Variable Air Panel for Hidden AC Inlet and Outlet Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioners mounted on ceilings or walls have exposed inlet and outlet structures that disrupt aesthetics, introduce foreign matter, and obstruct airflow, lacking a unified design with the surrounding surfaces.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioner design featuring a variable panel that can change shape to cover both the inlet and outlet, using a combination of rigid and deformable materials, and a driving device to adjust the panel's position, ensuring minimal exposure and optimal airflow while maintaining structural stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the inlet and outlet are exposed to the outside, then the air flow can be generated, but the aesthetics of the indoor space is spoiled and foreign matter may be introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable panel that can dynamically change its position between covering and exposing the inlet/outlet. The panel is connected via a rotating shaft that allows it to pivot between a first position (covering the inlet/outlet to prevent foreign matter entry) and a second position (exposing the inlet/outlet to enable air flow). This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt its state based on operational requirements.
2Productivity
If the inlet and outlet are formed with multiple structures and shapes, then the air flow can be generated, but the unity with the wall surface or ceiling surface is spoiled
Solution Approach 1:
The movable panel transforms the static, aesthetically disruptive multiple structures into a dynamic single unified structure. When in the covering position, the panel presents a smooth, continuous surface that matches the aesthetic of the wall or ceiling. The complexity of multiple inlet/outlet structures is hidden behind this unified panel, which only reveals the functional structures when needed for air flow generation.
3Shape
If a single panel structure covers the exposed portion, then the aesthetics in unity is provided, but the obstruction of air flow increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single panel is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to transition between covering and exposing the inlet/outlet. This dynamic capability ensures that the panel does not permanently obstruct air flow while still providing aesthetic unity when covering is desired. The panel can be rotated to the exposing position to enable unobstructed air flow during operation.
4Productivity
If the variable panel is changed in shape, then the inlet and outlet can be opened, but the structural stability of the panel may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is segmented into multiple parts: a fixed part, a variable part, and a cover part. The fixed part maintains structural stability and provides mounting points, while the variable part (made of deformable material) changes shape to open the inlet/outlet. The cover part protects the internal structures. This segmentation allows the panel to achieve both shape change for opening and structural stability through the fixed components.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel uses composite construction with different materials for different functions. The variable part is made of deformable material (such as flexible polymer or shape memory alloy) that can change shape, while the fixed part uses rigid material for structural stability. This composite approach allows the panel to simultaneously achieve shape change capability and maintain overall structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
The air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a base panel having an inlet formed in one side thereof, and an outlet formed in another side thereof; a variable panel disposed under the base panel and changed in shape to open and close the inlet and the outlet; and a driving device disposed on the base panel and changing a shape of the variable panel, thereby allowing the variable panel to cover the entire lower surface of base panel. In addition, the variable panel may open and close the inlet and the outlet. The variable panel includes: a fixed part disposed between the inlet and the outlet, and fixed in position vertically relative to the base panel; a cover part spaced apart from the fixed part and disposed at a lower side of the inlet or the outlet; and a variable part disposed between the fixed part and the cover part, and changing an inclination angle of the cover part.