Building Cavity Gas Injection System for Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for drying and decontaminating building structures after water damage are inefficient, often requiring extensive energy consumption, long drying times, and may not effectively address mold growth, necessitating rebuilding and disrupting business operations.
Innovation Solution
A gas injection and extraction system comprising modular devices with ventilation and noise reduction modules, capable of injecting or extracting gases through existing holes in walls, floors, and ceilings, using conditioned air for drying and decontaminating, and integrated with remote monitoring for optimized parameter control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If air movers and heating/dehumidification equipment are used to dry building structures, then drying capability is improved, but energy consumption increases and drying time extends
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the drying process by injecting conditioned air directly into wall cavities and building structures through multiple injection points, rather than treating the entire room air volume. This targeted approach divides the large-scale drying problem into localized cavity drying zones, improving efficiency and reducing time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary conditioning system that pre-treats air before injection into structures. The air is conditioned (heated, dehumidified, or cooled) outside the building, then injected directly into cavities, serving as a mediator that transfers controlled moisture and temperature conditions to the target structures without requiring continuous operation of large room-based equipment
2Productivity
If large volumes of air are moved around to achieve drying, then drying effectiveness is improved, but building occupancy is prevented during the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by directing conditioned air specifically into affected building structures and cavities rather than treating the entire building air space. This localized treatment allows the rest of the building to remain occupied and functional, as only specific damaged areas are subjected to the drying process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the drying process from the building's interior air space and relocates the air conditioning function to an external or separate system. Air is conditioned outside the occupied spaces, then injected directly into structures, separating the drying function from the building's breathable air environment and allowing simultaneous occupancy
3Use of energy by stationary object
If injection systems are used to reduce the volume of air to be treated, then energy efficiency is improved, but holes must be made on walls requiring repair
Solution Approach 1:
The injection system is designed to serve multiple functions: it can inject conditioned air for drying, extract moisture-laden air, and potentially deliver decontamination agents. This multi-functionality justifies the wall penetration by providing comprehensive restoration capabilities through a single access point, reducing the need for multiple separate systems and extensive repairs
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making large openings in walls for traditional air movement systems, the patent inverts the approach by using small injection holes that introduce conditioned air pressure-driven flow patterns. The system works backwards from the cavity interior outward, using pressure differentials created by the injection system rather than relying on large openings for natural convection
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 system enables fast, energy-efficient drying and decontamination with reduced disruption, minimizing the need for rebuilding and business interruption while effectively addressing mold growth through targeted gas injection and extraction.
Implementation Method 1
a blower in an open or closed loop configuration and operated in positive (injection) or negative (vacuum) pressure
Implementation Method 2
the wall of the proximal ventilation portion comprises a plurality of ventilation openings configured to direct air flow into the inner lumen of the injector module
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a device and a system for gas injection in cavities of building structures, particularly for drying, decontaminating or drying and decontaminating building structures. The present disclosure also relates to a device and a system for gas extraction from cavities of building structures, particularly for drying, or for drying and decontaminating building structures. The present disclosure also generally relates to a system for monitoring parameters of a gas injection/extraction process using the device and system provided herein.