A dynamic air supply system and a method for providing dynamic air flow in a clean room
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air flow systems in clean rooms, such as operating rooms, fail to effectively manage air flow patterns, leading to thermal discomfort for patients and exposure risks for nursing staff due to contamination from exhaled air and operational personnel, compromising both patient safety and staff health.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic air supply system featuring a radiant panel and dual air supply diffusers, controlled by a controller that adjusts air flow based on modes (normal and nursing) to optimize thermal comfort and contaminant control, with the ability to automatically switch modes based on occupancy and identification data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If high air supply volume is used to control contamination and protect nursing staff, then contaminant control and staff safety are improved, but patient thermal comfort deteriorates due to powerful air flows
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts air supply volume between two modes: nursing mode (higher flow for contaminant control when staff are present) and normal mode (lower flow for patient comfort when no staff present). This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by matching air flow to actual occupancy conditions rather than maintaining fixed high flow continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different air supply characteristics to different spatial zones and temporal conditions. In nursing mode, high air flow is directed toward contaminant sources (staff, patient exhalation zones), while in normal mode, lower gentle flow maintains patient comfort. This localized quality adjustment allows contaminant control where needed without subjecting the patient to unnecessary powerful flows.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If high air supply volume is used to ensure safety of nursing staff from exhaled air contaminants, then staff health protection is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic switching between nursing mode and normal mode based on occupancy detection. High air supply volume (nursing mode) is activated only during periods when staff are present and contamination risk exists, while low air supply volume (normal mode) is used during periods without staff. This periodic action pattern ensures staff protection when needed while minimizing energy consumption during unoccupied periods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed air supply system is used to maintain clean room standards, then contamination control is simplified, but adaptability to different scenarios deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a fixed air supply configuration to a dynamic two-mode system. The controller automatically switches between nursing mode and normal mode based on sensor input (occupancy detection, patient condition). This dynamic capability provides adaptability to different scenarios (staff present/absent, patient condition changes) while maintaining relatively simple system architecture through predefined mode transitions rather than continuous complex control.
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
The system provides adjustable air flow to ensure thermal comfort for patients and safety for nursing staff by varying air supply volume and temperature, effectively managing contaminants and improving indoor air quality in clean rooms.
Implementation Method 1
a radiant panel, arranged within a ceiling (3) and above the clean area (1)
Implementation Method 2
the first air supply diffuser (4) and the second air supply diffuser (5) are arranged to diffuse air flows along the radiant panel (2) and towards clean area
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A dynamic air supply system for controlling ventilation in a clean room, wherein the clean room comprises a clean area (1) subject to contamination, comprising a radiant panel (2) arranged within a ceiling (3) above the clean area (1), a first air supply diffuser (4) and a second air supply diffuser (5) arranged within the ceiling (3), a controller (6) coupled with the air supply diffusers for controlling the air supply. The first air supply diffuser (1) and the second air supply diffuser (5) are arranged on opposite sides of the radiant panel (2). The first air supply diffuser (4) and the second air supply diffuser (5) are arranged to diffuse air flows along the radiant panel (2) and towards clean area (1)- The controller (6) is configured to change the air supply diffusers between nursing mode and normal mode, wherein the supply air volume in normal mode is 10%-65% of the supply air volume in nursing mode.