Air distribution hub
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HVAC and lighting systems are typically installed and maintained separately, requiring high voltage wiring and leading to inefficient energy use, increased installation costs, and limited integration of functions such as zone control and sensing feedback.
Innovation Solution
A distribution hub system that integrates HVAC and lighting controls using low voltage power solutions, allowing for active control of conditioned air and lighting within a building through a networked system, including valves, sensors, and a controller to optimize comfort and reduce energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional HVAC systems use high voltage wiring and separate installation, then system functionality is achieved, but installation costs increase and installation time extends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines HVAC controls, lighting controls, and communications into a single distributed control unit that uses low voltage wiring. This merging of previously separate systems (HVAC zone controls, lighting controls, and data communications) into one integrated device eliminates the need for multiple contractors and reduces installation complexity while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed control unit performs multiple functions including HVAC zone control, lighting control, and data communications all through a single low-voltage interface. This multi-functional device replaces what previously required separate high-voltage HVAC controls, separate lighting controls, and separate data wiring, thereby reducing installation costs and time.
2Productivity
If conventional HVAC and lighting systems are installed separately, then each system can be optimized independently, but installation costs increase and coordination efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges HVAC controls, lighting controls, and communications into a single distributed control unit that uses low voltage wiring. This merging of previously separate systems (HVAC zone controls, lighting controls, and data communications) into one integrated device eliminates the need for multiple contractors and reduces installation complexity while maintaining full functionality.
3Ease of operation
If high voltage wiring is used for HVAC zone controllers, then system functionality is achieved, but installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces high-voltage electrical wiring with low-voltage wiring for HVAC zone controls. This substitution allows standard electricians to install the system without requiring licensed electricians, simplifies the wiring process, and reduces installation time while maintaining full system functionality through the use of modern low-voltage control technology.
4Reliability
If multiple contractors are used for HVAC and lighting installation, then specialized functions are achieved, but coordination difficulties and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines HVAC controls, lighting controls, and communications into a single distributed control unit that uses low voltage wiring. This merging of previously separate systems (HVAC zone controls, lighting controls, and data communications) into one integrated device eliminates the need for multiple contractors and reduces installation complexity while maintaining full functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for control of conditioned air within a space includes a distribution hub connected to provide conditioned air, fresh air, or a combination thereof to the space, and to exhaust and/or return air from the space through the distribution hub, and a controller coupled to the distribution hub to control the provision of the conditioned air and the fresh air, and to control removal of the return air.