Indoor unit and air conditioning device provided with same
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Solution Overview
Problem
In air conditioning apparatuses, the proximity of the bell mouth and filter increases airflow resistance, leading to higher noise levels and increased fan motor power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The indoor unit design includes a bell mouth with distinct sections, where the second section has a first flat portion and the third section has a second flat portion, with L1 < L2, ensuring a distance between the bell mouth and filter, thereby reducing airflow resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the bell mouth and filter are positioned close to each other, then the device complexity is reduced, but the airflow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bell mouth is divided into three distinct sections (first section with narrowing opening, second section with first flat portion, third section with second flat portion) to systematically manage airflow from the filter to the fan, reducing turbulence and resistance while maintaining a compact structure
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the bell mouth have different geometric properties tailored to specific airflow functions: the first section narrows to direct airflow, the second section provides a flat portion for flow stabilization, and the third section transitions to the drain pan, optimizing local airflow characteristics throughout the path
2Device complexity
If the bell mouth and filter are positioned close to each other, then the device complexity is reduced, but the noise level increases
Solution Approach 1:
The three-section bell mouth structure breaks down the airflow path into manageable segments, each designed to minimize turbulence and noise generation while maintaining compact dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The bell mouth opening narrows in a curved manner from the first section to the fan, creating smooth transitions that reduce airflow separation and turbulence, thereby minimizing noise generation in the compact configuration
3Device complexity
If the bell mouth and filter are positioned close to each other, then the device complexity is reduced, but the power consumption of fan motor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented bell mouth structure optimizes airflow delivery to the fan in three stages, reducing the work required by the fan motor to move air through the system while maintaining a compact design
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-sectional area and shape parameters of the bell mouth are systematically varied across the three sections to optimize airflow velocity and pressure distribution, reducing the power required by the fan motor while keeping the overall structure compact
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 reduces airflow resistance, leading to lower noise levels and decreased fan motor power consumption by ensuring a uniform air velocity distribution and minimizing circulating flows.
Implementation Method 1
The air taken in through the intake grill is directed to the fan by the bell mouth having an opening. The air directed to the fan is fed toward the surroundings of the fan and flows through the heat exchanger.
Implementation Method 2
As the air flows through the heat exchanger, heat exchange takes place between refrigerant and the air flowing through the heat exchanger.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
In an indoor unit (5), a bell mouth (23) includes a first section (25), a second section (27) having a flat portion (27a), and a third section (29) having a flat portion (29a). L1<L2 is satisfied, where L1 is a distance in an axial direction of a rotational shaft (CA) between the flat portion (27a) and the flat portion (29a), and L2 is a distance in the axial direction between the flat portion (27a) and an open end of the first section (25). The flat portion (27a) of the second section (27) is located between a second extension (49) of a drain pan (43) and a fan (35) in the axial direction.