Method and apparatus for controlling fresh air system, and air-conditioning unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting whether air valves in fresh air systems are switched in place suffer from poor accuracy and resource waste due to the need for multiple photoelectric switches, leading to short service life and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus using a single photoelectric switch per air valve to detect the switch position by analyzing voltage signals, including the number of level changes and final level state, to determine if the air valve is fully opened or closed, thereby reducing resource waste and improving accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple photoelectric switches are used to accurately detect air valve switch position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair valve switch position detection accuracyVSAvoidnumber of photoelectric switches
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single photoelectric switch by strategically positioning it to detect both the open and closed states of the air valve through one unified detection point, eliminating the need for separate switches at different positions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single photoelectric switch performs multiple detection functions by detecting different light blocking states corresponding to different valve positions, making one component serve multiple purposes in the detection system

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

2Device complexity

If mechanical switches are used to detect air valve switch position, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability and service life deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection mechanism structureVSAvoiddetection device service life
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical switch mechanisms with a photoelectric detection system that uses light blocking principles, eliminating mechanical contact and associated wear problems while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If photoelectric switches are mounted at both open and closed positions of air valve, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of substance increases due to resource waste

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitch position detection accuracyVSAvoidphotoelectric switch components
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the detection of both open and closed states into a single photoelectric switch positioned at one location, reducing component usage while maintaining the ability to detect all relevant valve positions through clever optical path design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Accurately determines the switch position of air valves with a single photoelectric switch, addressing the issues of mechanical switch longevity and multiple photoelectric switch waste, ensuring precise operation and cost savings.

Implementation Method 1

Existing methods on the market for detecting whether an air valve is switched in place mostly use a mechanical mechanism, such as a switch that is struck by the air valve, which has poor accuracy and short service life. In the existing technology, a photoelectric detection is also used to check whether an air valve is switched in place.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4474721B1Method and apparatus for controlling fresh air system, and air-conditioning unit
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCE INC OF ZHUHAI
  • EP4474721B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4474721B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4474721B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

A method and apparatus for controlling a fresh air system, and an air conditioning unit. The method comprises: acquiring the opening state of an air valve; detecting a voltage signal of a photoelectric switch (1), wherein the voltage signal comprises at least the number of changes in a level, and a final level state; and determining, according to the voltage signal, whether the air valve has been fully opened/closed, and controlling the operation of a fresh air system according to a determination result.