Air flow control member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current air flow regulation members for ventilation, heating, and air conditioning systems in the tertiary sector lack efficient control over fresh air flow rates per zone and centralized distribution of fresh air, leading to suboptimal air quality and comfort in multi-zone premises.

Innovation Solution

An air flow regulation member with pivotally mounted flaps for temperature-controlled and fresh air flow outlets, allowing independent regulation of air flow rates and centralized fresh air distribution, featuring a box design with separate compartments for temperature-controlled and fresh air flows, and adjustable components for external operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional air flow regulation members are used, then the system structure is simple, but the control precision of fresh air flow rate per zone is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precision of fresh air flow rateVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air flow regulation member is divided into separate compartments for temperature-controlled air flow and fresh air flow, with independent flap devices for each. This segmentation allows precise independent control of fresh air flow rates per zone while maintaining a modular structure that doesn't excessively complicate the overall system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs pivotally mounted flaps that can dynamically adjust to different positions to control air flow rates. The first flap device controls temperature-controlled air flow while the second flap device controls fresh air flow, providing dynamic and precise regulation capability for each zone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If centralized fresh air distribution is implemented, then air quality and comfort are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair quality and comfort managementVSAvoidregulation member structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air flow regulation member serves multiple functions: it distributes both temperature-controlled air flow and fresh air flow, regulates flow rates for multiple zones, and provides centralized control capability. This multi-functionality allows improved air quality and comfort management without requiring separate devices for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The regulation member acts as an intermediary device between the air treatment system and the distribution ducts. It centralizes the distribution of fresh air flow and controls flow rates before air enters the ducts, thereby improving air quality and comfort while maintaining a manageable structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If adjustable components are added for external operation, then ease of adjustment is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of air flow ratesVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flap devices are designed to be adjustable from outside the regulation member, allowing operators to directly control air flow rates without requiring disassembly or complex internal access. This self-service capability improves ease of operation while keeping the component structure relatively simple and maintenance-friendly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 precise control of air flow rates for each zone, ensuring improved air quality and comfort by allowing centralized management of fresh air distribution, even before system ducts, and facilitating easy adjustment post-installation.

Implementation Method 1

The first regulating device and the second regulating device are flaps mounted to pivot around intersecting axes of rotation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivoting motion: Hinge

Data Source

PatentEP3767194B1Air flow control member
Publication Date: 2023.11.29 ATLANTIC CLIMATISATION & TRAITEMENT DAIR IND
  • EP3767194B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3767194B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3767194B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to an air flow control device (6) for a ventilation, heating and/or air conditioning system for several zones of a room, the device comprising: - an inlet (32) adapted to receive an air flow at a controlled temperature, - an inlet adapted to receive a fresh air flow, - a plurality of outlets (20) adapted to be connected to a duct, and comprising: - a first portion (40) fluidly connected to the air flow inlet at controlled temperature, - a second portion (41) fluidly connected to the fresh air flow inlet, the device further comprising, for each of the outlets, - a first device for regulating the flow rate of air flow at controlled temperature, and - a second device for regulating the flow rate of fresh air flow.