Climate Controlled Fluid Storage Chamber With Conduit Air Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in conveniently storing and accessing fluids in laundry rooms and similar settings while protecting them from adverse weather without requiring expensive climate control equipment.
Innovation Solution
A climate-controlled fluid storage and delivery apparatus that utilizes an air handling system to regulate temperature within an exterior storage chamber, using existing heating and air conditioning mechanisms and a conduit to bring climate-controlled air from an interior space to maintain desired conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If expensive heating or air conditioning equipment is installed in the exterior storage chamber, then the fluids can be protected from adverse weather and maintained at desired temperatures, but the cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces climate-controlled air as an intermediary substance that transfers thermal energy from the interior space to the exterior storage chamber. Instead of installing complex heating/cooling equipment directly in the exterior chamber, the system uses the existing interior climate control system to condition air, which then circulates through ductwork to regulate temperature in the exterior chamber. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by achieving temperature control without direct installation of expensive equipment in the exterior space.
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages the existing interior climate control system to serve the exterior storage chamber as well. The interior HVAC system, already in place for human comfort, automatically conditions the air that then regulates temperature in the exterior chamber. This self-service approach allows the exterior chamber to benefit from climate control without requiring separate expensive equipment, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining temperature regulation.
2Reliability
If a climate-controlled environment is provided for fluid storage, then the fluids remain protected from adverse weather, but the system requires expensive heating or air conditioning equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the interior climate control system universal by having it serve dual purposes: maintaining comfortable conditions for occupants and regulating temperature in the exterior fluid storage chamber. The same HVAC system and conditioned air that provide human comfort also protect fluids from adverse weather conditions. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving reliable fluid protection without requiring separate expensive climate control equipment dedicated solely to the exterior chamber.
3Reliability
If traditional interior storage of fluids is used, then fluids are protected from weather, but space efficiency and convenience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the space efficiency contradiction by moving the fluid storage chamber from the interior three-dimensional space to the exterior, utilizing outdoor wall space or rooftop areas that would otherwise be underutilized. The storage chamber is integrated into the building envelope, converting unused exterior surfaces into functional storage space. This dimensional relocation maintains weather protection through the building structure while dramatically improving space efficiency by freeing up interior volume for other purposes.
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 convenient and space-efficient storage and delivery of fluids by maintaining a stable temperature range within the storage chamber, ensuring the fluids remain usable without the need for expensive climate control systems.
Implementation Method 1
an air handling system operable to move climate-controlled air from a nearby source into the chamber when appropriate
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for storing fluids in an exterior climate-controlled chamber. The chamber provides a climate controlled environment for one or more useful fluids without requiring interior living space for storage of such fluids. In certain embodiments, the chamber provides a mechanism for automatic delivery of fluids directly into the living space.