Split Front Panel Airflow Control in Room Air Conditioners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioners have limited control over the direction and volume of air discharge, leading to inefficient energy use and discomfort as discharged air often directs towards people, potentially causing health issues.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioner design featuring a front panel divided into rotatable first and second panels, with rotating units that allow for independent or simultaneous rotation of these panels to control the direction and volume of air discharge, using drive motors and guiding mechanisms to adjust the angle of air stream discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the front panel is moved forward by a drive unit to discharge heat-exchanged air, then air discharge function is achieved, but control over air stream direction and discharge volume is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The front panel is divided into multiple segments: a first panel that rotates about a first axis, a second panel that rotates about a second axis, and a center panel. This segmentation allows independent control of different air discharge directions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, resolving the contradiction between operational control and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control by allowing the first and second panels to rotate about different axes independently. This dynamic configuration enables continuous adjustment of air discharge direction and volume without requiring complex mechanical linkages, achieving ease of operation with moderate structural complexity.
2Productivity
If only a relatively small portion of the air conditioner is used for discharging conditioned air, then the structure is simple, but a lot of energy is necessary for air conditioning the room
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the front panel into multiple rotatable segments, the system can distribute conditioned air across different directions and areas of the room simultaneously. This increases the effective discharge coverage without requiring a larger single discharge opening, thereby improving productivity while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the discharge parameters by adjusting the rotation angles of different panels independently. This allows optimization of air discharge patterns to cover larger room areas efficiently, increasing productivity without proportionally increasing energy consumption.
3Ease of operation
If air is discharged straight from the air conditioner into the room towards people's heads or feet, then the discharge structure is simple, but it decreases the comfort of people and may make them sick
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic rotation capability of the first and second panels about different axes enables the system to adaptively adjust air discharge directions away from occupied zones. This dynamic control improves user comfort without requiring overly complex mechanisms, as the rotation axes are integrated into the panel structure itself.
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
Enables precise control over air stream direction and volume, improving energy efficiency and user comfort by allowing customizable air discharge patterns that avoid direct airflow towards individuals.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the rotating units may include a drive motor, and a rotating member having one end connected to the drive motor and the other end connected to the front panel
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is an air conditioner including a front panel (16) divided into first and second panels (21,22) to be rotated by rotating units (50). The air conditioner may control an air stream to be discharged or a discharge direction of air as rotating angles of the first and second panels (21,22) are controlled by the rotating units (50).