Ceiling Diffuser Airflow Control for Constant Throw or Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilation systems, such as ceiling diffusers, face challenges in maintaining consistent airflow distribution and avoiding drafts, as the throw length of airflow varies with air current magnitude and temperature, requiring complex control systems and additional sensors.
Innovation Solution
A terminal apparatus with a functional module comprising a damper plate, actuator, and air deflector, integrated with a pressure difference sensor and control loop, allows for adjustable airflow to maintain constant throw length or volume without the need for separate sensors, using an electric motor to adjust the flow aperture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate sensors and complex control systems are used to maintain constant airflow characteristics, then airflow consistency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sensor, actuator, and control electronics into an integrated functional module that is incorporated directly into the terminal apparatus. This merging eliminates the need for separate control components and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining reliable airflow control through the integrated pressure difference sensor and motor assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal apparatus uses its own internal pressure difference sensor to detect airflow conditions and automatically adjusts its operation through the integrated actuator. The system serves itself by using the pressure differential created during normal operation as the sensing mechanism, eliminating the need for external sensors or complex control systems.
2Productivity
If airflow volume is increased to improve mixing, then mixing effectiveness is improved, but draft sensation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of the terminal apparatus operation based on real-time pressure difference measurements. The system continuously adjusts airflow characteristics by modulating the motor-driven mechanism in response to changing pressure differentials, enabling adaptive optimization of mixing effectiveness while preventing draft conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated pressure difference sensor provides continuous feedback about airflow conditions to the control system. This feedback loop enables the terminal apparatus to automatically adjust its operation to maintain optimal mixing while preventing draft sensations, as the system responds to actual airflow conditions rather than operating with fixed parameters.
Data Source
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AI summary
Terminal apparatus, e.g. a ceiling diffuser, of a ventilation duct via which terminal apparatus the incoming air is directed into a room space or corresponding, and in which ceiling diffuser the flow aperture leading into the room space is adjustable in height, and for which adjustment the terminal apparatus comprises an actuator (6), such as an electric motor. The invention is implemented in such a way that two alternative functions are integrated into the terminal device, in the first function of which the ceiling diffuser maintains a constant throw length, and in the second function a constant air volume, and in that these functions can be selected with a switch connected to the actuator.