Air duct systems and methods of air flow control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air duct systems are inefficient for varying environmental conditions, particularly in agricultural settings, as they fail to adjust ventilation rates effectively to meet the diverse needs of livestock based on factors like species, age, temperature, humidity, and bacterial concentration, leading to inadequate or excessive ventilation.
Innovation Solution
A flexible air duct system with an internal adjustable liner and external airflow deflector, allowing for independent control of air volume and velocity through rotatable and permeable sections, and the use of multiple liners to accommodate different airflow requirements, reducing liner collapse and enhancing airflow direction and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed ventilation system is used, then installation is simple, but the system cannot adapt to varying environmental conditions and livestock needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the liner adjustable within the duct, allowing the ventilation system to change its configuration based on environmental conditions. The liner can be moved to different positions to control airflow rates, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that adapts to varying livestock ventilation needs throughout the day and across different seasons.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the duct into multiple functional zones by introducing an adjustable liner that creates separate compartments. This segmentation allows different sections of the duct to serve different purposes - some sections can provide higher airflow while others provide lower airflow, enabling the system to meet diverse ventilation requirements of different livestock groups within the same facility.
2Reliability
If ventilation rate is increased for all sections, then air quality improves, but energy consumption increases and some sections receive excessive ventilation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling different ventilation rates in different sections of the duct system. The adjustable liner allows each duct section to be independently configured according to the specific needs of the livestock in that area, providing high ventilation where needed and low ventilation where sufficient airflow already exists, thereby optimizing energy consumption while maintaining overall ventilation adequacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the airflow parameter locally by adjusting the liner position in different duct sections. This allows the system to modify ventilation rates dynamically - increasing airflow parameters in sections requiring better air quality while maintaining lower parameters in sections with adequate ventilation, thus reducing total energy consumption while ensuring reliability where needed.
3Use of energy by moving object
If ventilation rate is decreased to save energy, then energy consumption reduces, but air quality deteriorates and livestock health suffers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing selective reduction of ventilation in only those duct sections where adequate airflow is already present, while maintaining high ventilation rates in sections where livestock require better air quality. This localized approach enables energy savings without compromising the ventilation adequacy of critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent selectively changes airflow parameters in different duct sections by adjusting the liner position. This allows the system to reduce ventilation parameters (and thus energy consumption) in non-critical areas while maintaining high parameters in areas where livestock health depends on adequate ventilation, achieving energy savings without sacrificing reliability where needed.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple duct systems are installed to accommodate different airflow requirements, then ventilation precision improves, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single duct system that can perform multiple ventilation functions through the adjustable liner. Instead of requiring separate duct systems for different ventilation rates, the liner enables one duct to serve multiple purposes by adjusting its configuration, thereby achieving precise ventilation control while avoiding the complexity and cost of installing multiple independent duct systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the single duct system into multiple functional zones using the adjustable liner, allowing each section to provide different ventilation rates. This segmentation within a unified system achieves the precision of multiple specialized ducts while maintaining the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of a single integrated 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
The system provides improved livestock comfort and health by precisely regulating temperature and humidity, reducing fly nuisance, and achieving cost savings through efficient ventilation management.
Implementation Method 1
the liner being permeable such that part of the liner restricts flow of air though exit holes while also allowing some air, albeit reduced, to flow through the exit holes
Data Source
AI summary
An air control system 20 and associated methods including a flexible duct 30 having air exit holes 40, 42 and a flexible liner 50, 60 sheet within the duct 30 and extending longitudinally along the duct, the liner 50 sheet having opposite longitudinal edges 52, 54 connected to the duct 30 along the longitudinal length of the duct 30, the liner 50 sheet being permeable in one aspect and regulating air flow through the exit holes 40, 42 when the sheet is pressed against the portion of the duct having the exit holes, and an air exit hole positioned in the duct downstream a terminal end of the liner sheet such that air exits the duct through the air exit hole to reduce or eliminate retrograde airflow along a length of the duct.