Air distribution device and method for ventilating a room

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air distribution devices fail to sufficiently cool supply air on warm days, leading to inadequate indoor climate control and limited air conditioning of entire rooms due to restricted airflow patterns.

Innovation Solution

The air distribution device incorporates at least two nozzles above the ceiling panel with longitudinal axes parallel to the ceiling, allowing for a quasi-linear outflow and division of supply air into two partial volume flows, where one flow is cooled or heated by heat exchanger elements and the other is directed along the ceiling for enhanced induction and mixing, reducing drafts and improving ventilation efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If supply air flows horizontally along the ceiling panel, then thermal comfort is improved and drafts are reduced, but the air conditioning of the entire room is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedraftsVSAvoidair conditioning coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The air outlet is divided into two separate outlets: a first air outlet for horizontal air flow along the ceiling panel and a second air outlet for vertical air flow into the room. This segmentation allows each outlet to perform its specialized function, with the first outlet providing thermal comfort and the second outlet ensuring comprehensive room air conditioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds a vertical dimension to the air flow by introducing the second air outlet that directs air downward into the room. This complements the horizontal air flow from the first outlet, creating a three-dimensional air distribution pattern that enhances overall ventilation effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Speed

If walls of the air outlet are arranged at an acute angle to the air outlet surface, then horizontal outflow along the ceiling is achieved, but the air flow pattern is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehorizontal air flowVSAvoidair flow direction
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The air outlet is segmented into two separate outlets with different geometries: the first air outlet has walls arranged at an acute angle for horizontal flow, while the second air outlet has a different configuration for vertical flow. This segmentation enables the system to provide both horizontal and vertical air flow patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The air distribution device is designed to perform multiple functions through its two outlets: it can generate horizontal air flow for thermal comfort and vertical air flow for room penetration. This multi-functionality makes the device adaptable to different ventilation requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Temperature

If heat exchanger elements are arranged on the ceiling panel, then air cooling is improved, but the air flow path is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupply air coolingVSAvoidventilation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The air flow is segmented into two paths: one path flows horizontally along the ceiling panel where it can be cooled by heat exchanger elements, and the other path flows vertically into the room. This segmentation allows the cooling function and ventilation function to operate simultaneously through different flow paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first air outlet acts as an intermediary that directs air flow along the ceiling panel past the heat exchanger elements, enabling efficient heat transfer. This intermediate horizontal flow path allows the air to be cooled before being distributed into the room through the second outlet.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 configuration enhances air conditioning by ensuring thorough mixing and distribution of cooled or heated air, reducing drafts and improving thermal comfort while allowing for efficient energy use by utilizing the ceiling as a 'refrigerant store' for cooling purposes.

Implementation Method 1

a first partial volume flow of the supply air leaves the air distribution space via a horizontally arranged air outlet surface of an air outlet formed by a perforated ceiling panel, and flows along an underside of the ceiling panel of the air distribution device into the room to be ventilated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCoanda effect: Coanda Effect

Implementation Method 2

heat exchanger elements being arranged on a top of the ceiling panel facing away from the room to be ventilated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP3477212B1Air distribution device and method for ventilating a room
Publication Date: 2020.03.04 KRANTZ GMBH
  • EP3477212B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3477212B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3477212B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to an air distribution device (1) comprising a housing (2) which defines an air distribution chamber (7) for at least indirect connection with an air supply system, wherein the housing (2) has an air inlet cross-section (5) through which supply air (6) can be introduced into the air distribution chamber (7), wherein the housing (2) has an air outlet (8) with a horizontally arranged air outlet surface (9), wherein walls (13) of the air outlet (8) are arranged at an acute angle (α) between 5° and 22° to the air outlet surface (9), and the air outlet surface (9) is formed by a perforated ceiling panel (10), through which a first partial volume flow of the supply air (6) leaves the air outlet (8) and flows along a bottom surface (42) of the ceiling panel (10) into a room (12) to be ventilated, wherein on a surface of the room (12) to be ventilated Heat exchanger elements (28) are arranged on the remote upper surface (24) of the ceiling panel (10).To provide a device for further optimizing the airflow behavior in a room (12) so that the air conditioning of the entire room (12) can be improved, the invention proposes that at least two nozzles (15) be arranged on the housing (2) above the top surface (24) of the ceiling panel (10) such that a longitudinal axis (20) of the nozzles (15) runs parallel to a longitudinal axis (22) of the ceiling panel (10) and parallel to a surface (25) of the ceiling panel (10), and that the respective nozzles (15) are located on both sides of an axis (18) of the housing (2) which runs parallel to a transverse axis (19) of the ceiling panel (10). Furthermore, the present application relates to an associated method.