Air Distribution Chamber With Single-Actuator Flow and Direction Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing room air distribution boxes are installed before room planning is finalized, making it difficult to adjust volume flow and outflow direction to achieve a pleasant climate, leading to inefficient installation and potential drafts.
Innovation Solution
A room air distribution box with a single controllable actuator that adjusts both volume flow and outflow direction, allowing for post-installation adjustments to meet specific room climate requirements, featuring a displaceable valve element and pivotable air guide elements to direct airflow effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple actuators are used to control volume flow and outflow direction separately, then control precision is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control functions of volume flow and outflow direction into a single actuator. The actuator simultaneously controls the positioning device (for direction) and the steering device (for flow distribution), reducing the number of actuators from multiple to one while maintaining control capability over both parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls both the positioning of air guide elements (affecting outflow direction) and the positioning of valve elements (affecting volume flow distribution). This multi-functional actuator reduces device complexity while preserving control precision through coordinated operation.
2Loss of time
If air distribution boxes are installed before room planning is finalized, then installation timeline is improved, but adaptability to final room layout deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air distribution box incorporates dynamically adjustable components including air guide elements that can be positioned at different angles and valve elements that can be adjusted to control flow distribution. These dynamic adjustments allow the system to adapt to different room layouts and climate requirements after installation, resolving the contradiction between early installation and later adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changes in operational parameters such as air guide element positions, valve element positions, and flow distribution ratios. By adjusting these parameters, the air distribution box can be optimized for different room configurations and climate conditions, maintaining adaptability despite early installation.
3Device complexity
If a single actuator controls both positioning and steering devices, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator system is segmented into distinct functional components: a positioning device for controlling air guide element positions (affecting outflow direction) and a steering device for controlling valve element positions (affecting volume flow). The single actuator coordinates these segmented functions through a control unit that processes signals and adjusts each component appropriately, maintaining control precision while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves as an intermediary between the single actuator and the multiple controlled components (air guide elements and valve elements). It receives control signals, processes them, and translates them into appropriate adjustments for each component, ensuring precise control despite the simplified actuator configuration.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators are provided for each air outlet, then control flexibility is improved, but installation space and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions previously requiring multiple actuators into a single actuator that simultaneously controls both the positioning device (for air guide elements) and the steering device (for valve elements). This consolidation reduces the physical space required for actuator installation while maintaining the flexibility to independently control volume flow and outflow direction through coordinated operation of the merged system.
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
Enables cost-effective and space-efficient installation of multiple air distribution boxes with the ability to adjust airflow characteristics post-installation, reducing drafts and improving thermal comfort by allowing for precise control of volume flow and direction.
Implementation Method 1
the actuating device comprises a movable valve element for adjusting the flow cross-section between the supply air inlet and the room air outlet. By adjusting the flow cross-section, the volume flow rate supplied from the supply air inlet to the room air outlet is regulated or set.
Implementation Method 2
the steering device has at least one air guide element that is rigidly arranged on the air distribution box... at least the airflow impinging on the air guide element is directed in the discharge direction defined by the air guide element.
Implementation Method 3
the positioning device and the at least one steering device are each assigned only one controllable actuator, by which both the volume flow and the outflow direction can be adjusted.
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
The invention relates to a room air distribution box (9) for ventilating and/or air conditioning a room (3, 4, 5, 6), comprising at least one supply air connection (13), at least one room air outlet (21, 22, 23), an actuating device (26) for adjusting the volume flow directed to the at least one room air outlet (21, 22, 23), and at least one steering device (27) configured to direct the volume flow exiting the at least one room air outlet (21, 22, 23) in at least one predetermined outflow direction. It is provided that the actuating device (26) and the at least one steering device (27) are each associated with only one manually or automatically operable actuator (24), by actuating which both the volume flow and the outflow direction can be adjusted.