of a left/right flap is set (step S2). When it is determined that the "3-Dimensional Swing" or "Left/Right Swing" is set (step S2: Yes), a determination is made whether or not the swing range of the left/right flap is set to a part of the movable range (step S3). When it is determined in step S3 that the swing range of the left/right flap is set (step S3: Yes), the left/right flap is once returned to the reference position (step S4), and then reciprocation of the left/right flap within the swing range is started (step S5).