Duct Damper With Adjustable Mechanical Stops for Airflow Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic airflow control dampers are often expensive and complex, making them inaccessible for general use in home or building HVAC systems, and they lack versatility to adjust airflow beyond fully open or closed positions, which can cause damage or imbalance in ventilation systems.
Innovation Solution
A remote-controlled adjustable duct damper with a coupler assembly that allows switching between normally open and closed configurations, featuring a damper plate, adjustable outer ring, and self-tapping screws for variable control of airflow, using a hysteresis motor with gear reduction and adjustable mechanical stops to limit rotation, enabling precise regulation of airflow without requiring electrical actuation in both directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive and complex automatic dampers are used to achieve precise airflow control, then airflow regulation precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrical actuation systems with a simple mechanical spring mechanism. The spring provides automatic two-way actuation that returns the damper plate to a predetermined position without requiring motors, sensors, or electronic control systems, thereby achieving reliable airflow control with minimal device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The damper system uses a spring mechanism that automatically actuates the damper plate to return to its predetermined position without external power or control systems. The system serves itself by using the spring's stored mechanical energy to maintain proper airflow control, eliminating the need for complex electronic self-regulation systems
2Device complexity
If simple full-open/full-closed dampers are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and versatility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spring mechanism that enables the damper plate to dynamically adjust between fully open and fully closed positions, with the ability to be manually positioned at intermediate positions. This dynamic mechanical system provides versatility in airflow control without requiring complex electronic control, achieving adaptability through mechanical flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-actuated damper system serves multiple functions: it can operate in fully automatic mode returning to a predetermined position, can be manually positioned at intermediate settings, and can be configured for different airflow requirements. This multi-functionality is achieved through a simple mechanical design that accommodates various operational modes without increasing device complexity
3Measurement precision
If dampers are configured to completely stop airflow when closed, then airflow control precision is improved, but harmful effects on blower systems increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is pre-configured to prevent the damper plate from achieving complete closure, maintaining a predetermined minimum airflow opening. This preliminary anti-action against total closure prevents harmful effects on the blower system while still providing precise airflow control, as the spring's mechanical properties are designed to limit extreme positioning
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 provides a cost-effective, versatile, and easy-to-configure duct damper that can be used in various applications, allowing for precise control of airflow, preventing damage to blower systems and ensuring proper system balance, while maintaining reliability and simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanical storage device, such as a spring, is used to return the valve plate to the 'normal' position in the absence of motive power
Implementation Method 2
using a hysteresis motor with gear reduction
Implementation Method 3
using a hysteresis motor with gear reduction
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic remote controllable duct damper with an adjustable minimum flow through the duct, an adjustable maximum flow through the duct, which is configured so that an electric motor configured to adjust one of the adjustable maximum flow through the duct and the adjustable minimum flow through the duct is not configured to drive a damper plate in opposite directions and the amount of the adjustment of the adjustable maximum flow and the adjustable minimum flow is infinitely variable from said maximum flow to said minimum flow, without introducing any new matter within the interior of the duct.