Fan-Powered Damper Actuator With Infinitely Adjustable Blade Stop
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC dampers face challenges in efficiency and cost-effectiveness due to the need for strong damper blades to withstand torque, which increases airflow resistance, and torque reversal causing inaccurate positioning and fatigue.
Innovation Solution
A damper system with a housing, pivotally coupled damper blades, and a controllable abutment that allows blades to open to infinite positions using air pressure differential, eliminating the need for a roller and enabling separate blade movement without actuator response, thus reducing backlash and fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If damper blades are made stronger and thicker to withstand torque, then blade strength is improved, but airflow resistance increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical torque transmission system with a pneumatic system. Compressed air lines are connected to the damper blades, allowing air pressure to directly actuate the blades open or closed, eliminating the need for strong mechanical linkage and torque transmission through the blade structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses compressed air (pneumatics) to drive the damper blades. Air lines deliver compressed air to the blades, which then pivot to open or closed positions based on air pressure, replacing mechanical actuators and reducing the structural demands on the blades themselves.
2Ease of operation
If actuator reverses torque direction to open and close damper, then bidirectional control is achieved, but backlash causes inaccurate positioning and fatigue weakens parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical actuator that reverses torque direction by using pneumatic pressure to actuate the blades. Compressed air can be applied to open the blades and released or vented to close them, providing bidirectional control without mechanical backlash or wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic pressure control to achieve bidirectional damper operation. By controlling the application and release of compressed air to the damper blades, the system can open and close the damper without the positioning errors and mechanical fatigue associated with reversing torque in mechanical systems.
3Force
If traditional actuator linkage is used to connect actuator to damper blades, then torque transmission is achieved, but the linkage must be strong and complex increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical actuator and linkage system with direct pneumatic actuation of the damper blades. Compressed air lines connect to the blades, eliminating the need for complex torque transmission linkages and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic lines to transmit force to the damper blades directly, replacing mechanical torque transmission through linkages. This simplifies the connection between the control system and the damper blades while maintaining effective force transmission.
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 system enhances efficiency and accuracy by allowing controlled airflow and reducing the need for strong, costly blades, while minimizing backlash and fatigue, resulting in a more cost-effective and efficient HVAC damper actuator.
Implementation Method 1
An air pressure differential urges the damper blades to pivot from a less-open position to a more-open position
Data Source
AI summary
An HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) damper includes a series of pivotal damper blades that are opened by an air pressure differential across opposite sides of the damper. In some embodiments, a fan discharging against the damper blades provides the necessary air pressure to open the damper. To control how far the damper opens, an actuator moves a variable position abutment that obstructs the damper blades to limit how far they can pivot in the open direction. The position of the abutment is infinitely adjustable to provide the damper with infinite adjustment over a range of open positions. In some embodiments, the abutment applies a unidirectional torque to the damper blades regardless of whether the damper is opening or closing.