Extractor with segmented positive pressure airflow system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fume extraction systems lack flexibility and effectiveness in drawing fumes and smoke from a wide range of workspaces, particularly in applications where complex configurations and varied airflow control are needed.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a segmented positive pressure gas stream system that surrounds a negative pressure conduit, allowing for adjustable airflow control through multiple positive pressure manifolds, which can be restricted to optimize the capture zone in confined spaces, combined with a negative pressure system for enhanced extraction capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a single negative pressure conduit is used for fume extraction, then the system structure is simple, but the capture zone is limited and cannot effectively extract fumes from a wide range of workspaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapture zone volumeVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The negative pressure conduit is divided into multiple segments, each equipped with its own positive pressure gas stream manifold. This segmentation allows each section to independently create localized capture zones, effectively expanding the overall capture zone volume while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The positive pressure gas stream manifolds are nested within or around the negative pressure conduit segments. This nested configuration allows the positive pressure zones to be contained within the overall system structure, expanding functionality without proportionally increasing external dimensions or complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If positive pressure gas stream is applied in all directions, then the capture zone is maximized, but the system cannot be used in confined spaces with obstacles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkspace adaptabilityVSAvoidairflow control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic airflow control where the positive pressure gas stream can be adjusted in direction and intensity for each manifold segment. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different workspace configurations and obstacles, providing versatility without requiring complex rigid restructuring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Each positive pressure manifold segment can independently control its airflow characteristics to match local workspace requirements. This local quality control allows different sections to have different airflow patterns optimized for their specific spatial constraints, enhancing adaptability while keeping individual segment complexity low

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If multiple positive pressure manifolds are introduced to control airflow, then the capture zone and extraction effectiveness are improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefume extraction efficiencyVSAvoidmanifold system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manifold system is segmented into multiple independent units, each responsible for a specific zone. This segmentation improves extraction efficiency by creating multiple localized capture points, while the modular nature keeps individual components simple and manageable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each positive pressure manifold segment is designed with universal functionality to perform the same basic extraction task in different locations. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to achieve high productivity through repetition of proven simple designs rather than complex unique solutions for each zone

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This configuration significantly improves the system's ability to create a larger capture zone, allowing for effective fume extraction in various workspaces, including those with obstacles, by controlling the positive pressure gas stream to maintain both positive and negative pressure zones, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the extraction system.

Implementation Method 1

A positive pressure gas stream manifold is disposed about the negative pressure conduit and is configured to direct a positive pressure gas stream radially outward

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPositive pressure air flow: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a negative pressure conduit that creates a negative pressure zone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure suction: Suction

Implementation Method 3

maintain both positive and negative pressure zones, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the extraction system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3141306B1Extractor with segmented positive pressure airflow system
Publication Date: 2022.09.21 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP3141306B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3141306B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3141306B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An extractor system (10) includes a negative pressure gas stream source, a negative pressure conduit (66), a positive pressure gas stream source, a plurality of positive pressure gas stream manifolds (182), and an operator interface (152). The negative pressure conduit (66) is conveys the negative pressure gas stream from a work area (12). A first end of the negative pressure conduit (66) is coupled to the negative pressure gas stream source, such that the negative pressure gas stream flows from the work area (12) through a second end of the negative pressure conduit and toward the first end of the negative pressure conduit. The positive pressure gas stream manifolds (182) are disposed about the negative pressure conduit at the second end of the negative pressure conduit, and fluidly coupled to the positive pressure gas stream source. The positive pressure gas stream is directed through the plurality of positive pressure gas stream manifolds (182). The operator interface (152) allows a user to control the positive pressure gas stream through each of the plurality of positive pressure gas stream manifolds (182).