Pattern controller for diffuser

Abstract

A pattern controller includes a frame, a top spacer, a bottom spacer, a first control member, a second control member, and a clip to support the control members. The first control member is arranged proximal to the first frame member. The second control member is arranged proximal to the second frame member, and spaced apart from the first control member. In a first configuration, the first control member and the second control member allow an airflow through at least one of the first gap and the second gap. In a second configuration, the first control member and the second control member allow the airflow through the third gap. The clip is laterally movable to move the first control member and the second control member within the frame to control the airflow through the first gap or the second gap.

Description

[0001] PATTERN CONTROLLER FOR DIFFUSER

[0002] Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to diffusers.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] A heating, ventilation, and / or air conditioning (HVAC) system provides proper ventilation and maintains air quality in a confined space, for example, a commercial or household building. The HVAC system circulates a refrigerant through a closed circuit including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator. Refrigerant in the evaporator is utilized to cool an airflow via thermal exchange to condition the confined space. The HVAC systems primarily control temperature and humidity of airflow. The HVAC system includes a ductwork for supplying conditioned airflow to various spaces. Typically, ducts extend from a conditioned airflow supply unit, such as an air handling unit, to desired spaces. An end of the duct terminating into the space to be conditioned is provided with a diffuser to properly distribute conditioned air in the desired space.

[0006] The diffuser may direct air to the desired space in various throw patterns. For example, the diffuser may direct air in a jet throw pattern or a high throw pattern. Pattern controllers are provided in the diffuser to achieve desired throw patterns. At present, different types of pattern controllers are implemented to achieve different throw patterns. Hence, when a throw pattern of the diffuser is to be changed, the earlier pattern controller is removed and a new pattern controller corresponding to a desired throw pattern is installed. This is time consuming process. Skilled labor is required to replace the earlier pattern controller with the new pattern controller. Further, the overall cost of the diffuser increases as a different pattern controller needs to be installed for a different throw pattern.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need of a pattern controller that alleviates aforementioned drawbacks of known pattern controllers.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] The present disclosure discloses a pattern controller for a diffuser. The pattern controller includes a frame, a top spacer, a bottom spacer, a first control member, a second control member, and a clip. The frame has a first frame member and a second frame member. The top spacer and the bottom spacer are arranged in a spaced apart configuration between the first frame member and the second frame member. The first control member is arranged proximal to the first frame member. The second control member is arranged proximal to the second frame member and spaced apart from the first control member. The first control member and the second control member are arrangeable in a first configuration to allow an airflow through at least one of a first gap between the first control member and the first frame member and a second gap between the second control member and the second frame member, and are arrangeable in a second configuration to allow the airflow through a third gap between the first control member and the second control member. The clip is slidably disposed between the top spacer and the bottom spacer to support the first control member and the second control member. The clip is laterally movable to move the first control member and the second control member between the first frame member and the second frame member to control the airflow through the first gap and the second gap. In some embodiments, the clip is laterally moved to control the airflow through the first gap and the second gap when the first control member and the second control member are in the first configuration.

[0010] In some embodiments, in the first configuration, the first control member and the second control member are arranged perpendicular to a direction of the airflow.

[0011] In some embodiments, in the second configuration, the first control member and the second control member are arranged parallel to a direction of the airflow.

[0012] In some embodiments, the bottom spacer has a slot to facilitate lateral movement of the clip.

[0013] In some embodiments, the clip includes a first slot and a second slot configured to receive a first pin passing through the first control member and a second pin passing through the second control member respectively.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first slot and the second slot are provided at opposite ends of the clip.

[0015] In some embodiments, the clip is laterally movable towards the first frame member to allow the airflow through the second gap, and is laterally movable towards the second frame member to allow the airflow through the first gap in the first configuration.

[0016] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the pattern controller includes a frame having a first frame member and a second frame member, a first control member arranged proximal to the first frame member, and a second control member arranged proximal to the second frame member and spaced apart from the first control member. The first control member and the second control member are arranged to allow an airflow through at least one of a first gap between the first control member and the first frame member, and a second gap between the second control member and the second frame member. The pattern controller includes a clip provided to laterally move the first control member and the second control member between the first frame member and the second frame member to control the airflow through the first gap and the second gap.

[0017] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Various objects, aspects, features, and advantages of the disclosure will become more apparent and better understood by referring to the detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters identify corresponding elements throughout. In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and / or structurally similar elements.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a building including a heating, ventilating, or air conditioning (HVAC) system, according to some embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an airside system including an air handling unit (AHU) which can be used in the HVAC system of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an AHU controller which can be used to monitor and control the AHU of FIG. 2, according to some embodiments.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a schematic of an embodiment of a portion of the building and of the HVAC system.

[0022] FIG. 5 shows an isometric view of a pattern controller in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 6 shows a side view of the pattern controller of FIG. 5, according to some embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 7 shows an isometric view of a clip mounted on a bottom spacer of the pattern controller, according to some embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 8 shows a bottom view of the bottom spacer.

[0026] FIG. 9 shows a schematic view of a second pin engaged in a second slot of a clip of the pattern controller, according to some embodiments.

[0027] FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 depict schematics of a first configuration of the pattern controller, according to some embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 12 depicts a schematic of a second configuration of the pattern controller, according to some embodiments.

[0029] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Overview

[0031] Generally, a diffuser requires different types of a pattern controllers to achieve different throw patterns. Utilization of different pattern controllers to achieve different throw patterns results in increase in cost, in manufacturing time, and in assembly time. Further, skilled labor is required to alter pattern controllers in diffusers.

[0032] The present disclosure discloses a pattern controller that, when implemented in a diffuser, can achieve different throw patterns. For example, the pattern controller of the present disclosure can be arranged in a first configuration to achieve a specific throw pattern, whereas the pattern controller can be arranged in a second configuration to achieve a throw pattern different than the throw pattern in the first configuration.

[0033] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. These described embodiments are only examples of the presently disclosed techniques. Additionally, in an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers’ specific goals, such as compliance with system -related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but may nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0034] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0035] Building HVAC System

[0036] Referring now to FIG. 1 , a perspective view of a building 10 is shown. Building 10 is served by a heating, ventilating, or air conditioning (HVAC) system 100. HVAC system 100 can include a plurality of HVAC devices (e.g., heaters, chillers, air handling units, pumps, fans, thermal energy storage, etc.) configured to provide heating, cooling, air conditioning, ventilation, and / or other services for building 10. For example, HVAC system 100 is shown to include a waterside system 120 and an airside system 130. Waterside system 120 may provide a heated or chilled fluid to an air handling unit of airside system 130. Airside system 130 may use the heated or chilled fluid to heat or cool an airflow provided to building 10.

[0037] HVAC system 100 is shown to include a chiller 102, a boiler 104, and a rooftop air handling unit (AHU) 106. Waterside system 120 may use boiler 104 and chiller 102 to heat or cool a working fluid (e.g. , water, glycol, etc.) and may circulate the working fluid to AHU 106. In various embodiments, the HVAC devices of waterside system 120 can be located in or around building 10 (as shown in FIG. 1) or at an offsite location such as a central plant (e.g., a chiller plant, a steam plant, a heat plant, etc.) that serves one or more buildings including building 10. The working fluid can be heated in boiler 104 or cooled in chiller 102, depending on whether heating or cooling is required in building 10. Boiler 104 may add heat to the circulated fluid, for example, by burning a combustible material (e.g., natural gas) or using an electric heating element. Chiller 102 may place the circulated fluid in a heat exchange relationship with another fluid (e.g., a refrigerant) in a heat exchanger (e.g., an evaporator) to absorb heat from the circulated fluid. The working fluid from chiller 102 and / or boiler 104 can be transported to AHU 106 via piping 108.

[0038] AHU 106 may place the working fluid in a heat exchange relationship with an airflow passing through AHU 106 (e.g., via one or more stages of cooling coils and / or heating coils). The airflow can be, for example, outside air, return air from within building 10, or a combination of both. AHU 106 may transfer heat between the airflow and the working fluid to provide heating or cooling for the airflow. For example, AHU 106 can include one or more fans or blowers configured to pass the airflow over or through a heat exchanger containing the working fluid. The working fluid may then return to chiller 102 or boiler 104 via piping 110.

[0039] Airside system 130 may deliver the airflow supplied by AHU 106 (i.e., the supply airflow) to building 10 via air supply ducts 112 and may provide return air from building 10 to AHU 106 via air return ducts 114. In some embodiments, airside system 130 includes multiple variable air volume (VAV) units 116. For example, airside system 130 is shown to include a separate VAV unit 116 on each floor or zone of building 10. VAV units 116 can include dampers or other flow control elements that can be operated to control an amount of the supply airflow provided to individual zones of building 10. In other embodiments, airside system 130 delivers the supply airflow into one or more zones of building 10 (e.g., via supply ducts 112) without using intermediate VAV units 116 or other flow control elements. AHU 106 can include various sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, pressure sensors, etc.) configured to measure attributes of the supply airflow. AHU 106 may receive input from sensors located within AHU 106 and / or within the building zone and may adjust the flow rate, temperature, or other attributes of the supply airflow through AHU 106 to achieve setpoint conditions for the building zone.

[0040] Airside System

[0041] Referring now to FIG. 2, a block diagram of an airside system 200 is shown, according to some embodiments. In various embodiments, airside system 200 may supplement or replace airside system 130 in HVAC system 100 or can be implemented separate from HVAC system 100. When implemented in HVAC system 100, airside system 200 can include a subset of the HVAC devices in HVAC system 100 (e.g., AHU 106, VAV units 116, ducts 112-114, fans, dampers, etc.) and can be located in or around building 10. Airside system 200 may operate to heat or cool an airflow provided to building 10 using a heated or chilled fluid provided by waterside system 120.

[0042] In FIG. 2, airside system 200 is shown to include an economizer-type air handling unit (AHU) 202. Economizer-type AHUs vary the amount of outside air and return air used by the air handling unit for heating or cooling. For example, AHU 202 may receive return air 204 from building zone 206 via return air duct 208 and may deliver supply air 210 to building zone 206 via supply air duct 212. In some embodiments, AHU 202 is a rooftop unit located on the roof of building 10 (e.g., AHU 106 as shown in FIG. 1) or otherwise positioned to receive both return air 204 and outside air 214. AHU 202 can be configured to operate exhaust air damper 216, mixing damper 218, and outside air damper 220 to control an amount of outside air 214 and return air 204 that combine to form supply air 210. Any return air 204 that does not pass through mixing damper 218 can be exhausted from AHU 202 through exhaust damper 216 as exhaust air 222.

[0043] Each of dampers 216-220 can be operated by an actuator. For example, exhaust air damper 216 can be operated by actuator 224, mixing damper 218 can be operated by actuator 226, and outside air damper 220 can be operated by actuator 228. Actuators 224-228 may communicate with an AHU controller 230 via a communications link 232. Actuators 224-228 may receive control signals from AHU controller 230 and may provide feedback signals to AHU controller 230. Feedback signals can include, for example, an indication of a current actuator or damper position, an amount of torque or force exerted by the actuator, diagnostic information (e.g., results of diagnostic tests performed by actuators 224-228), status information, commissioning information, configuration settings, calibration data, and / or other types of information or data that can be collected, stored, or used by actuators 224-228. AHU controller 230 can be an economizer controller configured to use one or more control algorithms (e.g., state-based algorithms, extremum seeking control (ESC) algorithms, proportional-integral (PI) control algorithms, proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control algorithms, model predictive control (MPC) algorithms, feedback control algorithms, etc.) to control actuators 224-228.

[0044] Still referring to FIG. 2, AHU 202 is shown to include a cooling coil 234, a heating coil 236, and a fan 238 positioned within supply air duct 212. Fan 238 can be configured to force supply air 210 through cooling coil 234 and / or heating coil 236 and provide supply air 210 to building zone 206. AHU controller 230 may communicate with fan 238 via communications link 240 to control a flow rate of supply air 210. In some embodiments, AHU controller 230 controls an amount of heating or cooling applied to supply air 210 by modulating a speed of fan 238.

[0045] Cooling coil 234 may receive a chilled fluid from waterside system 120 (via piping 242 and may return the chilled fluid to waterside system 120 via piping 244. Valve 246 can be positioned along piping 242 or piping 244 to control a flow rate of the chilled fluid through cooling coil 234. In some embodiments, cooling coil 234 includes multiple stages of cooling coils that can be independently activated and deactivated (e.g., by AHU controller 230, by supervisory controller 266, etc.) to modulate an amount of cooling applied to supply air 210.

[0046] Heating coil 236 may receive a heated fluid from waterside system 120 via piping 248 and may return the heated fluid to waterside system 120 via piping 250. Valve 252 can be positioned along piping 248 or piping 250 to control a flow rate of the heated fluid through heating coil 236. In some embodiments, heating coil 236 includes multiple stages of heating coils that can be independently activated and deactivated (e.g., by AHU controller 230, by supervisory controller 266, etc.) to modulate an amount of heating applied to supply air 210.

[0047] Each of valves 246 and 252 can be controlled by an actuator. For example, valve 246 can be controlled by actuator 254 and valve 252 can be controlled by actuator 256. Actuators 254-256 may communicate with AHU controller 230 via communications links 258-260. Actuators 254-256 may receive control signals from AHU controller 230 and may provide feedback signals to controller 230. In some embodiments, AHU controller 230 receives a measurement of the supply air temperature from a temperature sensor 262 positioned in supply air duct 212 (e.g., downstream of cooling coil 234 and / or heating coil 236). AHU controller 230 may also receive a measurement of the temperature of building zone 206 from a temperature sensor 264 located in building zone 206.

[0048] In some embodiments, AHU controller 230 operates valves 246 and 252 via actuators 254-256 to modulate an amount of heating or cooling provided to supply air 210 (e.g., to achieve a setpoint temperature for supply air 210 or to maintain the temperature of supply air 210 within a setpoint temperature range). The positions of valves 246 and 252 affect the amount of heating or cooling provided to supply air 210 by cooling coil 234 or heating coil 236 and may correlate with the amount of energy consumed to achieve a desired supply air temperature. AHU controller 230 may control the temperature of supply air 210 and / or building zone 206 by activating or deactivating coils 234-236, adjusting a speed of fan 238, or a combination of both.

[0049] Still referring to FIG. 2, airside system 200 is shown to include a supervisory controller 266 and a client device 268. Supervisory controller 266 can include one or more computer systems (e.g., servers, supervisory controllers, subsystem controllers, etc.) that serve as system level controllers, application or data servers, head nodes, or master controllers for airside system 200, waterside system 120, HVAC system 100, and / or other controllable systems that serve building 10. Supervisory controller 266 may communicate with multiple downstream building systems or subsystems (e.g., HVAC system 100, a security system, a lighting system, waterside system 120, etc.) via a communications link 270 according to like or disparate protocols (e.g., LON, BACnet, etc.). In various embodiments, AHU controller 230 and supervisory controller 266 can be separate (as shown in FIG. 2) or integrated. In an integrated implementation, AHU controller 230 can be a software module configured for execution by a processor of supervisory controller 266.

[0050] In some embodiments, AHU controller 230 receives information from supervisory controller 266 (e.g., commands, setpoints, operating boundaries, etc.) and provides information to supervisory controller 266 (e.g., temperature measurements, valve or actuator positions, operating statuses, diagnostics, etc.). For example, AHU controller 230 may provide supervisory controller 266 with temperature measurements from temperature sensors 262-264, equipment on / off states, equipment operating capacities, and / or any other information that can be used by supervisory controller 266 to monitor or control a variable state or condition within building zone 206.

[0051] Client device 268 can include one or more human-machine interfaces or client interfaces (e.g., graphical user interfaces, reporting interfaces, text-based computer interfaces, client-facing web services, web servers that provide pages to web clients, etc.) for controlling, viewing, or otherwise interacting with HVAC system 100, its subsystems, and / or devices. Client device 268 can be a computer workstation, a client terminal, a remote or local interface, or any other type of user interface device. Client device 268 can be a stationary terminal or a mobile device. For example, client device 268 can be a desktop computer, a computer server with a user interface, a laptop computer, a tablet, a smartphone, a PDA, or any other type of mobile or non-mobile device. Client device 268 may communicate with supervisory controller 266 and / or AHU controller 230 via communications link 272.

[0052] AHU Controller

[0053] Referring now to FIG. 3, a block diagram illustrating AHU controller 230 in greater detail is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. AHU controller 230 may be configured to monitor and control various components of AHU 202 using any of a variety of control techniques (e.g., state-based control, on / off control, proportional control, proportional-integral (PI) control, proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control, extremum seeking control (ESC), model predictive control (MPC), etc.). AHU controller 230 may receive setpoints from supervisory controller 266 and measurements from sensors 318 and may provide control signals to actuators 320 and fan 238.

[0054] Sensors 318 may include any of the sensors shown in FIG. 2 or any other sensor configured to monitor any of a variety of variables used by AHU controller 230. Variables monitored by sensors 318 may include, for example, zone air temperature, zone air humidity, zone occupancy, zone CO2 levels, zone particulate matter (PM) levels, outdoor air temperature, outdoor air humidity, outdoor air CO2 levels, outdoor air PM levels, damper positions, valve positions, fan status, supply air temperature, supply air flowrate, or any other variable of interest to AHU controller 230. Actuators 320 may include any of the actuators shown in FIG. 2 or any other actuator controllable by AHU controller 230. For example, actuators 320 may include actuator 224 configured to operate exhaust air damper 216, actuator 226 configured to operate mixing damper 218, actuator 228 configured to outside air damper 220, actuator 254 configured to operate valve 246, and actuator 256 configured to operate valve 252. Actuators 320 may receive control signals from AHU controller 230 and may provide feedback signals to AHU controller 230.

[0055] AHU controller 230 may control AHU 202 by controllab ly changing and outputting a control signal provided to actuators 320 and fan 238. In some embodiments, the control signals include commands for actuators 320 to set dampers 216-220 and / or valves 246 and 252 to specific positions to achieve a target value for a variable of interest (e.g., supply air temperature, supply air humidity, flow rate, etc.). In some embodiments, the control signals include commands for fan 238 to operate a specific operating speed or to achieve a specific airflow rate. The control signals may be provided to actuators 320 and fan 238 via communications interface 302. AHU 202 may use the control signals an input to adjust the positions of dampers 216-220 control the relative proportions of outside air 214 and return air 204 provided to building zone 206.

[0056] AHU controller 230 may receive various inputs via communications interface 302. Inputs received by AHU controller 230 may include setpoints from supervisory controller 266, measurements from sensors 318, a measured or observed position of dampers 216-220 or valves 246 and 252, a measured or calculated amount of power consumption, an observed fan speed, temperature, humidity, air quality, or any other variable that can be measured or calculated in or around building 10.

[0057] AHU controller 230 includes logic that adjusts the control signals to achieve a target outcome. In some operating modes, the control logic implemented by AHU controller 230 utilizes feedback of an output variable. The logic implemented by AHU controller 230 may also or alternatively vary a manipulated variable based on a received input signal (e.g., a setpoint). Such a setpoint may be received from a user control (e.g., a thermostat), a supervisory controller (e.g., supervisory controller 266), or another upstream device via a communications network (e.g., a BACnet network, a LonWorks network, a LAN, a WAN, the Internet, a cellular network, etc.).

[0058] Still referring to FIG. 3, AHU controller 230 is shown to include a communications interface 302. Communications interface 302 can be or include wired or wireless communications interfaces (e.g., jacks, antennas, transmitters, receivers, transceivers, wire terminals, etc.) for conducting data communications with various components of AHU 202 or other external systems or devices. In various embodiments, communications via communications interface 302 can be direct (e.g., local wired or wireless communications) or via a communications network (e.g., a WAN, the Internet, a cellular network, etc.). For example, communications interface 302 can include an Ethernet card and port for sending and receiving data via an Ethernet-based communications link or network. In another example, communications interface 302 can include a Wi-Fi transceiver for communicating via a wireless communications network. In another example, communications interface 302 can include a cellular or mobile phone transceiver, a power line communications interface, an Ethernet interface, or any other type of communications interface. Still referring to FIG. 3, AHU controller 230 is shown to include a processing circuit 304 having a processor 306 and memory 308. Processor 306 may be a general purpose or specific purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable processing components. Processor 306 is configured to execute computer code or instructions stored in memory 308 or received from other computer readable media (e.g., CDROM, network storage, a remote server, etc.).

[0059] Memory 308 may include one or more devices (e.g., memory units, memory devices, storage devices, etc.) for storing data and / or computer code for completing and / or facilitating the various processes described in the present disclosure. Memory 308 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard drive storage, temporary storage, non-volatile memory, flash memory, optical memory, or any other suitable memory for storing software objects and / or computer instructions. Memory 308 may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present disclosure. Memory 308 may be communicably connected to processor 306 via processing circuit 304 and may include computer code for executing (e.g., by processor 306) one or more processes described herein.

[0060] Memory 308 can include any of a variety of functional components (e.g., stored instructions or programs) that provide AHU controller 230 with the ability to monitor and control AHU 202. For example, memory 308 is shown to include a data collector 310 which operates to collect the data received via communications interface 302 (e.g., setpoints, measurements, feedback from actuators 320 and fan 238, etc.). Data collector 310 may provide the collected data to actuator controller 312 and fan controller 314 which use the collected data to generate control signals for actuators 320 and fan 238, respectively. The particular type of control methodology used by actuator controller 312 and fan controller 314 (e.g. , state- based control, PI control, PID control, ESC, MPC, etc.) may vary depending on the configuration of AHU controller and can be adapted for various implementations.

[0061] PATTERN CONTROLLER FOR A DIFFUSER

[0062] FIG. 4 is a schematic of an embodiment of a portion of the building 10 and of the HVAC system 100. As discussed above, the AHU 106 is configured to condition an air flow that is supplied to a building zone 206 within the building 10, which may include a room, a zone, a floor, and / or another suitable region within the building 10. Ductwork 209 may include a return air duct 208 that enables the AHU 106 to draw a flow of return air 204 from the building zone 206 and a supply air duct 212 that enables the AHU 106 to direct a supply air flow 210 (e.g., heated air, cooled air) into the building zone 206. In the illustrated embodiment, a diffuser 400, is coupled to the supply air duct 212 at an inlet 410 of the diffuser 400. The inlet 410 is configured to receive the supply air flow 210 from the supply air duct 212 and to direct the supply air flow 210 into a housing 420 of the diffuser 400. The housing 420 may subsequently discharge the supply air flow 210 from the diffuser 400 into the building zone 206.

[0063] In an installed configuration of the diffuser 400 within the building 10, the diffuser 400 may be positioned near a ceiling 430 of the building zone 206. Specifically, in the installed configuration, the diffuser 400 may be coupled to the ceiling 430 or to a support structure suspended from the ceiling 430, such as an array of ceiling tiles. In some embodiments, in the installed configuration, the diffuser 400 may be positioned and / or oriented such that an axis 440 (e.g., a central axis) extending through the inlet 410 is aligned generally parallel to a vertical axis 450 extending along a direction of gravity and perpendicular to a horizontal axis 490. For clarity, it should be understood that the axis 440 may extend along a direction of air flow through the inlet 410. Moreover, it should be understood that, as used herein, discussions relating to axes (and / or directions) being “generally” parallel to or aligned with other reference axes (and / or reference directions) are intended to denote that the axes are within a threshold orientational range of the references axes, such as within 1 degree of, within 5 degrees of, or within 10 degrees of the reference axes.

[0064] In some embodiments, the diffuser 400 can be a liner diffuser.

[0065] The diffuser 400 may be configured to direct airflow in various throw patterns. In some examples, the diffuser 400 may be configured to direct the airflow in a high throw pattern or in a jet throw pattern. The diffuser 400 may include a pattern controller to achieve the high throw pattern or the jet throw pattern. Generally, different pattern controllers are installed to achieve different throw pattern. When a throw pattern of the diffuser 400 is changed, previous a pattern controller in the diffuser is replaced with a different type pattern controller, which is time consuming and costly. As the pattern controllers are situated within the diffuser, accessing the pattern controller is difficult and requires skilled labor.

[0066] The present disclosure discloses a pattern controller that can be operated in more than one configuration to achieve more than one throw pattern. More specifically, the pattern controller of the present disclosure can be operated in a first configuration to achieve a specific air throw pattern and in a second configuration to achieve a different air throw pattern.

[0067] The pattern controller of the present disclosure and various embodiments thereof are now elaborated in detail with reference to FIGs. 5-12.

[0068] FIG. 5 shows an isometric view of a pattern controller 500 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The pattern controller 500 includes a frame 505 having a first frame member 510 and a second frame member 520. The first frame member 510 and the second frame member 520 are arranged in a spaced apart configuration such that an airflow 530 can pass through a space between the first frame member 510 and the second frame member 520. In some embodiments, the frame 505 can be integral with the diffuser 400. Alternatively, the frame 505 can be separately implemented in the diffuser 400.

[0069] Although implementation of the pattern controller of the present disclosure is elaborated with reference to the diffuser 400, the pattern controller can be installed in any other diffuser to alter throw patterns of that diffuser.

[0070] The pattern controller 500 further includes a top spacer 540 and a bottom spacer 550 provided in the space between the first frame member 510 and the second frame member 520. The top spacer 540 may have legs 560 provided at opposite ends thereof, and secured to retainers 570, 580 provided on the first frame member 510 and the second frame member 520, respectively. The legs 560 of the top spacer 540 may extend upwardly. Similarly, the bottom spacer 550 may have legs 590 provided at opposite ends thereof, and engaged to retainers 600, 610 provided on the first frame member 510 and the second frame member 520, respectively. The legs 590 of the bottom spacer 550 may extend downwardly.

[0071] The top spacer 540 and the bottom spacer 550 are arranged orthogonally in the frame 505 such that widths of the spacers 540, 550 are parallel to lengths of the first frame member 510 and the second frame member 520, whereas the lengths of the spacers 540, 550 are perpendicular to the lengths of the first frame member 510 and the second frame member 520. Further, widths of the spacers 540, 550 are smaller than the lengths of the first frame member 510 and the second frame member 520 so that the spacers 540, 550 create minimum hinderance to the airflow 530.

[0072] The pattern controller 500 includes a first control member 620 and a second control member 630 disposed in the space between the first frame member 510 and the second frame member 520. Preferably, the first control member 620 and the second control member 630 may be supported by the spacers 540, 550. In some embodiments, the pattern controller 500 may include more than one set of the spacers 540, 550 depending upon span of the first control member 620 and the second control member 630 along length of the frame 505. For example, the pattern controller may include a first set of spacers 540, 550 spaced apart from a second set of spacers 540, 550, and first and second control members extending between the first set of spacers 540, 550 and the second set of spacers 540, 550. In some embodiments, the control members 620, 630 may be blade shaped mechanical members.

[0073] FIG. 6 shows a side view of the pattern controller 500 according to some embodiments. The pattern controller 500 includes a clip 640 (e.g., a support member, a sliding member, etc.) configured to support the first control member 620 and the second control member 630. The clip 640 may be slidably disposed in a space between the top spacer 540 and the bottom spacer 550. In some embodiments, a height of clip 640 may be equal to a vertical gap between the spacers 540, 550 such that the clip 640 may abut the spacers 540, 550 when disposed between the spacers 540, 550. The clip 640 may support both the first control member 620 and the second control member 630. In some embodiments, separate clips may be provided to support the first control member 620 and the second control member 630 independently.

[0074] The first control member 620 and the second control member 630 may be engaged to the clip 640 via a first pin 700 and a second pin 710 respectively such that the first and second control members are rotatable relative to the clip 640 about first and second pins 700, 710.

[0075] Still referring to FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the first control member 620 is arranged in the frame 505 such that the first control member 620 maintains a first gap 650 with the first frame member 510. Similarly, the second control member 630 maintains a second gap 660 with the second frame member 520. Further, the first control member 620 and the second control member 630 are arranged in a spaced apart configuration between the first frame member 510 and the second frame member 520 such that a third gap 670 is maintained between the first control member 620 and the second control member 630. It is to be noted that widths of the gaps 650-670 van' as the first control member 620 and / or the second control member 630 are moved towards the first frame member 510 and the second frame member 520 respectively. Each of the first frame member 510 and the second frame member 520 may include curved, angled, or otherwise contoured channels 680, 690 forming at least part of the base of the first frame member 510 and the second frame member 520 respectively. As shown in FIG. 6, the curved channels 680, 690 extend towards the mid portion of the frame 505.

[0076] FIG. 7 shows an isometric view of the clip 640 mounted on the bottom spacer 550. The clip 640 is slidably positioned on the bottom spacer 550 in some embodiments. The bottom spacer 550 may include a channel 720 such that the clip 640 is engaged in the channel 720 and can slide through the channel 720. The channel 720 extends in a direction along the length of the bottom spacer 550. When the bottom spacer 550 is mounted in the frame 505, the channel 720 is orthogonal to a length of the first frame member 510 and the second frame member 520 to allow lateral movement of the clip 640 with respect to the first frame member 510 and the second frame member 520.

[0077] The clip 640 may include slots to receive the pins 700, 710. hr some embodiments, the clip 640 includes a first slot 730 to receive the first pin 700 and a second slot 740 to receive the second pin 710. The slots 730, 740 may be provided at opposite ends 750, 760 of the dip, respectively. Further, the slots 730, 740 may have openings to facilitate insertion of the pins 700, 710 in respective slots 730, 740. The slots 730, 740 are configmed such that the pins 700, 710 are secured in respective slots 730, 740; however, the pins 700, 710 can be rotated upon applying a predetermined force. This facilitates angular movement of the first control member 620 and the second control member 630 about the first slot 730 and the second slot 740, respectively. In some embodiments, the pins 700, 710 are press fitted within the first slot 730 and the second slot 740, respectively. In some embodiments, complementary serrations may be provided on the pins 700, 710 and in the slots 730, 740. The pins 700, 710 can be engaged in the slots 730, 740 by any other suitable method in other embodiments. In some embodiments, the control members 620, 630 are rotated about first slot 730 and the second slot 740, respectively by applying a rotational force on the control members 620, 630.

[0078] FIG. 8 shows a bottom view of the bottom spacer 550. The clip 640 may include one or more engaging members 790 that engages in the channel 720. The engaging member 790 may be provided on a bottom portion of the clip 640 at locations such that when the engaging member 790 travels through the channel 720, the clip 640 can be moved laterally to maximum extent. For example, the engaging members 790 may be provided on the bottom portion of the clip 640 such that when the engaging member 790 travels to an end of the channel 720, the end (for example, the end 750) of the clip 640 extends well beyond the channel 720 towards a proximal end of the bottom spacer 550.

[0079] FIG. 9 shows a schematic view of the second pin 710 engaged in the second slot 740 of the clip 640. The second pin 710 may have a first portion 800 and a second portion 810. The first portion 800 may be partially housed in the second slot 740, and further passes through the second control member 630. The second portion 810 may be partially housed in the second slot 740, and extends in opposite direction with respect to the first portion 800. The second portion 810 may be utilized as connection means for another pattern controller installed inline with the second control member 630 (e.g., such that a connecting portion the other pattern control can slide over or otherwise engage the second portion 810). The first portion 800 and the second portion 810 may be attached to each other using suitable means, such as, but not limited to, welding. In some other embodiments, the second pin 710 may have more than two portions. In some embodiments, the second pin 710 may be integrally formed.

[0080] The first pin 700 may also have configuration similar to that of the second pin 710 described in foregoing paragraphs.

[0081] As discussed in foregoing paragraphs, the first control member 620 and the second control member 630 are angularly displaceable about the first slot 730 and the second slot 740, respectively, either by rotating the pins 700, 710 associated with the control members 620, 630 or by rotating the control members 620, 630.

[0082] The control members 620, 630 can be arranged in a first configuration or in a second configuration. In the first configuration, the control members 620, 630 are arranged to allow the airflow through at least one of the first gap 650 and the second gap 660. In some embodiments, in the first configuration, the control members 620, 630 are arranged such that air is prevented to pass through the third gap 670. Further, the control members 620, 630 can be laterally moved towards the first frame member 510 or the second frame member 520 by laterally moving the clip 640 to allow the airflow through the second gap 660 or the first gap 650, respectively.

[0083] In the second configuration, the control members 620, 630 are arranged to allow the airflow through the third gap 670. The airflow through the first gap 650 and the second gap 660 may be prevented, preferably due to the curved channels 680, 690 and arrangement of the control members 620, 630.

[0084] FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 depict a first configuration of the control members 620, 630 according to some embodiments. This configuration may be termed as ‘high throw’ configuration. As shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the control members 620, 630 are arranged to allow the airflow 530 through at least one of the first gap 650 and the second gap 660. hi some embodiments, the control members 620, 630 may be arranged parallel to each other and perpendicular to incoming airflow 530. Parallel arrangement of the control members 620, 630 can be achieved by placing the control members 620, 630 face to face such that airflow through the third gap 670 is restricted. Thus, the airflow 530 is directed to pass through the first gap 650 and the second gap 660. The clip 640 can be moved towards the first frame member 510 or the second frame member 520, thereby altering widths of the first gap 650 and the second gap 660 to control amount of airflow 530 through the first gap 650 and the second gap 660. In some embodiments, the clip 640 can be positioned at substantial middle portion of the bottom spacer 550 to allow' equal amount of airflow 530 through the first gap 650 and the second gap 660. In some embodiments, the clip 640 can be displaced towards the first frame member 510 or the second frame member 520 to have unequal w'idths of the first gap 650 and the second gap 660.

[0085] In some embodiments, the clip 640 can be moved completely towards the first frame member 510 to prevent airflow through the first gap 650, and allow airflow only through the second gap 660. Similarly, the clip 640 can be moved completely tow ards the second frame member 520 to prevent airflow through the second gap 660, and allow airflow through the first gap 650 only. Referring to FIG. 12, the second configuration of the control members 620, 630 is shown. This configuration may be termed as a ‘Jet throw’ configuration. The control members 620, 630 are arranged to allow the airflow through the third gap 670. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 12, the control members 620, 630 may be arranged parallel to each other and parallel to the first frame member 510 and the second frame member 520 such that the third gap 670 is formed between the first control member 620 and the second control member 630. The control members 620, 630 may be parallel to the airflow 530.

[0086] In some embodiments, the control members 620, 630 may be parallel to each and directed towards at least one of the first frame member 510 and the second frame member 520. In some embodiments, both the control members 620, 630 may be inclined towards the first frame member 510 or the second frame member 520. In some other embodiments, the control members 620, 630 may be in non-parallel configuration with each other.

[0087] In the second configuration, the airflow 530 may be restricted through the first gap 650 and the second gap 660 due to arrangement of the control members 620, 630 and the curved channels 680, 690. However, in some embodiments, the airflow 530 may be allowed through the first gap 650 and / or the second gap 660 by arranging the control members 620, 630 inclined towards either of the first frame member 510 or the second frame member 520. Tire airflow 530 may be allowed through the first gap 650 and / or the second gap 660 by arranging the control members 620, 630 suitably so that gaps are provided between the first control member 620 and the curved channel 680, and between the second control member 630 and another curved channel 690.

[0088] In the second configuration, the clip 640 can be positioned at substantial middle portion of the bottom spacer 550. However, the clip 640 can be displaced laterally towards the first frame member 510 or the second frame member 520 in some other embodiments to achieve variations in airflow patterns.

[0089] The control members 620, 630 can be positioned suitable in the first configuration or the second configuration to achieve corresponding airflow patterns . T o alter the airflow pattern, the control members 620, 630 in the first configuration can be angularly rotated downwards to arrange the control members 620, 630 in the second configuration. Similarly, the control members 620, 630 in the second configuration can be angularly rotated upwards to arrange the control members 620, 630 in the first configuration. Thus, same pattern controller can be utilized to achieve the high throw' or the jet throw airflow through a diffuser. Further, in case of change in the airflow pattern, the control members can be shifted from one configuration to another to achieve new airflow pattern.

[0090] Configuration of Exemplary Embodiments

[0091] The construction and arrangement of the systems and methods as shown in the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.). For example, the position of elements can be reversed or otherwise varied and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions can be altered or varied. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. The order or sequence of any process or method steps can be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions can be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0092] The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and program products on any machine-readable media for accomplishing various operations. The embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or another purpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include program products comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine- executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine- readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures, and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machineexecutable instructions include, for example, instructions and data which cause a general-purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.

[0093] Although the figures show a specific order of method steps, the order of the steps may differ from what is depicted. Also, two or more steps can be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Such variation will depend on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps and decision steps.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A pattern controller for a diffuser, comprising: a frame having a first frame member and a second frame member; a top spacer and a bottom spacer arranged in a spaced apart configuration between the first frame member and the second frame member; a first control member arranged proximal to the first frame member; a second control member arranged proximal to the second frame member and spaced apart from the first control member, the first control member and the second control member arrangeable in a first configuration to allow an airflow through at least one of a first gap between the first control member and the first frame member, and a second gap between the second control member and the second frame member, and arrangeable in a second configuration to allow the airflow through a third gap between the first control member and the second control member; and a clip slidably disposed between the top spacer and the bottom spacer to support the first control member and the second control member, the clip being laterally movable to move the first control member and the second control member between the first frame member and the second frame member to control the airflow through the first gap and the second gap.

2. The pattern controller of claim 1, wherein the clip is laterally moved to control the airflow through the first gap and the second gap when the first control member and the second control member are in the first configuration.

3. The pattern controller of claim 1, wherein in the first configuration, the first control member and the second control member are arranged perpendicular to a direction of the airflow.

4. The pattern controller of claim 1, wherein in the second configuration, the first control member and the second control member are arranged parallel to a direction of the airflow.

5. The pattern controller of claim 1 , wherein the bottom spacer has a channel to facilitate lateral movement of the clip.

6. The pattern controller of claim 1, wherein the clip includes a first slot and a second slot configured to receive a first pin passing through the first control member and a second pin passing through the second control member, respectively.

7. The pattern controller of claim 6, wherein the first slot and the second slot are provided at opposite ends of the clip.

8. The pattern controller of claim 1, wherein the clip is laterally movable towards the first frame member to allow the airflow through the second gap, and is laterally movable towards the second frame member to allow the airflow through the first gap in the first configuration.

9. A pattern controller for a diffuser, comprising: a frame having a first frame member and a second frame member; a first control member arranged proximal to the first frame member; a second control member arranged proximal to the second frame member, and spaced apart from the first control member, the first control member and the second control member are arranged to allow an airflow through at least one of a first gap between the first control member and the first frame member and a second gap between the second control member and the second frame member; and a clip provided to laterally move the first control member and the second control member between the first frame member and the second frame member to control the airflow through the first gap and the second gap.

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