Indoor Unit Fan Layout for Multi-Directional Airflow and Low Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing indoor units of air conditioners have difficulty discharging air to multiple directions, leading to vibration and noise issues due to the imbalance of the cross-flow fan and fan motor being on the same shaft.
Innovation Solution
The indoor unit design includes multiple cross-flow fans spaced apart on the same shaft, with a fan motor installed between them, and heat exchangers positioned to correspond with each fan, allowing for efficient air discharge to various directions while maintaining horizontal balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single cross-flow fan and fan motor are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the air discharge capability to multiple directions is limited and vibration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single fan assembly is segmented into multiple cross-flow fans (typically three fans arranged in a triangular pattern around a central motor). Each fan is independently positioned to discharge air in different directions, enabling multi-directional air discharge while sharing a common drive mechanism through the central motor, thus reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple fan assemblies are merged around a single central motor, combining multiple air discharge functions into one integrated structure. The shared motor reduces the number of drive components compared to using separate motors for each fan, while the triangular arrangement enables air to be discharged in multiple directions simultaneously.
2Device complexity
If the fan motor is positioned on the same shaft as the cross-flow fan, then the structure is simplified, but horizontal balance is compromised leading to vibration and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is positioned asymmetrically at the center of the triangular fan arrangement, with each fan blade angled specifically to balance the rotational forces. The asymmetric positioning of the motor shaft relative to individual fans, combined with symmetric force distribution through the triangular configuration, achieves dynamic balance and reduces vibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The central motor acts as a counterweight and balancing point for the three fan assemblies. The motor's position and mass distribution compensate for the centrifugal forces generated by the rotating fans, maintaining horizontal balance and reducing vibration and noise during operation.
3Productivity
If heat exchangers are positioned to correspond with each fan, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but the internal arrangement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchangers are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration that corresponds to the triangular fan layout, with each heat exchanger positioned directly in the airflow path of its associated fan. This spatial correspondence optimizes heat exchange efficiency by ensuring direct airflow through the heat exchanger surfaces without requiring complex ducting or routing.
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 design enhances heat exchange efficiency, reduces vibration and noise, and optimizes the internal arrangement of the indoor unit, resulting in improved performance and reduced size.
Implementation Method 1
A heat exchanger (300) is installed at the back of the front panel (130)... allows air sucked through the front suction grill (155) and the upper suction grill (156) to exchange heat while passing through the exchanger (300)
Implementation Method 2
A cross-flow fan (400) is installed at the back of the heat exchanger (300)... sucks air from a space that needs air-conditioning and discharges air back to the space that needs air-conditioning
Data Source
AI summary
An indoor unit of an air conditioner capable of enhancing heat exchange efficiency and reducing noise/vibration is provided. The indoor unit includes a main chassis, a front panel, a cross-flow fan, a fan motor, a heat exchanger, and a discharge port. The main chassis has a backside fixed on a place to be installed. The front panel is formed on the front of the main chassis and has a spacer formed in an inside thereof. The cross-flow fan is disposed in the inside of the space and provided in plurals on the same shaft. The fan motor provides rotational power to the cross-flow fan. The heat exchanger is formed on the front of the cross-flow fan with respect to the flowing direction of air. The discharge port guides discharge of the air blown from the cross-flow fan.