Distribution unit, in particular for air distribution in ventilation systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distribution units in ventilation systems fail to uniformly distribute inlet fluid flow to all outlets, leading to uneven flow rates and noise issues, especially with multiple outlets.
Innovation Solution
A distribution unit equipped with a deflector assembly featuring a set of fins positioned in front of and behind the inlet, which diverts the fluid flow uniformly to all outlets without causing excessive pressure loss, while being simple and inexpensive to manufacture, and providing noise reduction and structural rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a flat plate deflector is used to reduce noise, then noise is reduced, but uniform flow distribution to outlets is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The single flat plate deflector is segmented into multiple individual deflectors, each positioned to guide flow toward specific outlets. This segmentation allows each deflector to be optimized for its specific function while collectively achieving both noise reduction and uniform flow distribution across all outlets.
Solution Approach 2:
Each deflector is positioned and dimensioned locally to address the specific flow requirements of nearby outlets. The deflectors have varying positions, orientations, and geometries tailored to their local location within the distribution unit, enabling precise control of flow distribution while maintaining noise reduction benefits.
2Adaptability or versatility
If outlets are connected to pipes of different lengths, then system flexibility is improved, but flow rate uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The deflectors are positioned upstream to preliminarily distribute and balance the flow before it reaches outlets with differently sized pipes. By pre-adjusting the flow distribution at the deflectors, the system compensates for subsequent variations in pipe lengths and outlet configurations, maintaining flow rate uniformity despite system flexibility.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple flat plate deflector is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but flow distribution capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than manufacturing a single complex deflector, the solution segments the function into multiple simpler individual deflectors. Each deflector can be manufactured using simple processes, yet their collective arrangement achieves superior flow distribution capability that would be difficult to obtain with a single complex component.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple simple deflectors are merged in space to collectively perform the function of a single complex deflector. The combined effect of several simple, easily manufactured components achieves the flow distribution capability of a much more complex design, while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
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 deflector assembly ensures a ±10 m3/h uniform flow rate to all outlets, reducing flow rate differences and noise, and enhancing the unit's structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a deflector assembly (20) housed inside the casing (2) in the chamber (6), the deflector assembly (20) comprising a plurality of fins (21) arranged about said central axis (A) and extending parallel to said central axis (A) between said pair of opposite base walls (7), each fin (21) having a pair of opposite faces (22, 23), curved or flat, joined by a pair of sides (24)
Implementation Method 2
the deflector assembly housed inside the distribution unit contributes to reducing the noise of the distribution unit
Implementation Method 3
the front fins (21a) are shaped so as to divert the fluid flow coming from the inlet (3) at least partly towards the plane (P)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A distribution unit (1), in particular for air distribution in ventilation systems, comprises a box-shaped casing (2) having walls (5) which delimit an internal chamber (6); the casing (2) has an inlet (3), formed in a first wall (5a) of the casing (2), and a plurality of outlets (4), formed in one or more second walls (5b) of the casing (2); a deflector assembly (20) is housed inside the casing (2) in the chamber (6) and comprises a plurality of fins (21) positioned in front of the inlet (3) and centrally in the chamber (6) and arranged about a central axis (A) and extending parallel to the axis (A) between a pair of opposite walls (5) of the casing (2).