Temperature-detecting device, and air-conditioning-apparatus indoor unit including the temperature-detecting device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air-conditioning apparatuses with infrared-light sensors for temperature detection face accuracy issues due to heat generation by high-resolution sensors and limited 360-degree rotation capability, making them unsuitable for ceiling-concealed indoor units.
Innovation Solution
A temperature-detecting device with a rotatable sensor unit, a driving unit, and a controller that allows the sensor to rotate 360 degrees while correcting for heat-generated temperature errors by covering the sensor when it exceeds 360 degrees, ensuring accurate temperature detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a sheet covers the infrared-light sensor to improve appearance, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but the sensor detects the sheet's temperature instead of the conditioned space temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary correction by pre-determining the temperature influence of the sheet covering. Temperature correction values are calculated or measured in advance when the sensor views the sheet, and these correction values are stored and applied during normal operation to compensate for the sheet's thermal interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the sensor's detection data and comparing it against expected temperature ranges for the conditioned space. When the sensor detects the sheet's temperature (which differs from ambient space temperature), the system uses feedback mechanisms to identify this condition and apply appropriate correction values to restore accurate space temperature measurement.
2Measurement precision
If the temperature-correction measuring unit is provided in the vicinity of the sheet within the infrared-light sensor's rotation area, then temperature correction is enabled, but the infrared-light sensor cannot rotate 360 degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic detection system where the infrared sensor can rotate to different positions. The system dynamically switches between detection modes based on the sensor's angular position: when rotated away from the correction measuring unit, it performs normal space temperature detection; when positioned to view the correction unit, it acquires correction data. This dynamic operation enables both 360-degree coverage and temperature correction capability.
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
The solution enables accurate 360-degree temperature detection in air-conditioned spaces without being affected by the sensor's heat generation, improving the applicability to ceiling-concealed indoor units.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared-light sensor configured to detect the amount of infrared light radiated from objects such as human bodies, walls, and floors
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature-detecting device includes a frame, a temperature-detecting unit, a driving unit, a rotation-controlling unit, and a controller. The temperature-detecting unit includes a sensor, a sensor cap, and a sensor case. The rotation-controlling unit is configured to stop rotation of the sensor cap when the temperature-detecting unit reaches a target angle that is over 360 degrees from a reference position, with the sensor case being kept rotated by the driving unit such that the sensor is displaced from an opening and is covered by the sensor case. The controller is configured to correct a temperature detected while the sensor is exposed at the opening, with reference to a temperature detected while the sensor is covered by the sensor case.