False-Ceiling Fan Coil Deflectors for Cold-Draft Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fan coil configurations in false ceilings often result in air jets from adjacent units interacting, causing discomfort due to cold drafts, and existing solutions either direct air downwards or add bulk with adjustable nozzles, which are not versatile for configuration changes.
Innovation Solution
A fan coil design with deflectors mounted on the diffuser that direct air jets in inclined directions, preventing frontal interaction between adjacent units, and allowing for versatile configuration without adding bulk, by using a diffuser that diffuses air in three directions and incorporating deflectors with specific geometric features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If adjustable nozzles are used to direct air jets downwards to avoid interaction with adjacent cassettes, then air jet interaction is reduced, but the cassette bulk increases and versatility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser is divided into multiple functional zones: a central zone for downward air diffusion and peripheral zones with deflectors for lateral air redirection. This segmentation allows different parts of the diffuser to handle different airflow directions independently, reducing air jet interaction without requiring the entire cassette to be enlarged with adjustable nozzles.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it redirects lateral air jets to prevent interaction with adjacent cassettes, maintains the compact cassette form factor, and works with both three-way and four-way diffuser configurations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for adjustable nozzles while preserving versatility.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If adjustable nozzles are used to direct air jets downwards, then air jet interaction is reduced, but versatility for configuration changes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector is designed as a universal component that can be integrated with both three-way and four-way diffuser configurations. The deflector's geometry and positioning allow it to function effectively regardless of whether the diffuser has three or four active sides, eliminating the need for adjustable nozzles and maintaining configuration flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector is strategically positioned at specific locations on the diffuser where lateral air jets are generated. This localized intervention targets only the specific airflow paths that cause interaction with adjacent cassettes, while leaving other diffusion paths unchanged. This approach maintains versatility because the deflector can be adapted to different diffuser configurations without requiring global adjustments.
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 solution effectively deflects air jets from adjacent fan coils, minimizing frontal interactions and reducing cold drafts, while maintaining a compact and versatile design suitable for both three-way and four-way configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the fan coil further comprises at least one deflector, which is mounted on the diffuser and which is suitable for directing at least one of the jets of air diffused through the slot in an inclined mean direction with respect to an axis perpendicular to one side of the box
Data Source
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AI summary
This fan coil unit is designed for integration into a suspended ceiling and comprises a casing and a diffuser, which, together with the casing, defines a diffusion slot adapted to distribute air jets in at least three average directions (F1, F2, F3) contained within a diffusion plane. This fan coil unit also includes at least one deflector, mounted on the diffuser, which is adapted to direct at least one of the air jets distributed through the slot in an average direction (F2, F3) inclined with respect to an axis (X2) perpendicular to one side of the casing.