Environment forming apparatus, program, and method for controlling blower fan
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Solution Overview
Problem
Environmental testing apparatuses often experience temperature variations within the test chamber due to uneven air distribution, leading to unintended temperature differences between the periphery and center, and upstream and downstream test objects, which affects the reliability of performance evaluations.
Innovation Solution
An environment forming apparatus with multiple blower fans and temperature sensors that adjust the rotation speed of each fan based on real-time temperature measurements to maintain uniform temperature conditions within the test chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If one blower fan is disposed in a substantially center part of a side wall, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temperature distribution uniformity deteriorates due to uneven air distribution between periphery and center
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single blower fan into multiple blower fans (typically three or more) positioned at different locations within the test chamber. This segmentation allows air to be supplied from multiple points, creating more uniform air distribution and eliminating temperature differences between the center and periphery of the chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions blower fans at specific locations (e.g., corners or sides of the test chamber) to address local air distribution needs. Each blower fan is strategically placed to ensure adequate air circulation in its respective zone, achieving uniform temperature distribution across the entire chamber through localized air supply points.
2Device complexity
If one blower fan is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of temperature control deteriorates due to air blocking by test objects
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the air supply system into multiple blower fans positioned at different locations, the patent ensures that test objects cannot block all air paths. Even if some air flows are obstructed by test objects, other blower fans provide alternative air supply routes, maintaining reliable temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple blower fans that can be independently controlled to adapt to different test configurations. When test objects are present, the system can adjust the operation of individual fans to compensate for blocked air paths, maintaining reliable temperature control through dynamic adaptation.
3Measurement precision
If multiple measurement units are added to measure temperature at multiple locations, then the measurement precision of temperature distribution is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places measurement units at specific strategic locations within the test chamber to capture temperature variations in different zones. This localized measurement approach provides sufficient information about temperature distribution without requiring measurement units throughout the entire chamber, balancing measurement precision with device complexity.
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 apparatus effectively reduces temperature variations by optimizing blower fan rotation speeds, ensuring consistent environmental conditions for accurate testing and evaluation of test objects.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of blower fans that circulate the air-conditioned air between the air conditioning chamber and the environment forming chamber
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of measurement units that measure the environmental element at a plurality of locations in the environment forming chamber and output a plurality of measurement values
Data Source
AI summary
An environmental testing apparatus includes: a plurality of blower fans that circulate air-conditioned air between an air conditioning chamber and a test chamber; a plurality of temperature sensors that measure temperature at a plurality of locations in the test chamber and output temperature data; and a control unit that can individually set rotation speed of each blower fan. The control unit executes setting processing for setting the rotation speed of each blower fan in a testing period in a setting period before the testing period. In the setting processing, the control unit changes the rotation speed of the plurality of blower fans a plurality of times, and acquires a plurality of temperature data after each change from the plurality of temperature sensors.