Adjustable automatic airflow control damper system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic airflow control dampers are expensive and complex, limiting their accessibility to average home or building owners, and lack versatility to adjust airflow beyond fully open or fully closed positions, which can cause damage to blower systems or imbalance ventilation.
Innovation Solution
A remote-controlled adjustable duct damper with a coupler assembly that allows switching between normally open and closed configurations, using a coupler with an adjustable outer ring and inner arm to limit airflow positions, and a hysteresis motor with gear reduction for reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive and complex automatic dampers with proportional control are used, then airflow adjustment precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler assembly is divided into separate adjustable components (outer ring and inner arm) that can be independently positioned and locked. This segmentation allows precise airflow control through simple mechanical adjustment rather than complex proportional control systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining adjustment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper system allows dynamic reconfiguration of the coupler assembly to change between normally open and normally closed configurations. This dynamic adaptability enables a single device to serve multiple airflow control needs without requiring multiple specialized dampers, simplifying the overall system while maintaining precision.
2Ease of operation
If adjustable automatic dampers with end-stops are used, then airflow position control is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler assembly incorporates self-adjusting features where the outer ring and inner arm can be manually positioned and locked into place without requiring complex actuation mechanisms. This self-service design allows users to control airflow positions through simple mechanical adjustment, eliminating the need for expensive end-stop mechanisms while maintaining ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a general purpose damper is designed to be versatile, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler assembly is designed with universal adaptability, allowing the same basic structure to function in both normally open and normally closed configurations through simple repositioning of the outer ring and inner arm. This multi-functionality enables a single general-purpose damper to replace multiple specialized dampers, improving versatility without significantly increasing device complexity.
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
Provides a cost-effective, versatile, and easily configurable damper system that can adjust airflow to meet various HVAC or ventilation needs, preventing system damage and ensuring balanced airflow.
Implementation Method 1
a hysteresis motor with gear reduction for reliable operation
Implementation Method 2
a hysteresis motor with gear reduction for reliable operation
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic remote controllable duct damper with an adjustable minimum flow through the duct, an adjustable maximum flow through the duct, which is configured so that an electric motor configured to adjust one of the adjustable maximum flow through the duct and the adjustable minimum flow through the duct is not configured to drive a damper plate in opposite directions and the amount of the adjustment of the adjustable maximum flow and the adjustable minimum flow is infinitely variable from said maximum flow to said minimum flow, without introducing any new matter within the interior of the duct.