Fabric diffuser with programmed airflow

Abstract

An air diffuser includes a porous fabric panel having areas of different flow coefficients. The areas' positions and their relative flow coefficients provide a means for not only diffusing the air but also for strategically directing the airflow in a deliberate pattern that promotes intermixing of the air while avoiding adverse air currents. Consequently, the porous fabric itself provides air dispersion and airflow direction without the need for louvers or guide vanes. In some embodiments, the fabric's porosity is programmed by laser cutting small slits into the fabric.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE[0001]The patent disclosure generally pertains to discharge air diffusers and more specifically to a fabric diffuser with programmed airflow.BACKGROUND OF RELATED ART[0002]There are a wide variety of air diffusers for directing and dispersing filtered air into a room. A diffuser's ability to properly direct and thoroughly disperse the air is particularly important when the diffuser serves a room that contains a fume hood. A fume hood is an exhaust air register typically used for drawing toxic air from a controlled workstation so that the toxic air does not escape into the rest of the room. Air diffusers replenish the volume of air that the fume hood draws from the room; however, if the diffuser produces adverse air currents, the currents of air might blow or draw the toxic air out from under the fume hood, thereby allowing the toxic air to escape and circulate throughout the room.[0003]To address this problem, air diffusers often include louvers or guide vanes...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014]In some examples, the diffuser includes a screen that helps break the velocity pressure within the diffuser.

Problems solved by technology

Air diffusers replenish the volume of air that the fume hood draws from the room; however, if the diffuser produces adverse air currents, the currents of air might blow or draw the toxic air out from under the fume hood, thereby allowing the toxic air to escape and circulate throughout the room.

Although the combination of guide vanes and porous materials can provide an effective air diffuser, such a combination of elements can add unnecessary cost to the diffuser.

Moreover, exposed guide vanes installed downstream of the porous material can be unsightly.

Alternatively, guide vanes can be internally installed and hidden by the porous material, but then the guide vanes can be generally inaccessible, which can make it difficult to aim the airflow in a desired direction.

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