damper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dampers face challenges in providing precise airflow control, especially at low flow rates, due to manufacturing tolerances and hysteresis, which complicates their use in both smoke extraction and ventilation applications.
Innovation Solution
A damper design featuring primary and secondary blades that can move independently to control airflow, allowing for more precise control of airflow volume by adjusting the movement range of a smaller number of primary blades, while secondary blades can also move to further adjust airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If all damper blades are used for airflow control, then the damper can provide large volume flow for smoke extraction, but precise control at low flow rates becomes difficult due to manufacturing tolerances and hysteresis
Solution Approach 1:
The damper blades are segmented into two distinct groups: primary blades (first plurality) and secondary blades (second plurality). This segmentation allows independent control of each group, enabling precise airflow regulation at low flow rates by controlling only the primary blades, while maintaining the capability for high volume flow when both blade groups are opened.
2Device complexity
If a single actuator controls all blades, then the device complexity is reduced, but the precision of airflow control at low flow rates deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation system is segmented into two independent actuators: a first actuator for controlling the primary blades and a second actuator for controlling the secondary blades. This segmentation enables precise control at low flow rates through the first actuator while maintaining system capability for high volume flow, without requiring overly complex integrated control mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the damper is designed for smoke extraction with large flow area, then it meets smoke control requirements, but it causes difficulty for precise ventilation control
Solution Approach 1:
The damper blade system is segmented into primary and secondary groups that can be independently actuated. For ventilation applications requiring precise control, only the primary blades are opened by the first actuator while secondary blades remain closed. For smoke extraction, both blade groups are opened to maximize flow area. This segmentation allows the same damper to adapt to both applications with appropriate precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper system dynamically adjusts its configuration based on application requirements. The primary blades can be positioned at various angles for precise ventilation control, while the secondary blades provide additional opening capacity when needed for smoke extraction. This dynamic adaptability allows the damper to optimize performance for different operational modes.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4
AI summary
A damper 10 has a damper housing 12 that forms a channel or passage 16 through which airflow can pass. Within the damper housing 12 are damper blades 14 consisting of a primary blade 24 and secondary blades 25. The damper blades 14 can be orientated between a fully closed position 10A where airflow through the passage 16 is prevented to a fully open position 10B where the airflow through the passage 16 is permitted to a maximum volume flow. The primary blade 24 can be controlled to be moved toward the open position 10B when the secondary blades 25 are in the closed position 10A. This means volume of air flow can be more accurately controlled at lower flow in comparison to when all the blades are moved from their closed position.