W-Shaped Indoor Unit Airflow Flaps for Simpler Air Direction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wall-mounted indoor units for air-conditioning systems with axial fans upstream of W-shaped indoor heat exchangers face complexity in airflow direction flap structure and control due to the division of airflow paths by drain pans, leading to increased complexity and control challenges.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a simplified configuration of up/down airflow direction flaps, where the forward and rearward flaps are positioned to adjust the airflow angle effectively, reducing the number of flaps needed and enhancing control by guiding air from multiple airflow paths into fewer adjustable sections, thereby simplifying the structure and control of airflow direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an indoor heat exchanger having a W-shape in side view is employed with forward and rearward drain pans, then dew can be effectively collected from different sections of the heat exchanger, but the airflow path is divided into three parts requiring at least three up/down airflow direction flaps and three left/right airflow direction flaps, increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the airflow direction control for multiple airflow paths into a unified control mechanism. Specifically, the right/left airflow direction flap is configured to simultaneously control airflow from the first, second, and third airflow paths by positioning it to span across all three paths and integrating it with the up/down airflow direction flap, thereby reducing the total number of flaps needed while maintaining effective dew collection from the W-shaped heat exchanger
2Measurement precision
If multiple up/down and left/right airflow direction flaps are provided for each airflow path, then airflow direction control precision is improved, but the control system complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the right/left airflow direction flap and up/down airflow direction flap to serve multiple airflow paths simultaneously. The right/left airflow direction flap controls airflow direction for all three airflow paths (first, second, and third), while the up/down airflow direction flap integrates control for multiple paths, thereby reducing control system complexity while maintaining precision through coordinated operation of these multi-functional flaps
3Reliability
If the airflow path is divided into three separate paths by drain pans, then dew drainage efficiency is improved, but the number of airflow direction flaps required increases to at least three of each type
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control of multiple airflow paths into a simplified operational system. The up/down airflow direction flap and right/left airflow direction flap are positioned and configured to simultaneously manage airflow from multiple drain pan sections, allowing operators to control airflow direction for all three airflow paths using fewer flaps, thereby maintaining effective dew drainage while improving operational simplicity
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 allows for efficient adjustment of airflow angles with fewer flaps, reducing complexity and improving control accuracy, while maintaining effective airflow distribution and reducing pressure loss in the system.
Implementation Method 1
an axial fan disposed within the airflow path under the air inlet
Implementation Method 2
an indoor heat exchanger disposed within the airflow path under the axial fan
Implementation Method 3
an up/down airflow direction flap that adjusts the up/down angle of air blown out from the air outlet
Data Source
AI summary
An indoor unit includes, in an airflow path, an axial fan, an indoor heat exchanger having a W-shape in side view, and a forward drain pan and a rearward drain each disposed below the corresponding valley portion of the indoor heat exchanger. The airflow path is divided into a first airflow path, a second airflow path, and a third airflow path. The indoor unit includes an up/down airflow direction flap disposed at the air outlet. The up/down airflow direction flap includes a rearward up/down airflow direction flap disposed under the second airflow path and the third airflow path, and a forward up/down airflow direction flap disposed forward of the rearward up/down airflow direction flap and under the first airflow path.