Air Ventilator Filter Layout for Low-Resistance Backflow Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air ventilators face issues with high airflow resistance due to narrow air channels and inadequate backflow prevention, leading to inefficient air distribution and potential drafts, especially at low pressure differences.

Innovation Solution

The air ventilator design features a higher second section for the filter, incorporating a sheet-like support for the backflow trap to reduce air channel cross-section and enhance sound absorption, while maintaining effective filtering and preventing backflow through a rotatable, convex-shaped backflow trap.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the air channel height is kept low to maintain a compact ventilator structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the filter cross-sectional area is limited which increases airflow resistance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventilator structure compactnessVSAvoidairflow resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the air channel height in the vertical dimension to provide sufficient cross-sectional area for the filter while maintaining a compact horizontal footprint. This allows the filter to have adequate area for low airflow resistance without increasing the overall ventilator width or depth, thus resolving the contradiction between compact structure and low airflow resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If the backflow trap is designed to rest vertically when no airflow is present, then the device complexity is simplified, but a small slit remains between the trap and wall allowing air to flow in reverse direction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackflow trap structureVSAvoidbackflow prevention effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The backflow trap is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to change position dynamically based on airflow conditions. When airflow is present, the trap moves to seal against the wall and prevent backflow. When no airflow is present, it returns to its resting position. This dynamic behavior ensures reliable backflow prevention without requiring complex sealing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The backflow trap is positioned and shaped to preemptively block the potential backflow path before reverse airflow can occur. The convex shape and positioning against the wall create a seal that prevents air from flowing in the reverse direction through the input air pipe, addressing the backflow issue before it can manifest.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If internal walls are added to the input air pipe to increase the air flow path length for sound insulation, then the sound absorption is improved, but the sharp angles and reduced cross-sectional area greatly restrict air flow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound insulationVSAvoidair flow rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent increases the air channel height in the vertical dimension to provide sufficient cross-sectional area for the filter while maintaining a compact horizontal footprint. This allows the filter to have adequate area for low airflow resistance without increasing the overall ventilator width or depth, thus resolving the contradiction between compact structure and low airflow resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This design reduces airflow resistance, improves air distribution by directing air upwards, and effectively prevents backflow at low pressure differences, ensuring better air quality and comfort within the room.

Implementation Method 1

The operation of such air ventilators is based on a pressure difference between the room and the outside air. When there is an underpressure in the room, that is, the air pressure in the room is lower than the pressure of the outside air, air flows through the air ventilator from outside to inside the room.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

The backflow trap is designed to rest in a vertical direction when there is no airflow in the input air pipe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 3

The filters are needed to prevent impurities of the air flow from entering the room

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 4

The publication DE 10059077 discloses an input air pipe which incorporates at least two sound insulation components of acoustically pliable material, preferably of polymer or elastomer foam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Implementation Method 5

The sound insulation components on the input air current side have at least one sound-absorbent plate (25) fully covered with the sound insulating material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP2264376B1Air ventilator with non-return valve and filter for leading replacement air into a room
Publication Date: 2013.07.24 DIR AIR
  • EP2264376B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2264376B1 patent drawingFigure 3~7
  • EP2264376B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention is an air ventilator (2) which comprises an air inlet (2.1), an air outlet (2.2), and an air channel (2.3) to enable air flow between the air inlet (2.1) and the air outlet (2.2). The air ventilator (2) also comprises a backflow trap (1) for preventing air flowing to a backwards direction in the air channel (2.3). The air ventilator (2) further comprises a first section (2.7) and a second section (2.8). The first section (2.7) having a first height (h1) comprises channelling means (2.9) for controlling the direction of the air flow in the air channel (2.3). The height (h2) of the second section (2.8) is greater that the height (h1) of the first section (2.7). The second section (2.8) comprises a filter (9) for filtering impurities from the air flowing through the air channel (2.3).