Indoor Air Conditioner Diffuser Placement to Reduce Droplet Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing indoor air conditioner units, particularly standing units, face challenges in humidification during heating processes as they rely on condensate which is not produced during heating, leading to inefficient humidification and potential bacterial growth due to the use of unclean water sources.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a diffuser placement strategy between the front panel and side grill, with a specific diffusion angle and vane inclination, to effectively discharge humidified air, minimizing droplet formation on metallic surfaces and improving air flow, thereby enhancing humidification efficiency across both cooling and heating modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a humidifier using condensate from the heat exchanger is installed in the main body, then humidification can be performed during cooling, but foreign substances and bacteria breed in the water tank and main body
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful function of using condensate for humidification and separates it from the system. Instead of using condensate collected in the drain pan, the patent introduces fresh water through a water supply assembly, thereby eliminating the source of bacterial contamination while maintaining humidification capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a steam generator as an intermediary device that converts fresh water into steam for humidification. This mediator ensures that clean water is used while the steam delivery system prevents direct contact between water and potential contamination sources in the main body
2Productivity
If water is evaporated in the main body using a blowing fan, then humidified air is generated, but moisture attaches to parts and components causing bacterial breeding
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the evaporative humidification process from the main body and relocates it to a dedicated steam generator. The steam is then delivered through a separate steam delivery assembly, preventing moisture from attaching to electrical parts and components in the main body
Solution Approach 2:
The steam generator and steam delivery assembly act as intermediaries that generate and transport humidified air without allowing condensation or moisture accumulation in the main body, thereby eliminating the conditions for bacterial growth
3Productivity
If the diffuser outlet is positioned to discharge humidified air, then humidification is effective, but droplets form on the front panel and lateral outlet surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality control by positioning the diffuser outlet at a specific location and angle to direct humidified air away from the front panel and lateral outlets. The diffuser vane is angled to create a localized air flow pattern that prevents droplet deposition on specific surfaces while maintaining effective humidification
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
This configuration ensures effective diffusion of humidified air, reducing droplet formation on surfaces, improving linearity, and maintaining efficient humidification during both cooling and heating cycles, while preventing bacterial growth by using filtered steam.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generator (2300) placed in the lower cabinet and supplied with water stored in the water tank and generating steam
Implementation Method 2
a humidification fan (2500) placed in the lower cabinet and supplying air to the steam generator
Implementation Method 3
a diffuser assembled to the steam generator and discharging the humidified air supplied by the steam generator to the lateral outlet
Data Source
AI summary
An indoor unit for an air conditioner, in which a diffuser outlet through which humidified air is discharged is placed between a front panel and a grill that guides the discharged air, may produce the effect that discharged air pushes discharged humidified air, thereby allowing the humidified air to flow far away from a lateral outlet. As a result, formation of droplets on a surface of the front panel made of a metallic material may be minimized.