Air diffuser with removable diffuser plate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air ventilation diffuser systems lack an efficient and adaptable attachment arrangement that allows easy removal and reattachment of the diffuser plate without requiring precision or tools, especially when the plenum box is located in a ceiling or hard-to-reach positions.

Innovation Solution

The use of resilient elements, such as springs or elastic bands, to attach the diffuser plate to the plenum box, allowing for easy conversion between operational and access positions without the need for advanced guiding arrangements, enabling the plate to be moved freely and easily detached or reattached.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional fixing elements (spring sheet metal, hooks, V-shaped springs) are used to attach the diffuser plate, then the plate can be removed and reattached, but the attachment arrangement becomes complex and difficult to operate without tools

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEase of diffuser plate removal and reattachmentVSAvoidComplexity of attachment arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the attachment function from complex mechanical fixing elements (springs, hooks, slots) and implements it through a simple friction-based interface. The diffuser plate's peripheral surface directly engages with the plenum box's peripheral surface through friction forces, eliminating the need for separate fixing mechanisms while maintaining removable functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a friction-based interaction as an intermediary mechanism between the diffuser plate and plenum box. This friction interface serves as a mediator that enables both secure attachment during operation and easy removal when needed, without requiring complex mechanical elements or tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If precision alignment features are added to ensure proper positioning of the diffuser plate, then positioning accuracy improves, but the installation and removal process becomes more time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePositioning precision of diffuser plateVSAvoidTime for plate removal and reattachment
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The friction-based attachment arrangement enables the diffuser plate to self-align and self-position through simple insertion and removal movements. The friction interface naturally guides the plate into proper positioning without requiring precision alignment features, adjustment mechanisms, or complex guiding arrangements, thus reducing installation time and operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the diffuser plate is designed to be completely detachable, then accessibility to the plenum box interior is maximized, but the risk of misplacement or loss of the plate increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility to plenum box interiorVSAvoidRisk of plate misplacement or loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The friction-based attachment creates a counterbalancing force that holds the diffuser plate in place during normal operation, counteracting gravity and preventing accidental detachment. The friction forces maintain reliable engagement while still allowing intentional removal, and the plate can be easily retrieved after removal without risk of permanent loss or misplacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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

This solution simplifies the removal and reattachment process, reduces the time and effort required, and allows for flexible positioning of the diffuser plate, enhancing accessibility and ease of use, especially in confined or elevated spaces.

Implementation Method 1

at least one resilient element (7) which is attached to the plenum box (2) and the diffuser plate (3) so as to force these elements towards each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3228947B1Air diffuser with removable diffuser plate
Publication Date: 2019.05.01 SWEGON AB
  • EP3228947B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c
  • EP3228947B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP3228947B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

The invention relates to an air ventilation diffuser 1 e.g. a ceiling mounted air ventilation diffuser. The diffuser 1 comprises a plenum box 2 and a removable diffuser plate 3. The plenum box 2 is provided with a ventilation air inlet 4, adapted to be attached to a ventilation system in order to provide air into the plenum box 2, and a ventilation air outlet 5 for admitting air to a space where the air ventilation diffuser 1 is located. The removable diffuser plate 3 is provided with one or several openings 6 and being adapted to fit and cover the ventilation air outlet 5 of the plenum box 2. The removable diffuser plate 3 is attached to the plenum box 2 by at least one resilient element 7, e.g. a spring, being fixed to the plenum box 2 and the diffuser plate 3 so as to force these elements towards each other. The diffuser plate 3 may shift between a first, operative position (I) and a second, access position (II) by stretching the resilient element 7 and dislocating the diffuser plate 3.