Ceiling Diffuser Airflow Sensing for Draft-Free Air Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilation systems, such as ceiling diffusers, face challenges in achieving uniform air mixing without drafts, as the throw length of air currents varies with air flow magnitude and temperature, and existing solutions are complex and costly, often requiring external system integration and data transfer.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an airflow velocity sensor, regulator, and electric motor into a circuit card connected to a movable diffuser plate, allowing for independent adjustment of air flow velocity without external information, suitable for both constant and variable flow systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure measurement and complex calculation formulae are used to regulate air current, then air can be directed into room space without drafts, but the solution becomes expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the airflow velocity sensor, regulator, and actuator control into a single integrated unit mounted directly on the diffuser. This merging eliminates the need for separate pressure measurement systems and complex external control equipment, achieving draft-free air distribution while significantly reducing system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser becomes self-regulating by incorporating the airflow velocity sensor and regulator directly into its structure. The sensor measures local airflow velocity at the diffuser outlet, and the regulator automatically adjusts the diffuser opening based on this local measurement, eliminating dependency on external system components and complex centralized control.
2Device complexity
If airflow velocity sensor and integrated regulator are used, then the solution becomes simple and inexpensive, but independence from external system information is required
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated regulator with airflow velocity sensor enables the diffuser to autonomously regulate its own airflow without requiring information from external ventilation system components. The sensor measures local airflow conditions directly at the diffuser, and the regulator independently adjusts the opening based on these measurements, making the diffuser a self-contained, adaptable unit suitable for various ventilation system configurations.
3Productivity
If flow aperture is adjusted with two part plate system, then air flow can be controlled, but the system becomes more complex and limited to constant pressure systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the airflow control function from the complex two-part damper plate system and implements it through a simpler single movable diffuser plate actuated by a integrated regulator. This extraction maintains effective airflow control capability while eliminating the complexity of coordinated two-plate mechanisms and expands applicability beyond constant pressure systems.
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 solution provides a simple, cost-effective, and reliable method to regulate air flow velocity independently, ensuring even air distribution without drafts, suitable for multiple diffusers in a room and easy integration with existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
an airflow velocity sensor installed in the aforementioned flow aperture or in its immediate proximity for giving a signal to the electric motor
Data Source
AI summary
Terminal apparatus of a ventilation duct, e.g. a ceiling diffuser, via which 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 (7), such as an electric motor, as well as at least one sensor (8) for giving a signal to the electric motor. The invention is implemented such that the sensor (8) is an airflow velocity sensor, which sensor is installed in the aforementioned flow aperture or in its immediate proximity