Continuous Belt Door Assembly for Multi-Mode HVAC Fluid Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid flow control systems in HVAC systems face inefficiencies due to the use of static control surfaces and multiple doors with servo motors, which increase costs and packaging materials, and struggle to effectively switch between various modes without compromising functionality.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow control system utilizing a continuous belt with rollers and a single motor to switch between modes, allowing for dynamic control of airflow through a series of segments and reducing the need for multiple doors and complex gearing, thereby minimizing packaging size and materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple doors with servo motors are used to control fluid flow modes, then mode control effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and packaging size increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple door functions are merged into a single continuous belt structure that can simultaneously control multiple outlets. The belt is divided into segments that can independently assume door-like blocking positions while being actuated by a single motor, eliminating the need for multiple servo motors and their associated linkages and gears.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous belt serves multiple functions: it acts as both a structural support element and a flow control surface, replaces multiple individual doors, and can dynamically configure itself to achieve different HVAC modes (fresh air, recirculation, two-layer) through segment positioning.
2Reliability
If multiple doors with servo motors are used to control fluid flow modes, then mode control effectiveness is improved, but packaging size and materials increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple door functions are merged into a single continuous belt structure that can simultaneously control multiple outlets. The belt is divided into segments that can independently assume door-like blocking positions while being actuated by a single motor, eliminating the need for multiple servo motors and their associated linkages and gears.
3Device complexity
If static control surfaces such as ribs are used to direct fluid flow, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to multiple modes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static ribs to a dynamic continuous belt that can change its configuration over time. The belt is actuated by a motor to move segments between different positions, allowing the same physical structure to adapt to multiple HVAC modes (fresh air, recirculation, two-layer) rather than requiring different static configurations.
4Measurement precision
If doors are used to control fluid flow, then mode control precision is improved, but pressure drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous belt is divided into multiple segments that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows for more precise control of fluid flow paths by selectively blocking or opening specific segments, enabling better mode differentiation while maintaining efficient airflow through optimized segment configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A Fluid Flow Control System (FFCS) door assembly includes a continuous belt and a plurality of rollers. The plurality of rollers support the continuous belt and define a first segment, a second segment, a third segment, and a fourth segment. The continuous belt includes a plurality of openings that selectively allow fluid flow to pass through the first segment, the second segment, the third segment, and the fourth segment when two openings of the plurality of openings align with the first segment, the second segment, the third segment, or the fourth segment.