Angled Backdraft Damper for HVAC Terminal Unit Air Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terminal units in HVAC systems suffer from inefficiencies and operational inconveniences due to inefficient air flow recirculation and undesirable noise, vibrations, and pressure drops caused by traditional backdraft dampers that rely on protrusions and gravity for closure, leading to unwanted air flow between chambers.
Innovation Solution
A backdraft damper assembly with a damper collar and door that utilizes gravity to maintain a closed position, reducing air flow between chambers by harnessing angled geometry and eliminating the need for protrusions or baffles, thereby enhancing airflow control and reducing noise and resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional backdraft dampers with protrusions and gravity-based closure are used, then air flow between chambers can be blocked, but noise, vibrations, and pressure drops increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the protrusions and baffles from the damper design, extracting the harmful elements that caused noise and vibrations while maintaining the air flow control function through a smoother damper surface and optimized geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The damper door is designed to rotate freely on a vertical axis with a circular arc shape, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position based on air pressure differentials while maintaining effective sealing without rigid protrusions that cause turbulence
2Reliability
If traditional backdraft dampers with protrusions are used, then air flow control is achieved, but pressure drops increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates protrusions and baffles that created pressure drops, replacing them with a smooth damper surface that maintains air flow control while reducing turbulence and pressure loss in the ventilation system
Solution Approach 2:
The damper door features a circular arc shape that allows it to rotate in an arc path, creating a three-dimensional sealing surface that effectively blocks air flow between chambers without requiring protruding elements that would increase pressure drop
3Productivity
If existing terminal units are used, then basic air flow direction is achieved, but recirculation efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable damper door on a vertical axis allows dynamic adjustment of air flow paths, enabling efficient recirculation by directing air flows optimally between chambers based on system operating conditions, thereby reducing energy loss
Solution Approach 2:
The circular arc shape of the damper door and its rotation capability introduce a rotational dimension to air flow control, enabling more effective recirculation patterns compared to traditional linear damper movements
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 damper assembly improves airflow efficiency by minimizing undesired air flow between chambers, reducing energy consumption, and minimizing noise and vibrations, leading to more effective operation of HVAC systems.
Implementation Method 1
A backdraft damper assembly with a damper collar and door that utilizes gravity to maintain a closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal unit for a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system, including: a housing including a base wall, a first chamber configured to receive a first air flow, and a second chamber configured to receive a second air flow; an internal wall disposed within the housing and extending between the first chamber and the second chamber, wherein the internal wall includes an opening formed therein, and wherein the second air flow selectively flows through the opening from the second chamber to the first chamber along an air flow path; and a damper door rotatable relative to the internal wall and configured to substantially prevent the first air flow from flowing through the opening from the first chamber to the second chamber in a closed position, the damper door positioned at an angle relative a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the base wall.