Tower Fan Display Module Placement to Avoid Airflow Interference

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fans for air conditioners lack a display mechanism that does not interfere with airflow and often have insufficient space for a heater within the air flow path, limiting their ability to provide intense airflow in narrow regions and integrate a heating mode effectively.

Innovation Solution

A fan apparatus design that incorporates a display module within the diffuser, allowing it to be positioned without interfering with airflow, and includes a heater in the air flow path, while reducing flow path resistance through a handle and utilizing the Coanda effect for efficient airflow distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a display module is added to the fan apparatus, then information display functionality is improved, but the display may interfere with the air flow path

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation displayVSAvoidair flow interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The display module is positioned on the front surface of the housing in a region that does not overlap with the air flow path, utilizing the horizontal dimension rather than placing it within the vertical air flow channel. This spatial separation in different dimensions allows the display to show information without obstructing air flow.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The front surface of the housing is divided into distinct functional regions: an air flow path region and a display module region. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each region - the air flow path maintains its required geometry while the display module occupies a separate non-interfering zone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If the air flow path is reduced to a predetermined size, then the fan structure is simplified, but there is insufficient space for a heater in the air flow path

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefan structureVSAvoidheater integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The air flow path is designed with multi-functionality to serve both as the primary airflow channel and as an integrated heating zone. By making the air flow path universal for both cooling and heating operations, the structure remains simple while accommodating the heater without requiring separate dedicated spaces.

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

3Ease of operation

If the distance between the blowing fan and air flow path is increased, then fan operation is simplified, but there is not enough space for a heater in the air flow path

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefan operationVSAvoidheater space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The parameters of the air flow path are optimized to maintain an appropriate distance between the blowing fan and the air flow path for simplified operation, while simultaneously ensuring sufficient volume within the air flow path for heater integration. This involves adjusting the cross-sectional area and length parameters of the air flow path to satisfy both constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design enables the fan to provide intense airflow, integrate a heating mode, and reduce flow resistance, enhancing user experience by ensuring the display does not obstruct airflow and allowing for efficient air distribution and heating functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a diffuser which is disposed inside the base case to guide air flow generated by the fan

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffuser effect:

Implementation Method 2

provides a heating mode by disposing a heater in an air flow path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 3

a blower is a mechanical device which drives a fan to cause a flow of air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFan-induced flow: Fan

Data Source

PatentEP3919749B1Fan apparatus for air conditioner
Publication Date: 2024.01.17 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3919749B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3919749B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3919749B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure includes a base case including a suction port through which air is sucked; a tower case, which is disposed above the base case, where a first tower and a second tower that have an air flow path therein are spaced apart from each other; a blowing space formed between the first tower and the second tower; a first discharge port which is formed in the first tower and discharges the sucked air to the blowing space; a second discharge port which is formed in the second tower and discharges the sucked air to the blowing space; and a display module which is received in the tower case and exposed to one surface of the tower case, wherein the display module is disposed below the blowing space.