Bi-Directional Airflow Separator with Single-Wall Flow Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air flow separators for buildings require multiple openings in walls, leading to high installation costs and complexity, and previous solutions either require roof access or large outer wall openings, which are not always feasible, and fail to effectively prevent air recirculation between inlet and outlet flows, resulting in efficiency drops.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional air flow separator with a single vertical wall installation, using deflectors to diverge air flows horizontally and vertically, minimizing space and structural work, and incorporating a thermally insulating partition in a ducting element to separate air flows without significant pressure drops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple wall openings are used for air inlet and outlet, then air flow separation is achieved, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the air inlet and air outlet functions into a single wall opening, eliminating the need for multiple separate openings. The flow separator device integrates both inlet and outlet channels within one unit, reducing installation complexity while maintaining effective air flow separation through internal channel design.
Solution Approach 2:
The device segments the single opening into multiple internal channels (inlet and outlet channels) that are spatially separated within the device body. This segmentation allows independent air flow paths while using only one wall opening, resolving the contradiction between simplified installation and effective flow separation.
2Reliability
If roof installation is used for air flow separator, then air recirculation is prevented, but structural work and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical separation (roof installation) to horizontal separation within the wall plane. By using a single wall opening with internally separated inlet and outlet channels, the device achieves recirculation prevention without requiring roof access or vertical channel installation, significantly simplifying the installation process.
3Productivity
If large wall opening is used for air flow separator, then air flow capacity is increased, but building security and wall integrity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the large required opening into a single standardized small opening. Internal segmentation of the device body creates separate inlet and outlet channels that provide sufficient air flow capacity without requiring a large external opening, thus maintaining wall integrity and building security.
4Reliability
If deflectors are used to diverge air flows, then air recirculation is prevented, but pressure drops increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses curved deflector surfaces and smoothly rounded channel transitions instead of sharp angles. The curved geometry of the deflectors and channels reduces flow separation and turbulence, minimizing pressure drops while effectively preventing air recirculation through proper flow direction.
5Loss of energy
If thermally insulating partition is added to ducting element, then thermal efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin thermal insulation layers integrated into the ducting element structure. The insulating partition is implemented as a thin film or coating within the channel walls, providing thermal efficiency improvement without significantly increasing device complexity or occupying additional space.
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 solution effectively prevents air recirculation, reduces installation complexity and costs, and maintains efficiency by using a single wall opening, optimizing air flow distribution and minimizing pressure drops.
Implementation Method 1
using deflectors to diverge air flows horizontally and vertically
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a thermally insulating partition in a ducting element to separate air flows
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The separator (200) has a case (210) with a main opening (220) connected to an internal installation unit, and two secondary external openings (230, 240). A flow separating unit (250) has two deflectors (260, 270) that are extended from a common stop (222) dividing the main opening into an elementary passage (224) and another elementary passage. An orientation unit ensures orientation of flow e.g. input flow and output flow, passed by diverging channels (280, 290) having inclinations that are arranged opposite to each other in a horizontal direction. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a double-flow installation comprising a bi-directional air flow separator (2) a method for implanting a double-flow installation.