Air Conditioner Top Cover Assembly for Dew-Resistant Air Outlet Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air conditioning devices often suffer from dew formation around air outlets due to temperature differences, leading to user inconvenience and unattractive appearances, with complex and difficult-to-control outlet structures.

Innovation Solution

A top cover assembly featuring an airtight cavity with a dome-shaped design, a lifting mechanism, and a heating device to reduce dew formation, along with a decorative or display component for improved aesthetics and user experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a fixed plathy top cover is used, then the structure is simple, but the appearance is stiff and unattractive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetop cover structureVSAvoidappearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The top cover is transformed from a fixed static structure to a movable dynamic structure that can rotate and tilt, allowing it to change its orientation and position to achieve both aesthetic appeal and functional performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The top cover adopts a dome-shaped curved structure instead of a flat planar design, creating a more attractive appearance while also facilitating better airflow discharge and reducing dew formation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Device complexity

If air outlets are provided in sidewalls, then the structure is simple, but the appearance is stiff and unattractive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair outlet structureVSAvoidappearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The air outlet is moved from a two-dimensional sidewall opening to a three-dimensional dome-shaped structure with rotational and tilting capabilities, adding spatial dimensions to achieve both aesthetic appeal and functional flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If the air outlet size is fixed, then the structure is simple, but the control process is complicated when independent door structure is added

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair outlet structureVSAvoidcontrol process
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The air outlet door function is merged with the top cover itself, eliminating the need for separate independent door structures. The top cover rotates to close the air outlet, simplifying both the structure and control process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If a grille is rotated to regulate air volume and direction, then the air flow can be controlled, but the structure becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair flow controlVSAvoidgrille structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air flow control function is merged with the top cover rotation mechanism. By rotating the top cover to different angles, both air volume and direction are controlled simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate grille structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

5Temperature

If temperature difference exists between air flow and external environment, then air conditioning function is achieved, but dew formation occurs around air outlets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair flow temperatureVSAvoiddew formation
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A heating device is installed around the air outlet to preemptively heat the surrounding area before dew can form. This preliminary heating action prevents condensation by maintaining the temperature above the dew point

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The dome-shaped top cover creates a curved surface that reduces the surface area in contact with cold air, minimizing the areas where dew can form compared to flat surfaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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

Effectively reduces dew formation, enhances user experience by providing a more attractive design, and simplifies control over air outlet size and direction, improving airflow comfort and device operation.

Implementation Method 1

a heating device, to reduce dew formation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

independent cavity... may reduce cold air produced in the air conditioning device and even avoid the cold air produced in the air conditioning device entering the position close to the upper end of the top cover assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP3348927B1Top cover assembly for air conditioner adjustment apparatus, and air conditioner adjustment apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.04.26 GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCE INC OF ZHUHAI
  • EP3348927B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3348927B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3348927B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A top cover assembly of an air conditioning device is provided. The top cover assembly (100) is provided at a top opening (22) in an upper end of an air conditioning device body (200), a cavity (113) is provided in a position of an upper end of the top cover assembly (100), and an air outlet (5) is provided between the top cover assembly (100) and the upper end of the body (200). The air conditioning device is further provided. By such a structure, formation of dews at an upper part of the top cover assembly is reduced.