Variable-Curvature Air Outlet Louver for Stable Horizontal Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioners face issues with dew condensation near the air outlet due to air intake from inside the room and separation of air currents at the airflow-direction vane, especially when the blowing direction is horizontal.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioner design featuring an airflow-direction vane with a first curved portion and a second curved portion, where the first curved portion has a larger curvature than the second, and both are smoothly connected, with an upstream end forming a round shape and a downstream end with minimum thickness, configured to maintain an outflow angle of 20° to 40° and an inflow angle of 10° to 25°, reducing air separation and dew condensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the blowing direction of the airflow-direction vane is set closer to the horizontal direction to increase the airflow rate on the inner side, then the air velocity increases and dew condensation is prevented, but separation of the air current occurs at the vane
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow-direction vane incorporates a first curved portion with a first curvature and a second curved portion with a second curvature. The boundary between these curved portions is positioned at or downstream of the closest portion to the inner air duct wall. This curved geometry guides the air current smoothly along the vane surface, preventing flow separation while maintaining high air velocity on the inner side, thus avoiding both dew condensation and air current separation.
2Area of stationary object
If a bent portion is formed in the upstream-side part of the airflow-direction vane to separate from the air duct wall, then the air duct area on the main-body center side is secured and air velocity is maintained, but air intake from the inside of the room occurs causing dew condensation
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow-direction vane uses a specific curved configuration where the first curved portion and second curved portion create a smooth flow path. The boundary portion between these curved portions is strategically positioned at or downstream of the closest portion to the inner air duct wall in horizontal blowing state. This ensures the air duct area is adequately secured while the curved geometry prevents air current separation, eliminating the harmful air intake that causes dew condensation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the airflow-direction vane has a constant curvature, then the manufacturing is simplified, but air current separation occurs reducing energy-saving performance
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow-direction vane is divided into multiple curved portions: a first curved portion with a first curvature and a second curved portion with a second curvature. The boundary between these portions is positioned at or downstream of the closest portion to the inner air duct wall. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining manufacturability, preventing air current separation and improving energy-saving performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different curved portions of the airflow-direction vane have different curvature characteristics. The first curved portion has a first curvature and the second curved portion has a second curvature, with the boundary positioned strategically. This local variation in curvature quality optimizes airflow control at different locations, preventing separation and improving energy efficiency while remaining manufacturable.
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
Prevents dew condensation and air current separation, improving energy-saving performance and reducing air blowing noise by maintaining airflow stability and minimizing pressure loss.
Implementation Method 1
separation of an air current may occur
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioner includes: a heat exchanger housed inside a main body and arranged in a flow passage of air to be sucked into the main body through an air inlet and blown out to a target space through an air outlet; and an airflow-direction vane arranged at the air outlet. The airflow-direction vane includes a first curved portion and a second curved portion. The first curved portion is positioned on an upstream side with respect to the second curved portion, and a curvature of the first curved portion is larger than a curvature of the second curved portion.