Reconfigurable air diffusers and systems and methods thereof

Abstract

The disclosure presents a system for constructing diverse air diffusers including an air inlet, a diffuser module having a hollow housing, and a variable direction regulator designed to fit within the diffuser module, where one variable direction regulator can be exchanged with another variable direction regulator within the same housing. The regulator includes a base shape with perforations and a rotatable regulation shape with other perforations that rotates about a fixed assembly pin. The regulator operates in two distinct modes. In the first mode, a predetermined portion of the regulation shape's perforations is obstructed by the base shape, while the remaining perforations align with those of the base shape to direct airflow. In the second mode, achieved by rotating the regulation shape through a predetermined angle, the previously obstructed perforations align with the base shape's perforations, thereby redirecting the airflow in an alternative direction.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to European patent application EP 25163365.7, filed on Mar. 12, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure pertains to the technical field of air outlets designed for directing or distributing airflow into rooms or spaces, specifically ceiling air diffusers capable of altering the airflow stream. Considering its construction features, this disclosure introduces a system for assembling various air diffusers, preferably from a metal sheet, with airflow direction adjustable via a sliding regulator.

[0003] Air diffusers have been widely used in buildings for over 150 years. Despite being simple mechanical devices, their primary goals remain the same; they should be easy to manufacture from metal sheets, simple and reliable in function, compact in height when mounted on ceilings, and, ideally, capable of regulating airflow direction. Achieving all these criteria simultaneously is challenging.

[0004] European patent EP3356745 for an AIR DIFFUSER, filed in the name of KAIP Pty Limited, [AU], addresses the regulation problem with an adjustable guide ring. This ring can be raised or lowered by an adjustment mechanism that acts on a part of the regulating vanes, thereby altering the discharge direction of the airflow from the diffuser.

[0005] German utility model DE29917484U1 for DRALLDURCHLASS ZUR BELÜFTUNG VON RÄUMEN, filed in the name of Gebrüder Trox GmbH [DE], addresses the regulation problem in two proposed ways. First, regulation is achieved by rotating the circular segment, which changes the airflow direction. Second, it is achieved by connecting or disconnecting circular segments, thus regulating the airflow.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,120,274 entitled CEILING OUTLET, filed in the name of Schako Metallwarenfabrik Ferdinand Schad KG, [DE], addresses the problem of airflow regulation, rather than airflow direction control. This document discloses perforated shapes or plates, where one rotates over another for dimming the airflow only.

[0007] Japan patent application JPH10306943A entitled FLOOR AIR CONDITIONING AIR VOLUME REGULATOR, filed by Takenaka Komuten Co. [JP], discloses a dimmer, not a direction regulator. It features perforated plates that rotate relative to each other, with perforations arranged in a semicircular pattern, and end diffuser plates. The document is silent regarding the direction regulation.

[0008] European patent application EP2023053A2 entitled AIR OUTLET, filed by LTG AG [DE], discloses a system where airflow direction regulation is achieved through the relative rotation of a regulating perforated plate with vanes over a base plate containing perforations. In this approach the vanes themselves regulate the airflow, and all the perforations are either fully engaged or disengaged during airflow regulation.

[0009] European patent application EP0129000A2 entitled DIFFUSER, filed by Waterloo Grille Co. Ltd. [GB], describes a solution similar to that of EP2023053A2. In this case, the vanes positioned above the regulating plate play a crucial role in directing airflow, rather than the perforations.

[0010] Finally, European patent EP1099914B1 entitled AIR OUTLET, filed by LTG AG [DE], discloses a system involving two plates with perforations and vanes, which are used to control the airflow, either predominantly downwards or horizontally. The regulation is achieved through the relative rotation of these plates. Again, the system of vanes plays a critical role in regulation, not the perforations per se.

[0011] It should be noted that the last three cited solutions rely on using all apertures or perforations to achieve the desired technical effects, thereby failing to reduce the air volume injected through the cited diffusers. In contrast, the present disclosure reduces the air volume flow during airflow control, resulting in more effective regulation, a simpler construction of the direction regulator, and a modular diffuser system.SUMMARY

[0012] This disclosure presents a system for assembling air diffusers with adjustable airflow direction. It may comprise an air inlet, a diffuser module, and a variable direction regulator. The air inlet may be configured to connect the diffuser module to the air supply. The system may be regarded as a kit according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] The diffuser module may include a hollow housing with an inlet opening that includes stationary inlet vanes and an outlet opening with a larger cross-sectional area than the inlet. The hollow housing may be configured to receive different direction regulators. Each direction regulator may be formed from a base shape, equipped with perforations and optionally other openings, that covers the outlet opening, and a regulation shape with perforations. The regulation shape may attach to the base shape and configured to rotate around a fixed assembly pin. The pin may connect the base shape and the inserted regulation shape with the inlet vanes centre and may fix the variable direction regulator within the diffuser module.

[0014] The surfaces of the base shape and the regulation shape may be configured to slide one over the other at least over the regions with the perforations. The base shape perforations and the regulation shape perforations may be made in identical rotational repetitive patterns. A fraction of regulation shape perforations may be rotationally shifted through a predetermined angle, allowing two different states of the direction regulator.

[0015] In the first state of the direction regulator, a fraction of regulation shape perforations may be blocked by the base shape surface. The remainder of regulation shape perforations may coincide with the base shape perforations, guiding the airflow across the coinciding perforations.

[0016] In the second state of the direction regulator, which may be obtained by rotating the regulation shape through the predetermined angle with respect to the base shape, the fraction of regulation shape perforations which was blocked in the first state by the base shape surface may now coincide with the base shape perforations guiding the airflow across the coinciding perforations. The other regulation shape perforations may be, in this position, blocked by the base shape surface.

[0017] In one embodiment, the variable direction regulator has the base shape formed as a base plate with a base plate guide. The regulation shape may be formed as a regulation plate with a regulation plate guide, dimensioned to be nested over the base plate guide. An assembly pin may be inserted through the base plate guide and the nested regulation plate guide, connecting the base plate and the regulation plate and thus fixing the variable direction regulator to the diffuser module at the center of the inlet vanes. In one variant, the regulation plate may be disk-shaped. In yet another variant, the regulation plate may have at least a portion of its regulation plate perforations partially covered with vanes.

[0018] In another embodiment, the variable direction regulator may comprise a base shape and a regulation shape. The base shape may include a base plate, a centrally situated cylindrical surface, and an axial base shape guide. The cylindrical surface and the part of the base plate enclosed by the cylindrical surface may be provided with base shape perforations, while the remainder of the base plate may be covered with one or more base openings with vanes that do not participate in airflow regulation. The regulation shape may be formed as a cylindrical surface with a bottom base, which may be provided with regulation shape perforations, and a regulation shape guide. The regulation shape may be dimensioned to nest within the base shape's cylindrical surface. An assembly pin, which may be inserted through the base shape guide and the nested regulation shape guide, may connect the base shape and the regulation shape, thereby securing the variable direction regulator to the diffuser module at the center of the inlet vanes. In one variant, the base shape plate is covered with base openings without vanes, wherein the openings do not participate in airflow regulation.

[0019] The use of the air diffusers, assembled from system elements defined herein, may be directed for distributing airflow in two different directions—either substantially parallel or substantially perpendicular to the diffuser base shape. The direction depends on the relative rotation of the regulation shape within the base shape. The diffusers may be mounted in shallow ceiling spaces. In one variant, the airflow direction may be manually regulated by rotating the regulation shape relative to the base shape. In another variant, the airflow direction may be regulated by an electric motor configured to rotate the regulation shape. In yet another variant, the airflow direction may be regulated by a bimetal mechanism configured to rotate the regulation shape.

[0020] In yet another embodiment, an air inlet, a diffuser module, and a variable direction regulator may be cut from a single metal sheet, bent, and connected as necessary to achieve a desired element shape.

[0021] In a further embodiment, a reconfigurable air diffuser apparatus includes a hollow housing having an inlet opening equipped with stationary inlet vanes, and an outlet opening having a cross-sectional area greater than the inlet opening cross-sectional area. The air diffuser includes one of a set of variable-direction regulators, a base shape equipped with perforations at the outlet opening of the housing, and a regulation shape having additional perforations formed thereon. The perforations on the base shape and the other perforations on the regulation shape are relatively aligned by rotation through an angle between the base shape and the regulation shape to establish the air outlet direction. Each of the set of variable direction regulators being sized to be received in the housing and to be replaceable therein by another variable direction regulator in the set thereof.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0022] FIG. 1A illustrates the diffuser module connected to the air inlet, excluding the regulating component.

[0023] FIG. 1B presents an exploded view of the elements shown in FIG. 1A.

[0024] FIG. 1C provides a cross-sectional view of the elements illustrated in FIG. 1A.

[0025] FIG. 1D displays a bottom view of the assembly illustrated in FIG. 1A.

[0026] FIG. 1E depicts a metal sheet used to form the diffuser module.

[0027] FIG. 1F illustrates the principal airflow of a diffuser module connected to an air inlet without a direction regulator.

[0028] FIG. 2A illustrates a diffuser module with a regulator positioned within the housing shown in FIG. 1A.

[0029] FIG. 2B provides a cross-sectional view of the components of FIG. 2A.

[0030] FIG. 2C presents an exploded view of the elements depicted in FIG. 2A.

[0031] FIG. 2D shows the bottom view of the diffuser, where the central portion of the perforations is blocked, while FIG. 2E illustrates the resulting airflow.

[0032] FIG. 2F depicts the regulator in its mid-position.

[0033] FIG. 2G presents the bottom view of the diffuser, where the peripheral portion of the perforations is blocked, and FIG. 2H illustrates the corresponding airflow.

[0034] FIG. 2I displays a template marked on a metal sheet for forming the diffuser regulator.

[0035] FIG. 2J shows a variant of the regulating plate.

[0036] FIG. 3A illustrates the diffuser module with a regulator positioned within the housing shown in FIG. 1A.

[0037] FIG. 3B provides a cross-sectional view of the components illustrated in FIG. 3A.

[0038] FIG. 3C presents an exploded view of the elements shown in FIG. 3A.

[0039] FIG. 3D displays a side view of the diffuser, with the housing omitted, where the central portion of the perforations is blocked for air circulation, while the perforations on the cylindrical regulating plate remain open.

[0040] FIG. 3E presents the bottom view of the diffuser with blocked regulation perforations.

[0041] FIG. 3F illustrates the airflow obtained in the regulation position depicted in FIGS. 3D and 3E.

[0042] FIG. 3G shows a side view of the diffuser, with the housing omitted, where the perforations on the cylindrical regulating plate are blocked, while the perforations in the base remain open.

[0043] FIG. 3H presents the bottom view of the diffuser with open perforations in the base.

[0044] FIG. 3I illustrates the airflow obtained in the regulation position depicted in FIGS. 3G and 3H.

[0045] FIG. 3J depicts a variant of the regulating plate, in accordance with the present disclosure.DESCRIPTION

[0046] This disclosure may be regarded as addressing a complication as follows: enabling systematic and reliable upgrades of air diffusers to meet various needs. It introduces a system that can allow different airflow regulation mechanisms to be integrated into the same housing, providing flexibility to enhance or reduce the performance of built-in air diffusers as required.

[0047] Initially, the disclosed system can enable the upgrade of a standard fixed air diffuser to one with airflow regulation. These regulations typically include two positions: the first directs airflow substantially downward from the ceiling, while the second angles the airflow as much as possible horizontally away from the air diffuser. Such upgrades can be further enhanced by incorporating additional mechanisms to rotate the direction regulator within the diffuser, such as a stepper motor or a temperature-sensitive bimetal mechanism, in addition to the manual regulation offered initially. Of course, the simple downgrade is also available to configure the diffusers without the regulation mechanisms.

[0048] According to the disclosure, the air diffuser can comprise or consist of a diffuser module, which is in the same configuration for all, and a direction regulator, which can be manufactured according to specific needs. An aspect of a preferred embodiment can be the direction regulator, which may always consist of two distinct 2D or 3D shapes: the base shape and the regulation shape. In general, these two shapes are partially identical, feature matching perforations, and are designed so that the regulation shape can be nested or aligned with the base shape. In one position, a fraction of the perforations is aligned between the shapes, allowing free airflow across them, while the rest are blocked. In another position, the situation is reversed. These perforations are designed to guide airflow across the diffuser, so the alignment of the shapes and their perforations direct the air in the desired direction.

[0049] In some further embodiments, improvements are made to the direction regulators by incorporating auxiliary vanes, which further deflect the airflow in the desired directions and enhance the basic models, while still being fully manufacturable from a metal sheet.

[0050] This disclosure presents a system (e.g., for assembling) regarding air diffusers with adjustable airflow direction. It may comprise an air inlet, a diffuser module, and a variable direction regulator. The air inlet may be configured to connect the diffuser module to the air supply.

[0051] The diffuser module may include a hollow housing with an inlet opening that includes stationary inlet vanes and an outlet opening with a larger cross-sectional area than the inlet. The hollow housing may be configured to receive different direction regulators. Each direction regulator may be formed from a base shape, equipped with perforations and optionally other openings, that covers the outlet opening, and a regulation shape with perforations. The regulation shape may attach to the base shape and configured to rotate around a fixed assembly pin. The pin may connect the base shape and the inserted regulation shape with the inlet vanes centre and may fix the variable direction regulator within the diffuser module.

[0052] The surfaces of the base shape and the regulation shape may be configured to slide one over the other at least over the regions with the perforations. The base shape perforations and the regulation shape perforations may be made in identical rotational repetitive patterns. A fraction of regulation shape perforations may be rotationally shifted through a predetermined angle, allowing two different states of the direction regulator.

[0053] In the first state of the direction regulator, a fraction of regulation shape perforations may be blocked by the base shape surface. The remainder of regulation shape perforations may coincide with the base shape perforations, guiding the airflow across the coinciding perforations.

[0054] In the second state of the direction regulator, which may be obtained by rotating the regulation shape through the predetermined angle with respect to the base shape, the fraction of regulation shape perforations which was blocked in the first state by the base shape surface may now coincide with the base shape perforations guiding the airflow across the coinciding perforations. The other regulation shape perforations may be, in this position, blocked by the base shape surface.

[0055] In one embodiment, the variable direction regulator has the base shape formed as a base plate with a base plate guide. The regulation shape may be formed as a regulation plate with a regulation plate guide, dimensioned to be nested over the base plate guide. An assembly pin may be inserted through the base plate guide and the nested regulation plate guide, connecting the base plate and the regulation plate and thus fixing the variable direction regulator to the diffuser module at the center of the inlet vanes. In one variant, the regulation plate may be disk-shaped. In yet another variant, the regulation plate may have at least a portion of its regulation plate perforations partially covered with vanes.

[0056] In another embodiment, the variable direction regulator may comprise a base shape and a regulation shape. The base shape may include a base plate, a centrally situated cylindrical surface, and an axial base shape guide. The cylindrical surface and the part of the base plate enclosed by the cylindrical surface may be provided with base shape perforations, while the remainder of the base plate may be covered with one or more base openings with vanes that do not participate in airflow regulation. The regulation shape may be formed as a cylindrical surface with a bottom base, which may be provided with regulation shape perforations, and a regulation shape guide. The regulation shape may be dimensioned to nest within the base shape's cylindrical surface. An assembly pin, which may be inserted through the base shape guide and the nested regulation shape guide, may connect the base shape and the regulation shape, thereby securing the variable direction regulator to the diffuser module at the center of the inlet vanes. In one variant, the base shape plate is covered with base openings without vanes, wherein the openings do not participate in airflow regulation.

[0057] The use of the air diffusers, assembled from system elements defined herein, may be directed for distributing airflow in two different directions—either substantially parallel or substantially perpendicular to the diffuser base shape. The direction depends on the relative rotation of the regulation shape within the base shape. The diffusers may be mounted in shallow ceiling spaces. In one variant, the airflow direction may be manually regulated by rotating the regulation shape relative to the base shape. In another variant, the airflow direction may be regulated by an electric motor configured to rotate the regulation shape. In yet another variant, the airflow direction may be regulated by a bimetal mechanism configured to rotate the regulation shape.In yet another embodiment, an air inlet, a diffuser module, and a variable direction regulator may be cut from a single metal sheet, bent, and connected as necessary to achieve a desired element shape.

[0058] This section provides a detailed examination of a system regarding various air diffusers (100). A concept of this disclosure is to utilize a standard air inlet (10) and diffuser module (20) in combination with different direction regulators (30, 40). While the diffuser module (20) remains unchanged, the direction regulators vary based on specific requirements, allowing the diffuser (100) to control the air discharge direction effectively.Air Inlet

[0059] The air inlet (10) can be designed in various shapes and may serve as the connection between the diffuser module (20) and the air supply. It can have any suitable cross-section known in the industry, effectively guiding and directing air from the main airline to the diffuser module (20). In some cases, a circular or rectangular shape may be employed. The air inlet may be constructed from a metal sheet, precisely bent, and assembled into the desired shape. FIG. 1B illustrates an exploded view of the circular air inlet (10) and its compatible diffuser module (20), to which it is attached as depicted in FIG. 1A.Diffuser Module

[0060] The diffuser module (20) is shown in FIG. 1B, with its constructional cross-section illustrated in FIG. 1C. Its primary function is to diffuse the supplied air within the space beneath the diffuser. The module (20) may include a hollow housing (22) with an inlet opening (23), which may be equipped with stationary inlet vanes (21), and an outlet opening (24) with a larger cross-sectional area than the inlet opening (23), as depicted in FIG. 1C. The housing (22) may have an arbitrary shape—typically square or circular in horizontal cross-section—and may be designed to accommodate different directional regulators (30, 40) as needed. The inlet vanes (21) play a role in air diffusion within the housing (22), directing airflow at an angle to the inlet stream, as illustrated in FIG. 1F.

[0061] The diffuser module (20) can be fabricated from a single metal sheet (90), as depicted in FIG. 1E, where solid lines indicate cutting lines and dashed lines represent bending lines. Various cutting methods, such as laser cutting, water-jet cutting, and standard machining, may be used. Importantly, the housing (22) and inlet vanes (21) may be manufactured simultaneously, significantly reducing production costs and eliminating the need for separate vane (21) assembly. A fixation component (29), such as a nut, at the center of the vanes (21) may be utilized to facilitate the assembly of additional system elements, as shown in FIG. 1F.

[0062] The diffuser module can remain in its basic form, as shown in the bottom view in FIG. 1D, or it may be covered with a base plate, optionally featuring perforations for enhanced air diffusion—an approach well-known in the art. At the same time, this configuration may serve as a foundation for upgrades allowing various direction regulators to be integrated into the diffuser module (20).2D Direction Regulator

[0063] The two-dimensional direction regulator (30) is shown in an exploded view in FIG. 2C. When fully assembled, it is housed inside the interior of the housing (22), as illustrated in FIG. 2A and in the cross-sectional view in FIG. 2B.

[0064] The direction regulator (30) may include two main components: a base plate (31) and a regulation plate (32). The base plate (31) may feature perforations (37) and an upward-extending base plate guide (34). It may be designed to completely cover the outlet opening (24), as seen in FIGS. 1C and 2B, with its shape dictated by the geometry of the opening (24) formed in the housing (22).

[0065] The regulation plate (32) can take on an arbitrary shape, provided it is smaller than the base plate (31) and capable of slight rotational movement over the base plate (31) to fulfill its function. It may contain perforations (38) that are identical in size to those on the base plate (31). The regulation plate (32) may be disk-shaped, as shown in FIG. 2C, and may include a regulation plate guide (35) designed to fit over the base plate guide (34).

[0066] Once the regulation plate (32) with its guide (35) is nested over the base plate (31) and its guide (34)—which is dimensioned to fit the guide (35)—the regulation plate (32) may be pivotally mounted on the base plate (31) and slides over it. The assembly pin (33) may be designed to protrude through the base plate guide (34) and be secured with the fixation component (29) in the diffuser module (20), making the diffuser (100) fully operational.

[0067] To achieve directional regulation, a portion of the perforations (37) on the base plate (31) may align with the perforations (38) on the regulation plate (32) in the first position, while the remaining perforations may be obstructed by the regulation plate (32). When the regulation plate is rotated through a predetermined angle, e.g., 15° in the case shown in FIGS. 2C, 2D, and 2G (i.e., 360° / (12×2))—the previously aligned perforations (37) become blocked by the regulation plate (32), while the previously obstructed perforations (37) are now unblocked and aligned with the perforations (38). In general, the activation angle may be determined by the perforation patterns (37, 38) employed in the regulation process.

[0068] In the first position, the regulation plate (32) may block the central perforations (37), as illustrated in FIG. 2D, resulting in angled air streams shown in FIG. 2E. In the second position, the regulation plate (32) may block the peripheral perforations (37), directing the air streams straight downward through the diffuser, as depicted in FIG. 2H. For additional clarity, FIG. 2F illustrates an intermediate position between these two well-defined states.

[0069] To further deflect the air streams shown in FIG. 2E in a more horizontal direction, an advanced variant of the regulation plate (32) is presented in FIG. 2J. In this version, one or more perforations (38) may be fitted with vanes (39) positioned above them. These vanes (39) may force the airflow to exit the diffuser at a sharp angle, e.g., nearly parallel to the base plate (31).

[0070] Components of the diffuser regulator (30) can be manufactured from a single metal sheet (90), as shown in FIG. 2I, where solid lines indicate cutting lines and dashed lines represent bending lines. Various cutting techniques, such as laser cutting, water-jet cutting, and standard machining, can be used. Notably, producing the variant shown in FIG. 2J may require only a slight modification to the perforation (38) cutting process. Specifically, one edge of the perforation (38) may remain uncut, allowing the vanes to be formed by bending the partially cut section in the desired direction.

[0071] Such 2D direction regulators (30) can be easily manufactured and securely screwed or fastened within the housing (22) of the diffuser module (20).3D Direction Regulator

[0072] The three-dimensional direction regulator (40) is shown in an exploded view in FIG. 3C. When fully assembled, three-dimensional direction regulator (40) may be housed within the housing (22), as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B in cross-sectional view.

[0073] The direction regulator (40) may include two main components: a base shape (41) and a regulation shape (42). The base shape (41) may feature perforations (47) that may participate in the regulation process, as well as perforations with vanes (49) that do not. Additionally, direction regulator (40) may have an upward-extending base shape guide (44). In one embodiment, the three-dimensional part of the base shape (41) may include a cylindrical section with perforations (47), as depicted in FIG. 3C. The base shape (41) may be designed to fully cover the outlet opening (24), as seen in FIGS. 1C and 3B, with its form dictated by the geometry of the opening (24) in the housing (22).

[0074] The regulation shape (42) can take on an arbitrary form, provided that its projected area is smaller than that of the base shape (41) and that it can rotate slightly to perform its function within the base shape (41), i.e., to be nested within the base shape (41). It may contain perforations (48) identical in size to those on the base shape (41) that participate in the regulation process. The regulation shape (42) may be cylindrical, as shown in FIG. 3C, with a cylindrical base also equipped with perforations (48). It may include a regulation shape guide (45) designed to fit over the base shape guide (44).

[0075] The assembly of the regulating shape (42) and the base shape (41) may be carried out using the assembly pin (43), similar to the assembly technique used in the 2D diffuser regulator. This becomes evident when comparing FIG. 3C to FIG. 2C.

[0076] The 3D regulation process differs somewhat from the 2D regulation process described earlier and may be more effective. Similar to the 2D device, in the first position of the 3D direction regulator (40), part of the base shape perforations (47) may align with the regulating shape perforations (48), allowing the airflow to pass, while the remaining base shape perforations (47) may be blocked by the regulating shape (42). In a second position of the 3D direction regulator, the situation is reversed: the perforations (47) that were aligned with the perforations (48) in the first position are now blocked by the regulating shape (42), while those that were previously blocked are now aligned with the perforations (48), allowing airflow to pass through. The transition between the first and second positions may be achieved by rotating the regulating shape (42) within the base shape (41) through a predetermined angle, which depends on the perforation patterns used in the base and regulating shapes (41, 42). In the case shown in FIGS. 3D-3I, the predetermined angle for switching between the two states may be 15°, calculated based on the perforation pattern repetition rate (360° / (12×2)).

[0077] In the first position, shown in FIG. 3D, the diffuser (100) is depicted with the housing (22) removed. The bottom perforations (47) on the base shape (41) that participate in the regulation process may be blocked by the regulating shape (42). The perforations (47) on the cylindrical body may be aligned with the perforations (48) on the regulating shape (42). The bottom view of the diffuser is shown in FIG. 3E, and the resulting airflow is illustrated in FIG. 3F, which may be directed across the diffuser portion that does not participate in the regulation process, passing through the base shape vanes (49).

[0078] In the second position, depicted in FIG. 3G, the diffuser (100) is again shown with the housing (22) removed. The bottom perforations (47) on the base shape (41) that participate in regulation are now open and aligned with the perforations (48) on the regulating shape (42). However, the perforations (47) on the cylindrical body are now blocked by the regulating shape (42), as shown in FIG. 3G. The bottom view of the diffuser is shown in FIG. 3H, and the resulting airflow is depicted in FIG. 3I, which is significantly different from the airflow presented in FIG. 3F.

[0079] In one variant, the direction regulator (40) could be designed with the base shape featuring stationary openings instead of the vanes (49), but the regulation principle would remain the same.

[0080] The diffuser regulator (40) can be manufactured from a single metal sheet (90), as shown in FIG. 3I, where solid lines indicate cutting lines and dashed lines represent bending lines. Various cutting techniques, such as laser cutting, water-jet cutting, and standard machining, can be used. Notably, producing the variant without vanes (49) may require only a slight modification to the perforation-cutting process, specifically to completely cut out the section intended to form the vanes (49).

[0081] Such 3D direction regulators (40) can be manufactured and securely screwed or fastened within the housing (22) of the diffuser module (20).Use and Regulation Process

[0082] The use of air diffusers (100), assembled from the system elements previously described, may enable the creation of various diffuser layouts, both with and without regulation. This may make the system highly versatile and easily upgradable when needed. Diffusers (100) with regulation capabilities may be designed to distribute airflow in two different directions—either substantially parallel or substantially perpendicular to the diffuser base shape (31, 41)—depending on the relative rotation of the regulating shape (32, 42) within the base shape (31, 41). These diffusers may be ideally mounted in shallow ceiling spaces, as this setup simplifies achieving the desired technical effect of air stream regulation, while needing a fraction of the standard ceiling height. This arrangement optimizes air distribution efficiency in a more compact space.

[0083] The method of switching between regulation positions is not the focus of this disclosure, as standard methods can be applied. In the simplest configuration, airflow direction can be manually regulated by rotating the regulating shape (32, 42) relative to the base shape (31, 41) using an external or internal lever, attached to the regulating shape (32, 42) and accessible to the user. In more advanced versions, the airflow direction can be controlled by an electric motor or a bimetal mechanism, designed to rotate the regulating shape (32, 42) relative to the base shape (31, 41). Such solutions are well-known in the art.INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0084] The industrial applicability of the disclosed concept is evident. The present disclosure introduces a novel system for constructing air diffusers that are both upgradable and capable of regulating the direction of airflow streams.

Claims

1. A system air diffusers that regulate an air outlet direction, comprising:a diffuser module having a hollow housing with an inlet opening and equipped with stationary inlet vanes, and an outlet opening with a cross-section area greater than the inlet opening cross-section area;an air inlet configured to connect the diffuser module with an air supply;a set of variable direction regulators, wherein each variable direction regulator is formed from a base shape equipped with perforations that cover the outlet opening, and a regulation shape having other perforations formed thereon, the regulation shape being attached to the base shape and configured to rotate around a fixed assembly pin, the assembly pin connecting the base shape and the inserted regulation shape with a center of the inlet vanes and fixes the variable direction regulator within the diffuser module; andwherein the respective surfaces of the base shape and the regulation shape are configured to slide one over the other at least over regions where the perforations are respectively formed,wherein the perforations on the base shape and the other perforations on the regulation shape are made in identical repetitive rotational patterns where a fraction of the other perforations on the regulation shape are rotationally shifted through a predetermined angle thus affording two different states of the direction regulator, wherein:the first state of the direction regulator is obtained when the fraction of other perforations on the regulation shape is blocked by the base shape surface, and in which remaining ones of the other perforations on the regulation shape coincide with the perforations on the base shape thereby guiding the airflow across the coinciding perforations, andthe second state of the direction regulator is obtained by rotating the regulation shape through the predetermined angle with respect to the base shape, the fraction of the other perforations on the regulation shape which was blocked in the first state by the base shape surface coincides with the perforations on the base shape thereby guiding the airflow across the coinciding perforations, and the other perforations on the regulation shape are blocked by the base shape surface.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein one of the variable direction regulators in the set thereof has the base shape formed as a base plate with a base plate guide and the regulation shape is formed as a regulation plate with a regulation plate guide dimensioned to be nested over the base plate guide, the assembly pin being inserted through the base plate guide and the nested regulation plate guide thereby connecting the base plate with the regulation plate and fixing the one of the variable direction regulators to the diffuser module at the center of the inlet vanes.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the regulation plate is disk-shaped.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the regulation plate has at least a portion of the other perforations on the regulation plate partially covered with vanes.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein another of the variable direction regulators in the set thereof comprises:a base plate forming the base shape; and a centrally situated cylindrical surface and an axial base shape guide, wherein the cylindrical surface and a part of the base plate enclosed by said cylindrical surface are provided with the perforations on the base shape, while the remaining part of the base plate is covered with one or more base openings having vanes that do not participate in airflow regulation, and the regulation shape is formed as another cylindrical surface with a bottom base provided with the other perforations on the regulation shape and a regulation shape guide, wherein the regulation shape is dimensioned to nest within the cylindrical surface of the base shape, wherein:the assembly pin is inserted through the base shape guide and the nested regulation shape guide and connecting the base plate and the regulation shape, and the variable direction regulator to the diffuser module at the center of the inlet vanes.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the base plate is covered with base openings without vanes that do not affect the air outlet direction.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein variable direction regulator establishes the air outlet direction as one of two different directions, either substantially parallel to or substantially perpendicular to the base shape depending on a relative rotation angle of the regulation shape within the base shape.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the air outlet direction is regulated by manually rotating the regulation shape relative to the base shape.

9. The system according to claim 7, wherein the air outlet direction is regulated by an electric motor configured to rotate the regulation shape relative to the base shape.

10. The system according to claim 7, wherein the air outlet direction is regulated by a bimetal mechanism configured to rotate the regulation shape relative to the base shape.

11. A reconfigurable air diffuser apparatus that regulates an air outlet direction, the apparatus comprising:a hollow housing having an inlet opening equipped with stationary inlet vanes, and an outlet opening having a cross-section area greater than the inlet opening cross-sectional area;one of a set of variable direction regulators having a base shape equipped with perforations at the outlet opening of the housing, and a regulation shape having other perforations formed thereon, the perforations on the base shape and the other perforations on the regulation shape being relatively aligned by rotation through an angle between the base shape and the regulation shape to establish the air outlet direction, each of the set of variable direction regulators being sized to be received in the housing and to be replaceable therein by another variable direction regulator in the set thereof.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11 further comprising a fixed assembly pin that fixes the variable direction regulator within the housing and that serves as an axis of rotation between the regulation shape and the base shape.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the variable direction regulators are interchanged one for another by disengaging and reengaging the assembly pin.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the variable direction regulator establishes the air outlet direction as one of two different directions, either substantially parallel to or substantially perpendicular to the base shape depending on a relative rotation angle of the regulation shape with the base shape.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the base shape is a plate, and the regulation shape is a disk residing over the plate, both the plate and the disk being parallel to the outlet opening and the disk being relatively rotatable about the assembly pin relative to the plate.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the perforations on the plate and other perforations on the disk are identically sized and identically distributed, the air outlet direction being established in accordance with the relative alignment of the perforations on the plate with the other perforations on the disk by which alternative airflow paths are established.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the distribution of the perforations on the plate and distribution of the other perforations on the disk respectively are identically rotational patterns.

18. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein:the base shape is a plate having a cylinder affixed thereto, the cylinder extending perpendicularly to the plate, andthe regulation shape is another cylinder that is coaxial with the cylinder and freely rotatable therein, the other cylinder extending perpendicularly to the plate.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein each of the cylinder and the other cylinder have openings distributed circumferentially over respective sidewalls thereof.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein:the plate has vanes situated externally to the cylinder and the perforations situated internally to the cylinder,the other cylinder has a closed end parallel to and in adjacent contact with the plate, the other perforations being formed on the closed end of the other cylinder, andthe air outlet direction is established in accordance with the relative alignment of the perforations on the plate with the other perforations on the closed end of the other cylinder concurrently with the relative alignment of the openings on the sidewall of the cylinder with the openings on the sidewall of the other cylinder, the relative alignment of the perforations with the other perforations concurrently with the relative alignment of the openings on the cylinder and the other cylinder defining alternative airflow paths.

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