A damper arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire and smoke dampers in ventilation systems face challenges in effectively preventing the spread of fire and smoke, particularly in systems with large air flow openings, and there is a need for more energy-efficient solutions.
Innovation Solution
A damper arrangement with blades having a fire-resistant, arc-shaped fabric material at their longitudinal ends, which reduces torque requirements and allows for larger blades, combined with an intumescent strip for improved sealing and stopper members for locking blades in position, enhancing fire and smoke containment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rubber or other material is compressed to achieve sealing between blades, then sealing is improved, but torque requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sealing mechanism from compression-based (rubber) to friction-based (arc-shaped fabric material). The arc-shaped configuration with radius R creates natural contact pressure through geometry rather than material compression, reducing the torque needed while maintaining reliable sealing between blades and between blade and frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, high-maintenance compressed rubber seals with a simpler, more durable arc-shaped fabric material that achieves sealing through its geometric configuration rather than continuous compression, reducing both torque requirements and long-term maintenance needs.
2Loss of energy
If larger blades are used to reduce air flow, then energy efficiency is improved, but torque requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables larger blade dimensions by changing the sealing mechanism to one that doesn't require high compression forces. The arc-shaped fabric material provides adequate sealing with minimal friction, allowing larger blades to be used for better energy efficiency without being constrained by excessive torque requirements on the actuator.
3Loss of energy
If air flow opening is increased to reduce air flow and improve energy efficiency, then energy consumption is reduced, but fire and smoke containment becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables larger air flow openings by using arc-shaped fabric material that provides effective sealing with minimal friction. This allows the ventilation system to operate with larger damper openings during normal conditions, reducing air flow resistance and energy consumption, while maintaining adequate fire and smoke containment capability when closed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design achieves improved sealing and reduced energy consumption by minimizing torque needs, enabling larger air flow openings and longer intumescent strip durability, thus enhancing fire protection and ventilation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an intumescent strip may be provided in the frame. Upon activation, that is upon a heat increase caused by fire, the intumescent strip expands such that this is pressed against the blades and, as an effect, an improved sealing is achieved
Implementation Method 2
by having one longitudinal end section of the blades formed by an arc-shaped fire resistant piece of material, such as a web of fabric material, adequate sealing with a neighboring blade can be achieved at the same time as a low torque is needed for rotating the blades
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A damper arrangement (100) is disclosed that comprises a frame (102), one or more blades (108a-f), each being rotatably attached to a first and a second inner side section (110, 112) of the frame (102), a blade operating mechanism (118) arranged to rotate the one or more blades (108a-f) between a closed state (C-S), in which air is prevented from passing an air flow opening (AFO) formed by the frame (102), and an open state (O-S), in which air is allowed to pass the air flow opening (AFO), wherein each of the one or more blades (108a-f) has a first longitudinal end section (204a-b,) formed by a fire resistant piece of material (300), wherein the fire resistant piece of material (300) is flexible and attached to a first and second side section (302, 304) of a main body (305) of the blade (108a-f) such that the piece of material (300) is formed into an arc-shaped form.