Indoor AC Air Deflector Retraction for Gap-Free Outlet Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing indoor air-conditioner units have gaps between the air deflector and the air outlet when closed, affecting appearance and allowing dust and contaminants to enter, and lack multi-angle air supply capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An indoor air-conditioner unit with a retractable central supporting mechanism and open-close mechanism for the air deflector, using foldable connecting rods and motor-driven ejecting devices to ensure a complete seal and allow for multi-angle air flow direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the air deflector rotates around a fixed shaft to enable multi-angle air supply, then air supply flexibility is improved, but gaps between the air deflector and air outlet periphery cannot be completely sealed
Solution Approach 1:
The air deflector is designed to move dynamically between two states: during operation, it rotates to various angles for multi-directional air supply; during shutdown, it retracts completely into the air outlet to achieve complete sealing. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between needing rotation for flexibility and needing retraction for sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The air deflector transitions from a two-dimensional rotation problem to a three-dimensional retraction problem. Instead of merely rotating in place, the deflector moves along the dimension of the air outlet depth, retracting completely inside the outlet cavity when not in use, thereby achieving complete sealing while maintaining rotational capability when needed.
2Ease of operation
If gaps are left between the air deflector and air outlet periphery to allow rotation, then air supply flexibility is improved, but appearance and cleanliness are worsened due to visible gaps and contaminant entry
Solution Approach 1:
The air deflector dynamically changes its position based on operational requirements. During operation, it extends and rotates to provide flexible air supply; during shutdown, it retracts completely to seal the air outlet, preventing dust and contaminant entry while maintaining rotation capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The air deflector performs preliminary retraction into the air outlet before the air-conditioner shuts down completely. This preliminary action ensures that the air outlet is sealed in advance, preventing any potential entry of dust and contaminants during the shutdown process, while still allowing rotation to occur during the operational phase.
3Reliability
If the air deflector is completely closed to achieve complete seal, then cleanliness and appearance are improved, but multi-angle air supply capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The air deflector system is designed to be dynamic, switching between two distinct states: during operation, it extends and rotates to various angles for multi-directional air supply; during shutdown, it retracts completely into the air outlet to achieve complete sealing. This temporal separation of functions resolves the contradiction between sealing and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The air deflector performs preliminary retraction into the air outlet before shutdown is complete, ensuring complete sealing is achieved in advance. This preliminary sealing action prevents contaminant entry while the system shuts down, and the deflector is positioned to allow rapid extension and rotation when operation resumes, thus maintaining both sealing performance and operational flexibility.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An indoor air-conditioner comprising an air duct, an air outlet in communication with the air duct, and an air deflector (1) guiding the direction of the air leaving the air-conditioner, a volute tongue (4) being provided on the outer end part of the air duct near the air outlet, and characterized in that the indoor air-conditioner further comprises a central support mechanism (2), capable of telescoping between the central part of the back of the air deflector (1) and the volute tongue (4), thus a complete seal with the air outlet can be achieved when the air deflector is closed, meaning there are no gaps.