Fan Array Backflow Preventer with Pressure-Actuated Tapered Intake
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional backflow preventers in fan array systems reduce fan efficiency due to additional complexity, required force to overcome gravitational bias, and disruption of air flow, affecting the overall performance of air handling systems.
Innovation Solution
A backflow preventer design with hingedly attached doors that pivot freely, forming a tapered intake passageway to funnel air efficiently into the fan, reducing noise with insulation and using pressure to close without gravitational bias, allowing seamless operation of fan arrays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gravity actuated backflow preventers are used, then backflow prevention is achieved, but fan efficiency decreases due to required force to overcome gravitational force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the anti-weight principle by using pressure differential forces to counterbalance the gravitational force on the damper. The spring mechanism provides a counteracting force that balances gravity, allowing the damper to be opened and closed by pressure differentials rather than requiring fans to overcome gravitational weight directly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spring mechanism as an intermediary element between the gravitational force and the damper. This spring acts as a mediator that converts the gravitational bias into a balanced system where pressure differentials can effectively control damper position without directly fighting against gravitational weight.
2Reliability
If manually operated or electric motor actuated backflow dampers are used, then backflow prevention is achieved, but device complexity increases due to additional parts and structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing a damper system that automatically responds to pressure differentials without requiring external manual operation or electric motor actuation. The spring-gravity mechanism self-regulates damper position based on system pressure conditions, eliminating the need for additional control systems or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates complex actuation mechanisms (manual operators, electric motors, control systems) from the backflow prevention system. By removing these unnecessary components and retaining only the essential spring-gravity-pressure differential mechanism, the system achieves backflow prevention with minimal parts and structure.
3Reliability
If conventional backflow preventers are used, then backflow prevention is achieved, but air flow disruption occurs reducing fan efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing a damper system that is highly responsive to changing pressure differentials. The spring-gravity mechanism allows the damper to dynamically adjust its position in real-time based on operating conditions, enabling rapid opening when pressure differential exceeds the gravitational bias and rapid closing when backflow conditions occur, thereby minimizing air flow disruption.
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 backflow preventer enhances fan efficiency by at least 3% and reduces noise by approximately 10dBA, while preventing backflow without additional closing mechanisms, ensuring uninterrupted operation of the air handling system.
Implementation Method 1
reduces noise by approximately 10dBA
Implementation Method 2
using pressure to close without gravitational bias
Data Source
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AI summary
A backflow preventer for use in a multiple fan array system that draws air from an inlet area and expels it into a discharge area includes a main body defining an open front end and an open rear end and is adapted for attachment to a fan of the fan array system adjacent an inlet of the fan. Doors are attached to the main body and configured for movement between an open position in which air is permitted to enter through the open front end and a closed position in which the doors block the open front end and air is prevented from entering through the open front end. The doors are movable between the open position and the closed position by a pressure differential between the inlet area and the discharge area. The doors in the open position form a tapered intake passageway that funnels air into the fan.