Air Conduit Sensor Assembly for Precise HVAC Airflow Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current airflow measuring devices in buildings lack accuracy, impacting occupant comfort and energy costs, and existing systems are costly to produce due to complex construction methods.
Innovation Solution
A mass airflow measuring system with a sensor assembly featuring a rectangular structure with parallel channels and a sample channel, utilizing a mass airflow sensor and processing unit to provide accurate airflow measurements, which can be easily extruded and molded for cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional airflow measuring devices are used, then airflow monitoring is provided, but measurement precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is divided into multiple discrete components including a housing, sensor element, temperature sensor, and signal processing unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function, improving overall measurement precision while maintaining system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
A sample channel is introduced as an intermediary element that directs a portion of the airflow to the sensor element. This intermediary structure enables accurate measurement of airflow characteristics without requiring the sensor to be directly in the main flow path, thereby improving measurement precision while preserving system reliability
2Measurement precision
If complex construction methods are used for sensor assembly, then measurement accuracy may be improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements (housing, sensor mounting structure, sample channel, and sealing components) are merged into a single integrated sensor assembly that can be manufactured as one piece or pre-assembled unit. This merging reduces the number of manufacturing steps and assembly operations, lowering production costs while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly is designed with universal features that allow it to be installed in various airflow measurement applications. The standardized housing and mounting interface enable the same design to be manufactured in volume for different uses, reducing per-unit manufacturing costs while preserving measurement accuracy
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 offers precise airflow measurement, enabling controlled temperature-adjusted airflow and significant energy savings by integrating with HVAC systems, while being less expensive to produce due to simplified manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
A mass airflow sensor communicates within the sample channel to receive airflow. The sensor is operative to output an airflow signal based on the airflow received by the mass airflow sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
A mass airflow measuring system includes an air conduit and a sensor assembly mounted to the air conduit, including a unitary one-piece first section which in cross section defines a first channel, a second channel and a wall separating the two channels. A second section has similar components. A unitary one-piece corner section, in cross section includes four legs, each defining a respective channel. A respective leg is mounted in a respective one of the channels of the first and second sections to communicate the sections with each other through the channels defined in the corner section legs. A sensor housing is mounted to one of the sections and includes an inlet opening communicating with the first channel and an exit opening communicating with the second channel. A mass airflow sensor communicates with a sample channel defined in the housing.