Air flow control device

Abstract

The present invention provides an air flow control device that includes at least one inlet, and a primary flow path associated with a primary outlet, and a secondary flow path associated with a secondary outlet. The air flow device also includes at least one primary valve associated with the primary flow path, said at least one primary valve being adapted to control the flow rate of air through said primary flow path.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority from NZ Patent Application No. 539185, filed Mar. 31, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to an air flow control device. Preferably the present invention may be used to control the distribution of air delivered from an air circulation, or air conditioning system. However, those skilled in the art should appreciate that other applications for the airflow control device provided are also considered, and reference to its use with an air circulation or conditioning system only throughout this specification should be in no way seen as limiting. BACKGROUND [0003] Air circulation systems in buildings exchange stale air for fresh air. One type of air circulation system is an air conditioning system, which is also used for cooling or heating rooms throughout a building. [0004] Typically in such systems, warm or cool conditioned air flows through a ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is an air flow control device that can be used with an air conditioning system. The device has a primary flow path and a secondary flow path, and includes a primary valve and a secondary valve to control the flow rate and pattern of air coming from the air conditioning system. The device can be used with a range of other systems and can be installed in different ways to optimize air distribution and comfort levels. The device can control both the flow rate and pattern of air coming from the air conditioning system. The invention can be used with a single inlet or multiple inlets, and the outlets can be directed in different directions. The device can also include a plurality of outlets associated with each flow path. The technical effects of the invention include improved air flow control, better distribution of air in a room, and reduced energy wastage."

Problems solved by technology

In such instances the buildings occupants have limited control of the system apart from altering the temperature of the air provided to the diffuser via a central conditioning unit.

This threaded valve system can be a manual system, and as such is low in price.

However in these systems only the flow rate is adjustable, while the flow pattern can not be altered.

This approach is inflexible, as the system is unable to cater for unseasonable changes in heating or cooling requirements, causing discomfort for the user and wasted energy.

Although the cost of this type of diffuser is low, with little to no maintenance requirements and the flow pattern is adjustable, the flow rate is fixed at a central location and the user has no input into controlling the flow rate.

This can result in uneven cooling or heating, as smaller rooms are brought to a stable temperature quickly, while larger rooms still require further cooling or heating.

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