Morphing Air Conditioner Panel for Hidden Vents and Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioners mounted on ceilings or walls have exposed inlet and outlet structures that disrupt the aesthetics of indoor spaces, are incompatible with flat surfaces, and are prone to foreign matter intrusion.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioner design featuring a variable panel that can change shape and position to cover or expose communication holes, using a driving device to adjust airflow direction and volume, minimizing external exposure and enhancing unity with the surrounding surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the inlet and outlet are exposed to the outside, then airflow can be generated, but the aesthetics of the indoor space is spoiled and foreign matter may be introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a variable panel that can dynamically change its shape and position between covering and exposing the communication holes. This dynamic structure allows the system to adapt between two states: covered state to prevent foreign matter intrusion, and exposed state to enable airflow generation, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable panel changes its physical parameters (shape and position) to control the exposure of communication holes. By altering the panel's configuration, the system can transition between protecting the inlet/outlet and allowing airflow, effectively managing the trade-off between foreign matter prevention and airflow generation.
2Ease of operation
If multiple structures are disposed at the inlet and outlet, then airflow can be controlled, but the structure becomes complicated and inharmonious with the wall surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions (inlet, outlet, cover, and variable structure) into a single integrated variable panel assembly. This unified structure replaces the conventional separate grille and vane structures, simplifying the overall design while maintaining airflow control capabilities and improving aesthetic harmony with the wall surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable panel serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a cover to protect communication holes, a variable structure to control airflow direction, and an aesthetic element to harmonize with the wall surface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing structural complexity.
3Speed
If the variable panel is changed in shape rapidly, then airflow direction can be adjusted quickly, but the driving device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical driving mechanisms with a simpler driving device that utilizes the elastic properties of the variable panel material. The driving device only needs to apply minimal force to initiate shape changes, while the material's elasticity enables rapid and smooth transitions, reducing the complexity of the driving mechanism while achieving fast response.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable panel utilizes changes in its physical parameters (elastic deformation) to achieve rapid shape changes. By leveraging the material's elastic properties, the system can quickly transition between different configurations without requiring complex mechanical actuation mechanisms, thus achieving fast airflow direction adjustment with simpler driving devices.
Data Source
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AI summary
The air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a base panel having a first communication hole formed in one side thereof, and a second communication hole formed in another side thereof, a variable panel disposed under the base panel and changed in shape to open and close the first communication hole and the second communication hole; and a driving device disposed on an upper side of the base panel and changing a position of one side of the variable panel in an up-down direction, so that the variable panel is changed in shape, wherein the variable panel includes: a first cover part disposed under the base panel to open and close the first communication hole; a second cover part disposed under the base panel to open and close the second communication hole; and a variable part disposed between the first cover part and the second cover part, and changing an inclination angle of the first cover part and the second cover part.