Ceiling inlet for air ventilating system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air inlets for agricultural buildings, such as swine confinement buildings, are available in fixed sizes, making it difficult for building owners to determine the correct number and type of inlets needed, leading to inefficient air supply and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The air inlets are designed with adjustable endcaps and profiles, fully insulated components, and a center pull mechanism, allowing for customizable lengths and reduced dust entry, which simplifies the determination of required inlets and lowers installation costs by providing variable airflow based on seasonal needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fixed-size air inlets are used, then manufacturing and installation are simplified, but it becomes difficult to determine the correct number and type of inlets needed, leading to inefficient air supply
Solution Approach 1:
The air inlet is divided into multiple adjustable sections with profiles that can be positioned at different locations along the inlet body, allowing the effective inlet length to be segmented and customized based on specific building requirements while maintaining a standardized overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet design incorporates adjustable profiles and endcaps that allow dynamic modification of the inlet dimensions and airflow characteristics, enabling the same inlet unit to adapt to different air supply requirements throughout the year without requiring multiple fixed-size units
2Reliability
If oversized inlets are purchased to assure proper air supply, then air supply adequacy is ensured, but cost increases and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than installing multiple fixed-size inlets of varying dimensions, the invention uses a single adjustable inlet unit where profiles can be positioned and secured at optimal locations to achieve the desired airflow, simplifying installation while ensuring adequate air supply through customizable configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable inlet design serves multiple functions: it can be configured for different airflow rates, adapted to various building sizes, and adjusted for seasonal requirements, replacing the need for multiple specialized fixed-size inlet units
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable profiles and endcaps are implemented, then air supply adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet is manufactured as a standardized unit with pre-defined profile positions and attachment points, allowing the complex adjustable functionality to be achieved through modular assembly of standardized components rather than custom manufacturing for each configuration
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 adjustable and insulated air inlets ensure proper airflow, reduce biosecurity risks, and minimize energy losses due to condensation, while lowering installation costs and improving air mixing for animal welfare.
Implementation Method 1
The endcaps 8 are insulated with foam inserts 9 held in place against the end caps 8 by covers 10
Implementation Method 2
Member 7 is secured to the bottom of the center profile 6 and is narrower than profile 6 to provide an area for the hinges 4 on each side of profile 6 to pivotally mount the louvers 12
Data Source
AI summary
The frames of the Inlets have endcaps and profiles that allow an inlet to be made to different lengths to provide an inlet of a size to provide the proper amount of air needed. Each inlet also has fully insulated blades, sides, and center profiles. The components are preferably foam filled with insulation and have an insulated foam insert on the endcaps together with a center pull so that only a single pull line is needed to operate the inlet.