Variable Air Panel Structure for Concealed Ceiling Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air conditioners mounted on ceilings or walls have exposed inlet and outlet structures that disrupt the aesthetics of indoor spaces, creating an inharmonious appearance and allowing foreign matter to enter the system.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioner design featuring a base panel with communication holes and a variable panel that can change shape and position, using a driving device to open and close these holes, allowing for airflow while minimizing external exposure and foreign matter entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the inlet and outlet are exposed to the outside, then airflow generation is enabled, but foreign matter may be introduced into the air conditioner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a variable panel that can dynamically change its shape between a first shape (when flat) and a second shape (when bent), allowing the inlet and outlet to be alternately exposed or covered. This dynamic configuration enables the system to switch between airflow generation mode and foreign matter prevention mode, resolving the contradiction between productivity and harmful factor protection.
2Productivity
If the inlet and outlet are exposed to the outside, then airflow can be generated, but the aesthetics of the indoor space is spoiled
Solution Approach 1:
The variable panel dynamically changes between a first shape (flat, providing aesthetic unity with the ceiling or wall) and a second shape (exposing inlet and outlet for airflow). This allows the air conditioner to maintain aesthetic appearance during non-operational states while enabling functional airflow generation when needed, resolving the contradiction between productivity and shape aesthetics.
3Ease of operation
If multiple structures (inlet grille, vane) are disposed, then inlet and outlet functions are achieved, but the structure becomes complicated and aesthetics are spoiled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the inlet grille and vane into a single variable panel structure. The variable panel integrates both the inlet coverage and airflow direction control functions that were previously separated into multiple components, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining operational functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable panel serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a cover for the inlet, a vane for airflow direction control, and an aesthetic element. By making the panel universal and multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a base panel having a first communication hole formed in one side thereof, and a second communication hole formed in another side thereof; a variable panel disposed under the base panel and changed in shape to open and close the first communication hole and the second communication hole; and a driving device disposed on an upper side of the base panel and changing a position of one side of the variable panel in an up-down direction, so that the variable panel is changed in shape.