Diffuse Ceiling Ventilation Air Gap Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diffuse ceiling ventilation systems fail to achieve a homogeneous air distribution across a room due to decreasing air pressure with increased distance from the air inlet, resulting in varying air supply across the room.
Innovation Solution
A diffuse ceiling ventilation system with a grid of profiles and ceiling tiles configured to form air gaps with an increased airflow area as a function of distance from the air inlet, ensuring a controlled and even air flow distribution through the use of varying gap sizes and configurations, such as flanges, ridges, and spacer elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If air is supplied from a single air inlet above the suspended ceiling, then the ventilation system is simple to implement, but the air flow distribution becomes non-uniform with distance from the inlet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the air gap dimensions at different locations within the suspended ceiling. Specifically, the air gap height or width is adjusted locally depending on the distance from the air inlet, allowing regions farther from the inlet to have larger gaps that compensate for reduced air pressure, thereby achieving uniform air distribution throughout the room while maintaining a simple single-inlet structure
2Quantity of substance
If the air gap size is increased to improve air flow, then more air reaches distant areas, but the air flow area becomes too large near the inlet causing over-ventilation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by creating spatially varying air gap dimensions within the suspended ceiling. The air gap is configured to be smaller in regions close to the air inlet and progressively larger in regions farther from the inlet. This localized adjustment of gap size allows precise control of air flow distribution, ensuring that each region receives appropriate air quantity without over- or under-ventilation
3Ease of manufacture
If the suspended ceiling covers infrastructure pipes and cables, then the aesthetic and acoustic benefits are achieved, but the air flow path becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the suspended ceiling to simultaneously serve multiple functions: it provides aesthetic coverage for infrastructure pipes and cables, delivers acoustic improvement, and acts as a controlled air distribution system. The air gaps within the ceiling structure enable ventilation while the ceiling maintains its primary functions of concealing infrastructure and improving acoustics, achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate systems
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 system provides a controlled and evenly distributed air flow across the room, ensuring consistent air supply regardless of distance from the air inlet, by calibrating airflow rates and areas through adjustable gap configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure from the air inlet decreases with increased distance from the air inlet
Implementation Method 2
a flow of air to enter the room below
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A diffuse ceiling ventilation system (101; 201; 301, 401) for a flow of air from a plenum space (103) into a room (106) below a suspended ceiling (104; 204; 304). The diffuse ceiling ventilation system (101; 201; 301, 401) comprises an air inlet (102) for providing air to the plenum space (103). The suspended ceiling (104; 204; 304) comprises a plurality of ceiling tiles (109; 209; 309, 409) and a grid of profiles (107; 207; 307) for supporting the plurality of ceiling tiles (109; 209; 309, 409). The grid of profiles (107; 207; 307) and/or the ceiling tiles (109; 209; 309, 409) are configured to form air gaps (112; 212; 312, 412) allowing air to flow from the plenum space (103) to the room below (106). The air gaps (112; 212; 312, 412) are configured to have an increased air flow area as a function of increased distance from the air inlet (102), for providing a controlled flow of air through the suspended ceiling (104; 204; 304) into the room (106) below.