Variable-Center Air Deflector Linkage for Multi-Mode Air Conditioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air deflection mechanisms in air conditioners have a fixed rotation center, limiting their ability to provide varied air deflecting functions and failing to meet user demands.

Innovation Solution

A driver mechanism for an air deflection mechanism that alters the rotation center and adjusts the swing angle and position of the deflector relative to the air conditioner housing, utilizing first and second connection rods driven by motor assemblies to enable variable air deflecting functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed rotation center is used for the deflector, then the structure is simple, but the air deflecting functions are limited and cannot meet user demands

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair deflecting functionsVSAvoiddriver mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed rotation center into a movable rotation center. The deflector is connected through a linkage mechanism (including connection rods and drivers) that allows the rotation center to move dynamically, enabling the deflector to achieve multiple air blowing modes (upward, downward, leftward, rightward) while maintaining a relatively compact structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The driver mechanism is segmented into multiple independent components: first driver, first connection rod, second driver, and second connection rod. Each component has a specific function, and their coordinated operation enables the deflector to achieve variable rotation centers and multiple air deflecting functions, resolving the contradiction between complexity and versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a variable rotation center mechanism is implemented, then multiple air blowing modes are achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair blowing modesVSAvoidconnection rods and drivers
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The linkage mechanism serves multiple functions: it acts as a connection structure, a motion transmission mechanism, and a means to achieve variable rotation centers. The same set of components (drivers and connection rods) enables all air blowing modes, making the system multi-functional and reducing the need for separate mechanisms for each function.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the rotation control function and position adjustment function into a single integrated linkage mechanism. The first and second drivers work together with the connection rods to simultaneously control both the rotation center position and the deflector angle, combining multiple functions into one compact mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4224084B1Driving mechanism for air guide mechanism, air guide mechanism, and air conditioner
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 GD MIDEA AIR CONDITIONING EQUIP CO LTD
  • EP4224084B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4224084B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4224084B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A driving mechanism (10) for an air guide mechanism (100), the air guide mechanism (100), and an air conditioner (1000). The driving mechanism (10) comprises: a first connecting rod (1), movably arranged in a housing (200) in the extending direction of an air outlet channel (400); a first driving assembly (2), driving the first connecting rod (1) to move; a second connecting rod, (3) having one end rotatably connected to one end of the first connecting rod (1) close to an air outlet (300), and having the other end extending towards the air outlet (300), an air deflector (20) being fixedly connected to one end of the second connecting rod (3) distant from the first connecting rod (1); and a second driving assembly (4), driving the second connecting rod (3) to rotate relative to the first connecting rod (1), the second driving assembly (4) and the second connecting rod (3) being able to slide relative to each other. The driving mechanism (10) can make the rotation center of the air deflector (20) variable, and allows for adjustment of the swing angle of the air deflector (20) and the position thereof relative to the housing (200), thereby realizing a plurality of different air guiding functions.