Floor-mounted air conditioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor-standing air-conditioning apparatuses face challenges such as large size due to inclined heat exchangers, unstable air flow leading to dew collection issues, vibration-induced instability, and ineffective air circulation, particularly in heating modes where air is not distributed evenly throughout a room.
Innovation Solution
A floor-standing air-conditioning apparatus with a crossflow fan positioned on the rear side and V-shaped heat exchangers that increase the heat exchange area while maintaining a low height, along with a drain pan to split and uniform air flow, reducing noise and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a flat-plate-like heat exchanger is provided obliquely to increase heat exchange area, then heat exchange capacity is improved, but the body height increases making the apparatus large and difficult to install in spaces below windows
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is configured in a V-shape with both ends supported on the rear surface, creating a three-dimensional arrangement that maximizes heat exchange area without increasing body height. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the heat exchanger to utilize the depth dimension of the cabinet rather than extending vertically.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger is divided into multiple sections (first heat exchanger section and second heat exchanger section) arranged in a V-configuration. This segmentation allows the heat exchange surface to be distributed across different spatial zones, increasing total exchange area while maintaining a compact vertical profile.
2Quantity of substance
If the rear side of the cabinet is made long to accommodate the inclined heat exchanger, then heat exchange area is increased, but cold air condenses on the rear surface and dew collection issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The V-shaped heat exchanger configuration redirects cold air flow away from the rear cabinet surface by channeling it through the heat exchanger passages and out through front and rear grilles. This dimensional reconfiguration of air flow paths prevents condensation on the rear surface while maintaining adequate heat exchange area.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful condensation effect is eliminated by extracting cold air from direct contact with the rear cabinet surface and redirecting it through the heat exchanger structure. The heat exchanger acts as a barrier that prevents cold air from condensing on the rear surface while still providing adequate cooling function.
3Length of moving object
If the fan is positioned in the upper portion of the cabinet, then air outlet can be provided in the upper portion, but the heavy rotating fan causes vibrations and unstable operation
Solution Approach 1:
The V-shaped heat exchanger configuration with both ends supported on the rear surface acts as a counterweight structure that balances the heavy fan positioned in the upper portion. This structural arrangement provides counterbalancing support that reduces vibrations and improves operational stability during fan rotation.
4Productivity
If air inlet is provided below air outlet and inclined downward, then air circulation is improved, but air flow becomes unstable and draft resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The V-shaped heat exchanger creates multiple air flow paths through front and rear grilles, transforming the single-direction air flow into a multi-dimensional circulation pattern. This allows air to be drawn in from lower regions and discharged through upper regions while maintaining stable flow through the structured passages of the heat exchanger.
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 solution provides a stable, energy-efficient, and comfortable air distribution with reduced noise and increased heat exchange performance, allowing for easy installation and effective air circulation throughout the room without covering windows, while minimizing vibrations and noise.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger (9) including a front heat exchanger (9b) and a rear heat exchanger (9c)
Implementation Method 2
a crossflow fan (7) extending in a horizontal direction; a heat exchanger (9) including a front heat exchanger (9b) and a rear heat exchanger (9c)
Implementation Method 3
a crossflow fan (7) extending in a horizontal direction; an air outlet (3) opening from an upper portion of a body front face (1a)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A floor-standing air-conditioning apparatus includes a lower air inlet 2a having an air inlet opening that allows air to flow into an air-conditioning-apparatus body 10 from the lower portion of the body on its front side 10, an air outlet 3 having an air outlet opening that allows air in the body to flow out of the body and rise, a heat exchanger 9 that is provided in the body and conditions air, a crossflow fan 7 that is provided in the body and produces a flow of air in which the air that has flowed into the body passes through the heat exchanger 9 and is guided to the air outlet 3, a drain pan 11 that is provided below the heat exchanger 9 in the height direction of the body and receives water generated by dew condensation, and a lower diffuser 3a provided in a lower portion of the air outlet 3 in the body so as not to incline outwards. The crossflow fan 7 is provided at a position below the air outlet 3 in the height direction of the body and on a side of rear face with respect to a center of the body in the depth direction. The heat exchanger 9 includes a front heat exchanger 9b and a rear heat exchanger 9c, a pair of which form a V shape with their lower ends being in contact with each other, and are arranged so that the crossflow fan 7 is positioned between the front heat exchanger 9b and the rear heat exchanger 9c.