Climate control bench
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing climate control benches for outdoor and extreme environments often fail to efficiently recycle conditioned air, leading to suboptimal temperature regulation for users, especially in high or low temperature conditions where heavy gear is worn.
Innovation Solution
A climate control bench design featuring a housing with multiple air conditioning units, a lower and upper seating deck, backrest panel, and air vents for dispersing conditioned air, along with an apertured channel return intake for recycling a significant portion of the air and an ambient air intake for external air, allowing for flexible air sourcing based on conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conditioned air is expelled from the bench, then user comfort is improved, but energy consumption increases due to continuous conditioning of ambient air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements air return channels that capture conditioned air after it has been expelled from the seating area and redirect it back to the air conditioning unit for reconditioning. This recovery system prevents the complete loss of already-conditioned air, reducing the energy required to maintain the temperature-controlled environment while preserving user comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where air quality and temperature sensors monitor the conditioned air environment, and the air conditioning unit adjusts its operation based on this feedback. The return air channels provide continuous feedback about the state of conditioned air, enabling dynamic optimization of energy consumption while maintaining effective temperature control.
2Use of energy by moving object
If air recycling is implemented, then energy consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional air intake and return channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple air channels (fresh air intake, return air channels, and air conditioning unit) into an integrated system where the air channels are structurally merged with the bench framework. The return air channels are positioned to utilize existing structural elements, reducing the need for separate complex components while achieving effective air recycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The air channels serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the bench, facilitate air circulation for temperature control, and enable the recycling of conditioned air. The return air channels simultaneously act as structural elements and airflow pathways, reducing the need for dedicated complex air recycling components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple air outlets are provided, then temperature distribution is improved, but air conditioning efficiency decreases due to increased air volume to condition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple air outlets positioned at different locations and orientations to provide localized temperature control in specific areas of the bench. Each outlet is strategically positioned to address specific thermal zones, ensuring uniform temperature distribution across the seating area while the return air system recovers air from these localized zones to maintain efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The return air channels continuously capture and redirect conditioned air back to the air conditioning unit, creating a continuous cycle that maintains temperature distribution uniformity across multiple outlets while reducing the overall air volume that requires conditioning. This continuous recycling process offsets the increased energy demand from multiple outlets.
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
The bench creates an efficient open temperature-controlled zone by recycling conditioned air, reducing energy consumption and providing effective warming or cooling, while also allowing for ambient air intake when necessary, thus enhancing user comfort in extreme environments.
Implementation Method 1
an air conditioning means for producing and delivering conditioned air
Implementation Method 2
an air conditioning means for producing and delivering conditioned air
Implementation Method 3
a first air outlet disposed within the deck member, the first air outlet operably connected to the air delivery conduit whereby the conditioned air is expelled in an upward direction
Implementation Method 4
a second air outlet disposed above the seat member, the second air outlet operably connected to the air delivery conduit whereby the conditioned air is expelled in a forward direction
Implementation Method 5
a first air intake disposed between the first air outlet and the second air outlet, the first air intake configured to retrieve and return a first portion of the conditioned air expelled from the first air outlet and the second air outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A climate control bench having air conditioning units delivering conditioned air through air vents in a housing, the bench having a channel return air intake returning conditioned air to the air conditioning units and an ambient air intake delivering non-conditioned ambient air to the air conditioning units, a removable cover for the channel return air intake and a removable cover for the ambient air intake, such either of the intakes may be open with the other closed, or such that both the intakes may be open.