Cold Room Vent-Light Assembly to Prevent Valve Icing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passive pressure relief vents in cold rooms lead to undesirable condensation, frosting, and potential door closure issues due to inadequate air venting, and ice formation on valves hampers proper operation, posing safety and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A combination cold room light and vent with a heat chamber and air control valves, where the light source generates heat to warm the valves, preventing ice formation and ensuring effective pressure relief through dual-stage venting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If passive pressure relief ports are used in cold rooms, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but air migration occurs causing condensation and frosting on cold surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the vent components by incorporating a heating element that raises the temperature of the valve and surrounding area above the dew point, preventing condensation and frosting while maintaining a relatively simple overall vent structure
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element acts as an intermediary between the cold environment and the valve components, introducing thermal energy to prevent moisture condensation without requiring complex active pressure control systems
2Productivity
If large sized vents or gangs of small vents are used to relieve pressure, then pressure equalization capacity is improved, but large amounts of moisture are carried in causing ice block formation on interior walls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the vent components by incorporating a heating element that raises the temperature of the valve and surrounding area above the dew point, preventing condensation and frosting while maintaining a relatively simple overall vent structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of moisture-laden air by using the heating element to warm the valve area, transforming the potentially harmful cold, moisture-prone environment into a controlled thermal zone that prevents ice formation while still allowing pressure equalization
3Productivity
If moisture enters the cold room through vents, then pressure relief is achieved, but ice forms on valves preventing proper operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the valve by incorporating a heating element that maintains the valve temperature above the freezing point of water, preventing ice formation on the valve components while allowing pressure relief to function properly
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element acts as an intermediary between the cold environment and the valve components, introducing thermal energy to prevent moisture condensation without requiring complex active pressure control systems
4Stress or pressure
If high negative pressure is created when warm air enters the cold room, then door closure is maintained, but door reopening becomes difficult and may cause entrapment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using the heating element to pre-warm the valve and surrounding area before moisture can condense and freeze, preventing ice formation that would impede valve operation and pressure equalization needed for safe door reopening
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 solution provides efficient pressure equalization, preventing door closure issues and ice formation on valves, ensuring safe and reliable operation by allowing both small and large air volumes to vent effectively, reducing the risk of door entrapment and ice blockages.
Implementation Method 1
a light source coupled to the housing heat chamber, the light source being in thermal communication with the at least one air control valve through the heat chamber
Implementation Method 2
the light source being in thermal communication with the at least one air control valve through the heat chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A combination light and pressure relief vent (10) is disclosed which includes a housing (11), a valve assembly (12), and a light assembly (13). The housing include a valve body (16), port tube (17), and an outside louver (18). The valve body has a low pressure intake port (25), a high pressure intake port (26), and a low pressure exhaust port (27). The valve assembly includes a low pressure intake valve (40), a high pressure intake valve (42), and a low pressure exhaust valve (44). The light assembly includes a heat sink casing (51) which partially defines a heat chamber (52). The casing has a front wall (55) to which is mounted an LED module (57). A lens cover (61) is coupled to the front surface of the casing. Heat generated by the LED module is transferred through the casing to the heat chamber to warm the valve assembly.