Fan Array Positioning Using Speed Sensors and Airflow Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the position of fans in clean rooms are inefficient, often requiring manual correction and are prone to errors, especially in environments where GPS signals are unavailable.
Innovation Solution
A method using speed sensors and an iterative exclusion algorithm to determine the position of fans by driving a fan with a known position to create a pressure difference, allowing adjacent fans to be identified and their positions determined relative to the known fan, with the process repeated until all positions are established.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If GPS technology is used to determine fan positions, then positioning can be performed automatically, but GPS signals are often not available in clean rooms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a central controller and communication network that mediates between the fans and the positioning determination process. The controller coordinates the sequential activation of fans and collects speed sensor data, enabling positioning without direct GPS involvement in the clean room environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the GPS satellite-based electromagnetic positioning system with a local mechanical airflow-based positioning system. By using the fan's own airflow as a positioning signal that can be detected by speed sensors, the system substitutes external GPS signals with an internal mechanical field that is always available in the clean room.
2Ease of operation
If address labels or barcodes are provided on fans, then positions can be read manually, but incorrect assignments occur and major correction effort is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the fan system to automatically determine and assign its own positions without external manual intervention. Each fan uses its speed sensor to detect airflow from activated neighbors and autonomously calculates its position through the iterative algorithm, eliminating human error in label assignment and reading.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where speed sensor measurements from each fan provide information about airflow from neighboring fans. This feedback is fed into the iterative exclusion algorithm, which continuously refines position assignments until convergence, ensuring high accuracy without manual correction.
3Device complexity
If manual positioning methods are used, then positioning can be performed without automated systems, but the process requires major effort and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-installing speed sensors on each fan and establishing the communication network before positioning is needed. The iterative exclusion algorithm is pre-programmed in the controller, so when positioning is required, the system can immediately begin the automated process without manual setup, significantly improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static manual positioning process into a dynamic automated system. The controller dynamically activates fans in sequence, dynamically collects speed sensor data, and dynamically updates position assignments through the iterative algorithm, enabling rapid adaptation and significantly reducing positioning time compared to static manual methods.
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 method enables accurate and efficient determination of fan positions within clean rooms, reducing the need for manual correction and ensuring precise placement, even in areas without GPS signals.
Implementation Method 1
Each fan has a speed sensor for determining a position. The method comprises driving the at least one fan, the position of which is known, to drive at least fans arranged immediately adjacent in a row and a column position by a pressure difference
Implementation Method 2
a fan and a filter, takes in air from above and blows it through the filter into the room
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method for determining the positions of a number of fans (Vn,m) for generating an air flow in a preferably enclosed space, which have a speed sensor for determining their position, wherein the fans (Vn,m) are arranged in rows (R1, R2, . . . , Rn) and columns (S1, S2, . . . , Sm), wherein at least the position (i, j) of one fan (Vi,j) is known.