Air Diffuser with Induced Primary Airstream for Stable Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air diffusers face challenges in maintaining optimal airflow rates and direction stability due to space constraints, supply air pressure fluctuations, and inefficiencies in temperature control, leading to issues like draughts, poor temperature distribution, and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
The air diffuser design incorporates primary and secondary discharge elements with manipulable airflow rates and directions, utilizing a common vane to adjust airflow rates and directions independently, while maintaining constant total supply air pressure, thereby reducing the impact of supply air pressure changes and enhancing airflow control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of diffusers is increased to meet space constraints and achieve optimal airflow distribution, then the airflow coverage is improved, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser is divided into multiple independent discharge elements (primary and secondary), each capable of being controlled separately. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for specific airflow patterns while maintaining overall system simplicity, enabling a single diffuser to achieve coverage that would otherwise require multiple units.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser incorporates adjustable dampers and movable discharge elements that can dynamically change the airflow characteristics. This dynamic capability allows a single diffuser to adapt to different spatial requirements and achieve optimal airflow distribution without requiring multiple fixed diffusers, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining productivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable dampers or blades are incorporated to maintain constant discharge velocity and enable temperature control, then the temperature control capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable dampers and discharge elements serve multiple functions simultaneously: they control airflow rate, adjust discharge velocity, direct airflow patterns, and enable temperature control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each control aspect, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser utilizes parameter changes in the airflow system (velocity, direction, volume) achieved through simple mechanical adjustments of dampers and discharge elements. These parameter changes enable temperature control capability without requiring complex actuation systems, as the same mechanical adjustments that control airflow also influence thermal distribution.
3Adaptability or versatility
If supply air pressure fluctuations occur due to damper adjustments in the duct system, then the system flexibility is improved, but the airflow rate stability and temperature control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser design incorporates feedback mechanisms where the adjustable dampers and discharge elements respond to pressure fluctuations by automatically adjusting their positions. This feedback action compensates for pressure variations, maintaining stable airflow rates and temperature control despite changes in system flexibility and damper configurations elsewhere in the duct system.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser employs preliminary anti-action by pre-positioning adjustable dampers and discharge elements to counteract expected pressure fluctuations. The design anticipates pressure changes due to system flexibility and pre-adjusts the airflow characteristics to maintain stability, preventing temperature control deterioration before it occurs.
4Ease of manufacture
If the diffuser size is reduced to fit ceiling grid constraints, then the ease of installation and aesthetics are improved, but the maximum airflow rate per diffuser is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser applies local quality by concentrating airflow optimization in specific discharge elements rather than requiring a large overall diffuser size. Each local discharge element is designed to maximize its airflow contribution, allowing a compact diffuser to achieve high total airflow rates by optimizing the quality and direction of air discharge from each local position.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser utilizes another dimension by optimizing airflow in vertical and directional dimensions rather than relying on horizontal size expansion. Through adjustable discharge elements that control airflow angle and velocity in three-dimensional space, a small diffuser achieves airflow performance comparable to larger units, improving ease of installation while maintaining productivity.
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 design achieves stable airflow rates and directions, reducing energy consumption, improving thermal comfort, and allowing for smaller diffuser sizes, resulting in cost savings and enhanced aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
the primary discharge element is arranged to discharge a primary airstream that is induced by the secondary discharged airstream
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an air diffuser. The air diffuser comprises at least one primary discharge element. The secondary discharge element is arranged to discharge a secondary airstream capable of flowing across at least one surface that directs the secondary airstream substantially in a plane of the diffuser discharge face in the vicinity directly downstream of the secondary discharge element. The primary discharge element is arranged to discharge a primary airstream that is induced by the secondary discharged airstream such that the direction of the primary discharged airstream is largely determined by the direction of travel of the secondary airstream.