Barn Supply Air Valve Structure for Ceiling-Directed Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Supply air valves used in stable buildings face challenges in directing airflow effectively to the ceiling, preventing undesired air currents, ensuring reliable sealing, and minimizing installation depth to avoid contamination, especially in sensitive livestock environments with climatic fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
The supply air valve design includes an upper frame profile that influences airflow direction, lateral wall surfaces for sealing at small opening cross-sections, a rounded edge coupling system for the air guiding flap, and elastomeric seals for improved sealing and reduced contamination risk, along with a modular kit for customizable installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If air guiding flaps are arranged on supply air valves to direct airflow to the ceiling, then the desired air guidance is improved, but the device complexity increases and the installation depth increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the frame profile structure with the air guiding function by integrating an upwardly inclined inner wall section directly into the upper frame profile. This eliminates the need for separate air guiding flaps and reduces device complexity while maintaining effective ceiling-directed airflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper frame profile serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the valve assembly and inherently guides airflow upward toward the ceiling through its inclined inner wall section. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
2Shape
If aerodynamic guide structures are added to direct airflow to the ceiling, then the airflow direction is improved, but the installation depth increases causing protrusion in thin walls
Solution Approach 1:
The air guiding function is merged into the frame profile itself through the upwardly inclined inner wall section, eliminating the need for protruding aerodynamic guide structures. This integration achieves effective airflow direction while minimizing installation depth.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding depth in the forward direction with separate guide structures, the patent uses the vertical dimension by creating an upwardly inclined wall section within the existing frame depth, redirecting airflow upward without increasing installation depth.
3Reliability
If the valve flap is designed to close completely for sealing, then the sealing property is improved, but the air flow guidance capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different functional qualities to different locations: the upwardly inclined inner wall section of the upper frame profile provides air guidance when the valve is open, while the valve flap provides complete sealing when closed. Each location is optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
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 enhances airflow directionality to the ceiling, reduces unwanted air currents, ensures reliable sealing, and minimizes installation depth, while maintaining low contamination risk and ease of maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The supply air valve causes the supply air flow to be deflected as soon as it passes through the air passage opening in the frame by an upwardly inclined inner wall section of the upper frame profile
Implementation Method 2
it is provided that the valve flap is sealed against the frame in the closed position by means of an elastomeric seal
Implementation Method 3
a valve flap which is horizontal axis is pivoted on the frame in such a way that it closes the air passage opening in a closed position and releases the air passage opening in an open position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
Supply air valve, has an upper frame profile (20), with an air circulation wall section, which is facing the air intake opening, on the withdrawal side of the air intake opening. The air circulation wall section is bent diagonally upward. An independent claim is also included for the modular kit for a supply air valve.