Air Handler Scent Injection and Drain Flush Using Pressure Gradient

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current air conditioning systems face challenges in efficiently distributing scents and disinfectants without complex components and in maintaining the air handler drain pipe's functionality to prevent downtime and damage.

Innovation Solution

A scent and disinfectant disbursement apparatus utilizing a pressure gradient across a central air conditioning system's air handler to distribute scented vapors and an automated system for flushing debris from the air handler drain pipe, incorporating a pressure divider wall, scent injection assembly, and ultrasonic scent disbursement head, along with a chemical injection system for cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pumps and vapor injection systems are used to distribute disinfectant, then disinfectant distribution is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisinfectant distributionVSAvoidsystem components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the air handler's existing pressure gradient to automatically draw scented vapor from the reservoir and distribute it through the ducting system, eliminating the need for external pumps or injection mechanisms. The air handler serves itself by utilizing its own operational characteristics for scent distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The air handler performs multiple functions: it conditions air, distributes conditioned air through ducting, and simultaneously distributes scented vapor. The existing ducting system is used for both air distribution and scent distribution, eliminating the need for separate injection infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If drain pipe is not flushed regularly, then system operates continuously, but debris blockage occurs causing downtime and damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operationVSAvoiddrain pipe functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary flushing action by directing a portion of the incoming water flow into the drain pipe to prevent debris accumulation before it causes blockages. This preventive maintenance occurs continuously during normal operation, eliminating the need for system shutdowns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The drain pipe flushing occurs continuously during water heater operation, maintaining drain pipe functionality without interrupting the water heating process. The useful action of debris removal continues alongside the primary function of water heating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Effectively disperses scents and disinfectants throughout a structure without complex components and prevents air handler drain pipe blockages, ensuring continuous system operation and cleanliness.

Implementation Method 1

utilizes a pressure gradient across a central air conditioning system air handler to draw and distribute scented fumes from a scent oil reservoir

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

incorporating a pressure divider wall, scent injection assembly, and ultrasonic scent disbursement head

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 3

The flush system can be pressurized air or flowing water. The pressurized air or flowing water would be forced downstream to dislodge and remove the blockage from within the air handler drain pipe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressurized fluid flow: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS20220390133A1Central air conditioning air handler drain line flush and scent injector

Publication Date: 2022.12.08 MARINELLI AIR CONDITIONING INC

AI summary

Enhancements to an air handler of an air conditioning system. The enhancements can include a scent dispersion system, a heat exchanger rinse system, and/or an air handler condensation drain pipe flush system. The scent dispersion system employs a pressure differential established within the air handler to draw a scent mist from a scent reservoir. The scent is disbursed throughout the structure by the air conditioning ventilation system. The heat exchanger rinse system dispenses a rinse fluid onto the heat exchanger. A cleaning composition can be injected into the rinse fluid to aid in the cleaning process. The flush system automatically configures a check valve upstream of the flush injection point. A flush fluid flows through the drain pipe applying a pressure to dislodge a blockage therein. A chemical composition can be added into the flush fluid to assist in the dislodging process.