Central air conditioning air handler scent injector and drain line flush
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air conditioning systems face challenges in efficiently distributing scents and disinfectants without complex components and in maintaining air handler drain pipe functionality, leading to potential downtime and damage.
Innovation Solution
A scent and disinfectant disbursement apparatus utilizing a pressure gradient across a central air conditioning system's air handler, integrated with a scent injection system, heat exchanger rinse system, and automated drain pipe flush system to distribute scents, clean the heat exchanger, and clear blockages in the drain pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If disinfectant vapor is injected into the ducting portion using pumps and vapor injection systems, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the scent/disinfectant distribution function with the existing air handler and ducting system. The scent injector assembly integrates a reservoir, wick, and distribution mechanism that utilizes the air handler's existing airflow to dispense scented vapor through the ducting, eliminating the need for separate pump and vapor injection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the air handler's own operational airflow to drive the scent/disinfectant vapor distribution. The wick material automatically draws liquid scent through capillary action, and the air handler's pressure differential naturally propels the vapor through the ducting without requiring external power sources or complex control systems.
2Reliability
If the air handler drain pipe is manually disassembled and flushed with pressurized air or water, then blockage removal is achieved, but system downtime and operational disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively flushes the drain pipe with scented vapor before blockages fully develop. By continuously or periodically introducing vapor through the drain pipe, the system prevents debris accumulation and maintains clear drainage, avoiding the need for manual intervention and system shutdown.
Solution Approach 2:
The scent injector operates continuously or on a scheduled basis to maintain drain pipe clarity. The continuous vapor flow keeps the drain pipe clean through ongoing action, rather than requiring periodic manual flushing that interrupts system operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a parallel ducting section is added for disinfectant vapor injection, then disinfection capability is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing ducting system serves dual purposes: conditioning air distribution and disinfectant/scent dispersion. The scent injector assembly taps into the existing ducting infrastructure, allowing the same ductwork to function for both airflow distribution and vapor delivery, eliminating the need for parallel ducting sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The wick material acts as an intermediary that converts liquid disinfectant/scent into vapor form that can be carried by the existing airflow through the ducting. This intermediary mechanism allows the use of the existing ducting system without modification while achieving effective vapor distribution.
4Ease of operation
If the air handler drain pipe is not maintained, then operational simplicity is preserved, but harmful effects such as blockages and condensation overflow increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own operational airflow to automatically clean the drain pipe. The continuous or periodic vapor flow through the drain pipe prevents debris accumulation and maintains clear drainage without requiring separate maintenance systems or manual intervention, thus preserving operational simplicity while preventing harmful blockages.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potentially harmful condensation that could cause blockages into a beneficial cleaning mechanism. By introducing scented vapor through the drain pipe, the system uses the vapor flow to flush debris and maintain clear drainage, turning a potential problem into a self-cleaning feature.
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
Enables efficient distribution of scents and disinfectants throughout a structure, maintains air handler efficiency by cleaning the heat exchanger, and prevents drain pipe blockages, reducing downtime and damage to the air conditioning system.
Implementation Method 1
Air conditioners utilize Boyle's law to manipulate a fluid to condition air temperature. The compressor adds energy into a system by pressurizing a fluid, which consequently elevates the temperature of the fluid. The heated fluid is then cooled to ambient temperature using fans. The ambient, compressed fluid is then allowed to expand, causing the fluid to cool.
Implementation Method 2
The scent and disinfectant disbursement apparatus utilizes a pressure gradient across a central air conditioning system air handler to draw and distribute scented fumes from a scent oil reservoir.
Implementation Method 3
A wick material is positioned within the scent injector assembly such that a bottom portion of the wick material is in contact with the scented liquid and a top portion of the wick material extends above a top surface of the scented liquid.
Data Source
AI summary
Enhancements to an air handler of an air conditioning system. The enhancements can include a scent dispersion system, a heat exchanger rinse system, and/or an air handler condensation drain pipe flush system. The scent dispersion system employs a pressure differential established within the air handler to draw a scent mist from a scent reservoir. The scent is disbursed throughout the structure by the air conditioning ventilation system. The heat exchanger rinse system dispenses a rinse fluid onto the heat exchanger. A cleaning composition can be injected into the rinse fluid to aid in the cleaning process. The flush system automatically configures a check valve upstream of the flush injection point. A flush fluid flows through the drain pipe applying a pressure to dislodge a blockage therein. A chemical composition can be added into the flush fluid to assist in the dislodging process.