Apparatus for conditioning a space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air conditioning systems require frequent specialist cleaning and maintenance, which is costly and disrupts normal use, especially in environments with high hygiene standards like hospitals, due to the accumulation of dust and impurities within the heat exchanger.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a cover panel with small diameter perforations and a heat exchanger with elongated openings, creating a 2:1 or greater ratio to reduce dust and impurity entry, and allows for easy cleaning and maintenance by being detachable or pivotally connected, eliminating the need for filters and minimizing microbial growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional heat exchanger design with standard openings is used, then heat exchange efficiency is maintained, but dust and impurities accumulate in the heat exchanger requiring frequent specialist cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the heat exchanger openings, specifically making them elongated with a length-to-width ratio of at least 2:1. This parameter modification allows dust particles to align and pass through more easily while maintaining adequate heat exchange surface area, thereby reducing dust accumulation and cleaning frequency without sacrificing thermal performance
2Object-affected harmful factors
If filters are installed to prevent heat exchanger clogging, then dust accumulation is reduced, but system complexity increases and filters require regular replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the filter component from the air conditioning system entirely. Instead of using a separate filter element that would need replacement, the design modifies the heat exchanger openings themselves to inherently prevent dust accumulation, thereby eliminating the filter system and its associated complexity and maintenance requirements
3Reliability
If specialist cleaning is performed to maintain hygiene, then microbial growth is controlled, but room usage is disrupted and additional costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by designing the heat exchanger with elongated openings that proactively prevent dust and impurity accumulation from the outset. This preventive design eliminates the need for subsequent cleaning interventions, allowing rooms to maintain hygiene standards continuously without disruption to normal usage
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 significantly reduces dust accumulation, prevents impurities from entering the system, and allows for regular cleaning during normal operations, reducing the need for specialist maintenance and maintaining a clean and hygienic environment.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger arranged within the frame and comprising at least one heat exchanger coil, lamellas, and openings arranged between each adjacent lamella
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for conditioning a space includes a frame; an internal space within the frame, into which internal space a supply air flow is conducted; a cover panel into which a perforated area is arranged, the perforated area including perforations, each perforation having a diameter; and a heat exchanger arranged within the frame and including at least one heat exchanger coil, lamellas, and openings arranged between each adjacent lamella, each opening having a length.