Ductless Air Handler with Adjustable Vanes for Controlled Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems with ductwork face issues such as high installation and maintenance costs, uneven air distribution, increased energy consumption, and safety challenges with ultraviolet germicidal irradiation, while ductless systems lack control over airflow and sound management.
Innovation Solution
A ductless air handling system with a base, conduit, and outlet that directs airflow vertically to horizontally, featuring adjustable vanes and louvers for controlled distribution, integrated ultraviolet germicidal irradiation, and a fabric conduit for adjustable height, along with sound-dampening materials to minimize noise and enhance safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If ductwork is used to distribute conditioned air, then air can be delivered to specific positions, but installation costs and operating costs increase due to required ductwork, cranes, and higher static fans
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the ductwork component entirely from the system, extracting only the essential function of air distribution. The outlet assembly directs conditioned air directly into the space without requiring ductwork, eliminating the complexity of duct installation, sealing, and maintenance while maintaining controlled air delivery to specific zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet assembly is segmented into multiple adjustable vanes and louvers that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows precise control over air distribution patterns without requiring a complex duct network, enabling targeted air delivery to different areas of the space through a single outlet unit.
2Power
If rooftop units with ductwork are used, then air handling capacity is sufficient, but air circulation and stratification within the space deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet assembly incorporates dynamically adjustable vanes and louvers that can be repositioned to optimize air circulation patterns. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to different spatial configurations and operational requirements, improving air distribution and reducing stratification without sacrificing handling capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multi-directional airflow capability through vertically and horizontally adjustable vanes. This adds dimensional flexibility to air distribution, allowing conditioned air to be directed in various patterns (upward, downward, lateral) to enhance circulation and eliminate dead zones that cause stratification.
3Device complexity
If ductless systems are used, then installation costs are reduced, but airflow control and sound management capabilities are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet assembly features dynamically adjustable vanes and louvers that provide precise airflow control in a ductless configuration. These movable components allow operators to redirect air streams, adjust distribution patterns, and optimize performance for different spatial configurations without the complexity of ductwork installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the outlet assembly geometry through adjustable vanes and louvers to control airflow characteristics. By varying the angular positions and orientations of these components, the system can modify air distribution patterns, velocity profiles, and directional flow to achieve optimal performance in ductless applications.
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 uniform air distribution, reduces installation and energy costs, enhances airflow control, and ensures safe UV disinfection with minimal noise, addressing the limitations of traditional HVAC systems.
Implementation Method 1
integrate an ultraviolet germicidal irradiation system within an air handler that takes advantage of the ultraviolet light proven to eliminate and deactivate airborne pathogens
Implementation Method 2
sound-dampening materials to minimize noise
Data Source
AI summary
The ductless air handling system draws return air from a low level and discharges conditioned supply air at a high level, thereby covering a large area without the need for ductwork. The outlet has a series of upright and lateral vanes with respective adjustable louvers and flaps as well as a curved turning vane along the outlet's back panel and which extends to the top panel. The outlet turns the airflow from a vertical oriented flow to a horizontal oriented flow and directs the airflow outward into the space. The lateral vanes are situated between each upright vane to divide the airflow into a faster-moving upper stream and a slower-moving lower stream that respectively exit through an upper and lower sections of the vent. Further, a germicidal irradiation chamber within the conduit connecting the base to the outlet can disinfect air as it is circulated by the air handler.