Ventilator unit and method for autonomous ventilation using the ventilator unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilation systems are complex, energy inefficient, and difficult to retrofit into existing buildings, often requiring central processing devices and complex sensor networks to determine occupancy and adjust ventilation modes, which can lead to delayed response times and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A ventilator unit with an infinitely openable and closable valve, actuator, and controller that autonomously regulates airflow based on air measurement data, allowing for standalone operation without a central processing device, and can be used in both new and existing buildings for both air inflow and outflow situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a central processing device controls all components based on sensor data, then ventilation can be adjusted based on occupancy, but the system becomes complex and requires a distributed mesh wireless communication network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ventilation system into independent ventilator units, each with its own controller that can autonomously make ventilation decisions based on local sensor data. This segmentation eliminates the need for a complex central processing device and mesh network, while still enabling occupancy-based ventilation adjustment through distributed intelligence.
Solution Approach 2:
Each ventilator unit is equipped with its own controller and sensors, allowing it to independently monitor air quality and occupancy conditions and adjust its operation accordingly. This self-service capability removes the dependency on central control infrastructure, simplifying the overall system while maintaining adaptability to local conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the inlet of the ventilator unit extends sideways to allow arrangement next to the duct, then the unit can be installed in existing buildings, but the device size becomes relatively large and installation becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotatable connection between the ventilator unit and the duct, allowing the unit to be positioned at different angles and orientations. This dynamic adjustment capability enables installation in various spatial configurations within existing buildings without requiring large lateral extensions, simplifying both installation and adapting to different building layouts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If occupancy determination is used to change ventilation mode, then ventilation can be adapted to space usage, but the ventilation mode only changes after a person enters the space causing delayed response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect occupancy conditions in advance, allowing the controller to anticipate when ventilation mode changes will be needed. By detecting occupancy earlier and initiating mode transitions proactively, the system reduces the delay between person entry and ventilation adjustment, improving responsiveness while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors sensor data regarding occupancy and air quality, using this feedback to dynamically adjust ventilation mode. This closed-loop control enables the system to respond more quickly to changing conditions by constantly evaluating current state and making real-time adjustments rather than waiting for discrete occupancy events.
4Extent of automation
If a distributed mesh wireless communication network is used for control, then centralized control can be achieved, but the system becomes vulnerable to communication issues and positioning limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent distributes control functionality to individual ventilator units with autonomous controllers, eliminating the need for a centralized communication network. Each unit operates independently based on local sensor inputs, which inherently improves reliability by removing communication vulnerabilities while maintaining automated control capabilities at the unit level.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a ventilator unit comprising: - a housing defining an air passage with a first port and a second port, - an infinitely openable and closable valve arranged in the air passage to regulate the flow rate through the air passage, - an actuator configured to operate the valve, and - a controller configured to drive the actuator, wherein the housing at the first port is configured to connect the first port to a duct outlet or inlet, and wherein the controller is configured to autonomously determine a drive signal to be sent to the actuator based on air measurement data in order to regulate the flow rate through the air passage.