Ceiling system with air movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ceiling systems face challenges in improving thermal comfort while minimizing acoustical issues and visual intrusiveness, particularly in environments like classrooms, where traditional fans can be distracting and radiant heating/cooling systems are capacity-limited.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an induction-style venturi air mover within the ceiling panel to induce air motion efficiently and naturally, eliminating the need for visible fans and enhancing thermal performance without disrupting acoustics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional fans are used to create air motion for adaptive comfort, then thermal comfort is improved, but visual intrusiveness and acoustical issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful visual and acoustical elements (traditional fans with blades) from the air motion system. Instead of using visible rotating fans, the invention uses hidden induction vents integrated into the ceiling that generate air motion through pressure differentials, eliminating the need for visible moving parts while maintaining adaptive comfort benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical fan system with a pressure-based induction system. Instead of using motor-driven rotating blades to move air, the system uses pressurized air channels and induction vents to create air motion through fluid dynamics principles, eliminating mechanical moving parts from the occupied space
2Loss of energy
If radiant heating and cooling panels are used, then energy savings are achieved, but thermal comfort is capacity-limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges radiant thermal panels with an active air induction system into a single integrated ceiling assembly. The radiant panels provide base thermal control through radiation, while the induction vents叠加 air motion for enhanced convective heat transfer, combining the energy efficiency of radiant systems with the enhanced comfort of active air movement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite ceiling system that integrates multiple functional layers: radiant thermal panels for heat transfer, pressurized air channels for forced convection, and induction vents for natural air induction. This composite structure combines the advantages of different thermal control mechanisms to overcome the capacity limitations of pure radiant systems
3Temperature
If passive thermal mass systems are used, then thermal energy storage is achieved, but acoustical performance deteriorates due to hard surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates multi-functional ceiling components that simultaneously provide thermal mass storage, acoustic absorption, and air induction functions. The ceiling assembly integrates thermal mass materials with acoustically absorptive materials and embedded air channels, allowing a single element to perform multiple functions without compromising any one performance aspect
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 energy-efficient air circulation that simulates natural breezes, improving thermal comfort with reduced energy consumption and no moving parts visible in the occupied space, thus addressing both thermal and acoustical challenges.
Implementation Method 1
an induction-style venturi to induce air motion
Data Source
AI summary
A ceiling system is provided that has a ceiling structure suspended within a space of a building thereby dividing the space into an occupied space below the ceiling structure and a plenum space above the ceiling structure; a panel structure supported by the ceiling structure and having an opening; a pressurized air passageway aligned with the opening, the pressurized air passageway having an outlet; and an inductive air passageway adjacent the pressurized air passageway, the inductive air passageway having an inlet and an outlet. Wherein the pressurized air passageway and the inductive air passageway are configured such that pressurized air passing through the outlet of the pressurized air passageway induces an induced air flow out of the outlet of the inductive air passageway.