Segmented Air Deflector Structure for Sealed Indoor Air Outlets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing indoor units of air conditioners have gaps between the air deflector and air outlet when closed, affecting aesthetics and allowing dust and mildew entry, while limiting air supply angles due to a stationary rotational axis.

Innovation Solution

An air deflector opening and closing mechanism with rotatable air deflectors outside the air outlet, controlled by push-out devices and a rotation driving motor, ensuring a tight seal and adjustable angles for various air supply modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rotation space is provided around the air deflector, then the air deflector can rotate, but gaps are formed between the air outlet and the air deflector when closed, affecting appearance aesthetics and allowing dust entry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair supply angle adjustmentVSAvoidappearance aesthetics
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The air deflector is divided into multiple independent segments that can rotate and adjust independently. Each segment can be controlled to achieve different air supply angles while maintaining a closed appearance when not in use, eliminating the need for a large rotation space around the entire deflector.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The air deflector transitions from a stationary or simply rotating component to a dynamically adjustable structure with multiple segments that can change their positions and angles. This dynamic capability allows the deflector to maintain a sleek closed appearance while providing versatile air supply angle adjustment when activated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a stationary rotational axis is used for the air deflector, then the structure is simple, but a variety of air supply angles cannot be obtained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeflector structureVSAvoidair supply angle variety
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The air deflector is segmented into multiple controllable sections, each capable of independent angular adjustment. This segmentation transforms a single-axis rotation system into a multi-degree-of-freedom structure, enabling diverse air supply angles without requiring an overly complex mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The air deflector system is designed to perform multiple functions: maintaining a closed appearance, providing various air supply angles, and enabling flexible directional control. By integrating multiple adjustment capabilities into a unified structure, the system achieves versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the air outlet is not completely closed, then the air deflector can move freely, but dust, mildew and other contaminants can enter the interior of the indoor unit

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair deflector movementVSAvoiddust and mildew entry
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The air deflector is designed as a dynamic structure that transitions between a closed position (when the air conditioner is off) and an open/adjusted position (when operating). This dynamic design allows the deflector to maintain a sealed appearance during idle periods, preventing contaminant entry, while enabling free movement and various angles when air supply is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The air deflector system discards the closed, sealed state during operation to allow air flow and deflector movement, then recovers the closed state when the air conditioner is off to prevent dust and mildew entry. This cyclical transition between states resolves the contradiction between operational freedom and contamination prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentEP2746690B1Indoor air-conditioner
Publication Date: 2019.07.10 GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCE INC OF ZHUHAI
  • EP2746690B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2746690B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2746690B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An indoor air-conditioner comprising an air duct, an air outlet in communication with the air duct, and an air deflector (1) guiding the direction of the air leaving the air-conditioner, a volute tongue (4) being provided at the outer end of the air duct near the air outlet. The indoor air-conditioner further comprises a rotary drive electric motor (31), the rotary drive electric motor (31) and a left support end of the air deflector (1) being in driving connection.