Adjustable Backplane Humidifier for Multiple HVAC Pad Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing evaporative humidifiers are limited in their ability to accommodate varying HVAC system capacities, requiring multiple humidifier pad sizes and increasing the complexity and bulk of installations.
Innovation Solution
A humidifier housing with an adjustable backplane that fits over air duct openings, allowing for the use of different humidifier pad sizes by adjusting to accommodate both larger and smaller pads, and a water distributor support mechanism with an electronically controlled valve for precise moisture delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple humidifier pad sizes are used to accommodate varying HVAC system capacities, then the adaptability to different HVAC systems is improved, but the device complexity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The backplane is designed with adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow it to be dynamically reconfigured to accommodate different humidifier pad sizes. The backplane can be positioned at multiple locations along the housing, enabling a single device to adapt to various HVAC system capacities without requiring multiple specialized units.
Solution Approach 2:
The humidifier housing and backplane are designed as universal components that can work with multiple humidifier pad sizes. This multi-functional design allows one humidifier unit to serve multiple HVAC system capacities, eliminating the need for separate units for different applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple humidifier pad sizes are used to match HVAC system capacities, then the suitability for different applications is improved, but the quantity of components and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable backplane design enables a universal humidifier unit that can accommodate various humidifier pad sizes through repositioning. This eliminates the need to maintain inventory of multiple specialized units for different HVAC capacities, as a single adjustable unit can serve all applications.
3Ease of manufacture
If the backplane is fixed in position, then the manufacturing precision and assembly simplicity are improved, but the adaptability to different humidifier pad sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The backplane incorporates adjustable positioning features that allow it to be moved to different locations along the housing to accommodate various pad sizes. The design maintains manufacturing simplicity through standardized adjustment mechanisms while achieving the adaptability needed for different HVAC applications.
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 enables a single humidifier design to support various HVAC system capacities, reducing the need for multiple units and simplifying installations by allowing the same humidifier to be used across different capacity systems, while ensuring efficient moisture delivery and space efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Water flows through inlet tubing to the water distributor, which directs the water to the top of the humidifier pad. Air passing through the pad picks up moisture by evaporating water applied to the pad.
Data Source
AI summary
A humidifier including a humidifier housing with an adjustable backplane configured to fit to a variety of humidifier pad sizes. Different sizes of humidifier pads are available, and the choice of humidifier pad may depend on the capacity of the HVAC system. The backplane of this disclosure may be adjusted by moving to one position to accommodate a larger humidifier pad or to a second position for a smaller humidifier pad. The backplane of the humidifier housing is configured to mount over an opening of an air duct of an HVAC system such that air is directed along an air path defined by the humidifier housing, through the humidifier pad positioned in front of the air duct and into the air stream of the HVAC system. Water flows through inlet tubing to a water distributor, which may direct the water to the top of the humidifier pad.