Independent Cooling and Purifying Paths in Room Air Conditioners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioners with integrated cooling and purifying paths suffer from limited utilization scope, increased electricity consumption, poor air purification, and operational noise due to the combined operation of mesh filters and dust collectors, which cannot be independently utilized.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioner design with independent cooling and purifying paths, featuring separate suction openings, fans, heat exchangers, and discharge openings, allowing for independent or simultaneous operation of air purifying and room cooling functions through user-selective manipulation, with a distinct air purifier housing and cooler housing configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the mesh filter and dust collector are mounted inside the suction grill to perform air purifying function, then the air purifying function is integrated into the air conditioner, but the mesh filter and dust collector cannot be independently utilized and require additional electricity consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the air conditioner into separate functional modules: a cooling module with cooling fan and heat exchanger, and a purifying module with purifying fan, mesh filter, and dust collector. Each module has its own air inlet and outlet, allowing independent operation. The purifying module can function alone without activating the cooling module, enabling independent air purification without additional electricity consumption for cooling components.
Solution Approach 2:
The air conditioner is designed to perform multiple functions through a single integrated device that can operate in different modes. The purifying module serves dual purposes: it can operate independently for air purification, or work in conjunction with the cooling module for combined cooling and purification. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate air purifier devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mesh filter covers the suction opening completely and the dust collector occupies half the suction grill, then the air purifying function is enhanced, but the flow resistance increases causing operational noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates separate air pathways for cooling and purification functions. The purifying module has its own dedicated air inlet and outlet openings, distinct from the cooling module's pathway. This segmentation allows air to flow through the mesh filter and dust collector with optimized flow characteristics, reducing turbulence and flow resistance that would otherwise cause operational noise.
3Device complexity
If the cooling path and purifying path are joined together in conventional designs, then the structure is simplified, but the air purifier and cooler cannot be independently utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements complete structural segmentation by providing separate housings for the cooling module and purifying module. Each module has independent air inlets, air outlets, and fan systems. The cooling module draws air through its own inlet, passes it through the heat exchanger, and discharges through its outlet. Similarly, the purifying module has its own air pathway through the mesh filter and dust collector. This physical separation enables independent operation while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.
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
Enables efficient and independent operation of air purification and room cooling, reducing electricity consumption and operational noise, while improving air purification efficiency by separating the cooling and purifying paths.
Implementation Method 1
a first fan arranged in the body casing to suction air
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchanger located above the first fan to perform heat exchange of the suctioned air
Implementation Method 3
a second fan mounted in the purifier housing to suction air
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an air conditioner having independent cooling and purifying paths. The air conditioner comprises a body casing formed by assembling a front panel with a rear panel, the front panel having a cooled air discharge opening and one or more suction openings to introduce indoor air into the body casing, a first fan arranged in the body casing to suction air via the suction openings, and a heat exchanger located above the first fan to perform heat exchange of the suctioned air. A cooler housing is arranged in the body casing to receive the first fan therein. Also, an air purifier is mounted in the body casing.