An air valve with improved ventilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air valves for room ventilation often protrude from ceilings, leading to aesthetic issues, dust and insect entry, perpendicular airflow causing discomfort, and noise due to non-smooth air paths, which limits placement options and user comfort.
Innovation Solution
An air valve design featuring inner and outer baffle elements with a fluent, continuous curve that directs airflow parallel to the surface, minimizing protrusion, dust accumulation, and noise, while allowing adjustable airflow regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the valve protrudes from the ceiling surface, then the airflow path is simplified, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates and dust/insect entry increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by designing the baffle elements with continuous curved surfaces instead of sharp edges. The first and second baffle elements feature rounded contours that guide airflow smoothly while preventing dust and insects from entering the valve mechanism, thus resolving the contradiction between simplified airflow path and harmful factor prevention
2Ease of manufacture
If the valve protrudes from the ceiling surface, then installation is simplified, but user comfort deteriorates due to perpendicular airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The curved baffle elements redirect the perpendicular airflow from the air duct into a parallel flow pattern that moves along the ceiling surface. This curvature-based flow redirection maintains installation simplicity while eliminating the uncomfortable perpendicular airflow directly onto users
3Device complexity
If the valve has a non-smooth airflow path, then structural complexity is reduced, but noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces curvature through continuously curved baffle elements that create a smooth airflow path. This curved geometry eliminates turbulence and eddy currents that cause noise, while the overall valve structure remains relatively simple, thus resolving the contradiction between structural complexity and noise generation
4Ease of operation
If the valve protrudes from the ceiling surface, then airflow regulation is easier, but placement flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the airflow regulation function from the protruding valve body and integrates it into the curved baffle elements that are flush with the ceiling surface. The first and second baffle elements can be adjusted to control airflow while maintaining a sleek profile, thus preserving placement flexibility while ensuring ease of operation
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 design ensures airflow is parallel to the surface, reducing dust and insect entry, enhancing user comfort, and minimizing maintenance, with improved airflow directionality and reduced noise, allowing for versatile placement without hindering door movement.
Implementation Method 1
said inner and outer baffle elements are defined by a fluent and continuous curve between said distal and proximal ends. Said curve may be semi-circular or elliptical. The continuous curve guides the airflow from the air duct to the room
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an air valve (1) for ventilation of rooms in a building. Said valve (1) is suitable to be installed and connected to an air duct (2) via a ventilation duct opening (3) in a surface of said room (4). The valve comprises a distal end (5) and a proximal end (6), wherein said distal end (5) is closer to the air duct (2) than the proximal end (6). The valve (1) further comprises an inner baffle element (7) located at a radially inside position. The valve (1) further comprises an outer baffle element (8) located at a radially outside position and surrounding said inner baffle element (7). An airflow space (9) is defined between said inner and outer baffle elements (7, 8). The diameter of said outer baffle element (8) decreases continuously from a first maximum predetermined value at said distal end (5) to a first minimum predetermined value at an intermediate position (11) between said distal end (5) and said proximal end (6). The diameter of said inner baffle element (7) increases continuously from a second minimum predetermined value (12) at said distal end (5) to a second maximum predetermined value at said proximal end (6). Said inner and outer baffle elements (7, 8) are defined by a fluent and continuous curve (14) between said distal and proximal ends (5, 6).