Above-Ground Exhaust Pit for Contaminant Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing floor exhaust systems are inadequate for providing effective ventilation and airflow, particularly in situations where in-ground installations are not feasible, require extensive resources and time for installation, and often fail to accommodate compact or sloped surfaces, leading to contamination issues during painting and welding processes.

Innovation Solution

An above-ground exhaust pit system with a platform, partially hollow passageway, grating, and filter, capable of supporting heavy loads, which allows for efficient airflow from top to bottom and can be easily installed in various locations without disrupting the existing floor level, incorporating a central exhaust tunnel or duct for improved suction control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an in-ground floor exhaust system is installed, then effective ventilation and contamination removal is achieved, but installation requires extensive resources and time, and the floor must be permanently disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveventilation effectivenessVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of installing the exhaust system into the ground (traditional approach), the patent inverts the approach by placing an above-ground exhaust pit on the floor surface. This reversal eliminates the need for extensive floor excavation and concrete work, significantly reducing installation time and resource requirements while maintaining effective ventilation and contamination removal capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If an in-ground floor exhaust system is installed, then effective ventilation is achieved, but the floor is permanently disfigured and location is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveventilation effectivenessVSAvoidinstallation location flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional in-ground installation by placing the exhaust pit above ground level. This allows the system to be installed on various floor surfaces without excavation, making it adaptable to different locations including areas where floor disruption is not feasible. The above-ground design can be positioned flexibly based on workflow requirements rather than being constrained by pre-determined floor locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The exhaust system is divided into modular components including the exhaust pit, grating, and internal mechanisms that can be assembled separately and then installed as a complete unit. This segmentation allows for easier handling, transportation to different locations, and installation without requiring extensive on-site construction work.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If a traditional exhaust system is used, then air circulation is achieved, but it fails to create adequate top-to-bottom airflow for effective contamination removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair circulationVSAvoidcontaminant removal effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The exhaust pit is designed with specific local features including a hollow passageway configuration and strategically positioned openings that create directed airflow patterns. The grating with its specific aperture design and the internal baffle structure work together to generate consistent top-to-bottom air movement, ensuring effective contaminant removal from the work area while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 solution provides effective ventilation and contamination removal, facilitating the finishing of painted or welded products while reducing installation time and resources, and allowing for compact, low-height installations that do not require adjustments to the surrounding environment.

Implementation Method 1

an exhaust fan positioned at a second end of the passageway and in communication with the passageway, wherein the exhaust fan creates negative pressure and air flow through the passageway

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Drop

Implementation Method 2

at least one filter disposed within the passageway

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS9987651B2Exhaust pit, system, and methods of using the same

Publication Date: 2018.06.05 GLOBAL FINISHING SOLUTIONS LLC

AI summary

The present invention relates to floor exhaust pits. Specifically, the present invention relates to a raised basement with an exhaust system therein for use in numerous locations. More specifically, the present invention provides an enclosed area having a floor and a ceiling, wherein said floor and ceiling comprise exhaust systems for circulating air into and out of the enclosed area. Additionally, the floor exhaust removes contaminants from the enclosed area.