Airborne component extractor with improved power and pressure performance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fume extraction systems are limited in their ability to effectively draw and remove fumes and smoke from metal working workspaces over a wide area, with a need for improved suction efficiency and increased distance and volume of extraction.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a combination of positive and negative pressure airflow, utilizing a single blower driven by a single electric motor, with a manifold directing gas flow through conduits to a hood that creates a radial air flow for effective extraction, allowing for adjustable flow rates and enhanced component removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional suction-only systems are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but extraction effectiveness and working distance are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow from a single blower is segmented into two separate streams using a flow splitter: one stream creates positive pressure to push fumes toward the extraction point, while the other creates negative pressure for suction. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both push and pull effects without adding multiple blowers, thus improving extraction effectiveness while maintaining relative system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of positive pressure generation and negative pressure generation into a single blower unit. By integrating both push and pull airflow capabilities in one device through the flow splitter mechanism, the system achieves enhanced extraction performance without proportionally increasing system complexity.
2Productivity
If multiple blowers are used to provide both positive and negative pressure streams, then airflow performance improves, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single blower is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating a flow splitter. The same blower generates both the positive pressure stream (for pushing fumes) and the negative pressure stream (for suction), making the device universal and multi-functional. This reduces component count while maintaining extraction volume performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow splitter acts as an intermediary device that takes the output from a single blower and divides it into two functional streams. This mediator component enables one blower to effectively perform the work of two separate blowers, reducing system complexity while maintaining extraction capability.
3Productivity
If complex manifold designs with multiple bends are used, then flow distribution is achieved, but head losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold design incorporates smooth curved transitions instead of sharp bends to redirect airflow. By using optimized curvature in the manifold passages, the system achieves proper flow distribution to both positive and negative pressure streams while minimizing turbulence and head losses associated with abrupt directional changes.
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 approach significantly enhances the capture of airborne components, enabling effective extraction at greater distances and volumes compared to previous systems, with improved airflow dynamics and adjustable settings for optimal performance.
Implementation Method 1
An airborne component extractor provides a positive pressure air stream to a work area and draws a negative pressure air stream from the work area
Implementation Method 2
a hood coupled to receive the positive pressure gas stream and to direct the positive pressure gas stream into a region around the work area
Data Source
Figure 1~1B
Figure 2~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An airborne component extractor provides a positive pressure air stream to a work area and draws a negative pressure air stream from the work area. Conduits conduct both air streams. A movable cart- type base unit or a permanent installation may provide for the air streams. Sizes and operational parameters are selected to provide good component removal, reduce head losses, and reduce power requirements.