Controlled mechanical ventilation unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current controlled mechanical ventilation units face installation challenges due to predetermined orientation requirements, leading to inefficient ventilation and space wastage from intersecting air ducts and electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
A polygonal prismatic ventilation unit with multiple air inlets of varying diameters and adjustable orientation, allowing for selective closure of unused inlets and improved duct and connection routing, enabling flexible installation and efficient airflow distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the ventilation unit is installed with a predetermined orientation, then the air inlets and outlets are properly aligned for airflow, but the air ducts and electrical connections are forced to cross each other, making installation difficult and reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by arranging air inlets and outlets at non-symmetric positions on the casing sides. Specifically, the first air inlet is on a first side, the second air inlet is on a second side adjacent to the first, and the air outlet is on a third side, creating an asymmetric layout that allows ducts to be routed without crossing when the unit is installed in different orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the orientation of the ventilation unit flexible rather than fixed. The unit can be installed in multiple orientations (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) relative to the building structure, allowing the asymmetric inlet/outlet arrangement to adapt to different spatial configurations and avoid duct crossings in various installation scenarios.
2Reliability
If the air ducts are routed to accommodate the predetermined unit orientation, then connections are made, but space is wasted and ventilation efficiency is reduced due to pressure drop in crossings
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric arrangement of air inlets and outlets on different sides of the casing allows air ducts to be routed in straight or near-straight lines without requiring crossing paths. This eliminates the need for complex ductwork with multiple bends and crossings, reducing pressure drops and improving ventilation efficiency while optimizing space utilization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple air inlets of the same diameter are provided, then the unit structure is simplified, but the unit cannot be adapted to different ventilation demands of various rooms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing air inlets with different diameters suited to different rooms' ventilation requirements. The first air inlet has a first diameter and the second air inlet has a second diameter, allowing each inlet to be optimized for the specific ventilation demand of the connected room (e.g., larger diameter for kitchen, smaller for bedroom).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing the unit with multiple air inlets of different diameters that can serve different room types. The same ventilation unit design can be adapted to various room configurations by selectively using different inlets, making it a multi-functional solution for diverse ventilation needs.
4Productivity
If air inlets are positioned to maximize ventilation coverage, then airflow distribution is improved, but the unit cannot be flexibly installed in different spatial configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric positioning of air inlets on different sides of the casing (first inlet on first side, second inlet on adjacent second side, outlet on third side) allows the unit to maintain effective ventilation coverage while being adaptable to different installation orientations. The asymmetric layout ensures that inlets are positioned to maximize airflow intake from different directions regardless of the unit's orientation in the building.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the unit to be installed in multiple orientations (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°), making the inlet and outlet positions dynamic relative to the building structure. This allows the ventilation unit to maintain optimal airflow coverage while adapting to different spatial configurations and architectural constraints.
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 enhances installation flexibility, reduces ventilation system losses, and optimizes space usage by allowing the same unit to accommodate different room layouts and ventilation demands while maintaining efficient airflow.
Implementation Method 1
By means of the centrifugal fan, the air is driven by an impeller that sucks it in through the centre of the unit from the air inlets and expels it through the blades thereof in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the impeller
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a controlled mechanical ventilation unit (1), comprising a polygonal prismatic casing (10) that houses a centrifugal fan (5) to move air from a plurality of air inlets (2, 3) to an air outlet (4) arranged transversely on the sides (11, 12, 21, 22, 31, 32) of the casing (10) and aligned parallel to the bases thereof, the air inlets (2, 3) and the air outlet (4) being able to be connected to respective air ducts, and the air inlets (2, 3) being able to be selectively closed by means of at least one air inlet cover (9). The unit (1) comprises a plurality of air inlets of larger diameter (2) and a plurality of air inlets of smaller diameter (3) such that, between two air inlets of larger diameter (2) and laterally to said two air inlets (2) on one same side, a plurality of air inlets of smaller diameter (3) are arranged.